Summer Makers’ Fair returns to Ilkley Manor House

Ilkley Manor House’s Summer Makers’ Fair returns this month offering a weekend of creativity, community and craftsmanship.

The fair will welcome visitors into the manor house historic courtyard in Castle Yard on Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 July, for a weekend celebrating independent makers, artists and creative talent.

Set against the backdrop of the Grade I listed Ilkley Manor House, the Summer Makers’ Fair offers visitors the chance to browse and buy directly from artists and makers, discover unique handmade gifts, and enjoy a relaxed summer day in one of Ilkley’s most atmospheric heritage settings.

From art, prints and textiles to ceramics, jewellery, homeware, cards and other handcrafted pieces, the fair will showcase the skill, imagination and care that go into handmade work. It is also an opportunity to support small creative businesses and meet the people behind the objects.

Confirmed stallholders include:

Holloway & Dillon, who create handcrafted contemporary porcelain jewellery inspired by quiet design, architectural form and slow-making processes; Bee-spoke Quilts, offering handmade quilts, quilted jackets, waistcoats and Yorkshire scenic wall hangings; and local maker Jane Crossley, whose stall will feature hand-stitched Liberty print cushions, hand-drawn designs on long matchboxes and original antique illustration plates in modern frames.

Visitors will also be able to discover work by Solar artist Carolyn Hird-Rogers, whose mixed-media practice is inspired by northern landscapes and wildlife. Her stall will feature textured collages made with torn handmade papers, 2D landscapes, papier mache vessels, wildlife illustration, monoprint greeting cards, framed prints, statement brooches and ear studs. Hooksis will bring ceramic work including time drawings with slip-cast hooks and candle holders. The fair will also include work by New Muse Gallery, a small collective of emerging artists founded in 2025 to help new artists share their work without commission fees, with pieces spanning acrylic, gouache, watercolour, photography and lino; and sheep milk soaps from The Soap Baa, made on a farm in Wilsden and inspired by Yorkshire and agricultural themes.

The event continues Ilkley Manor House’s commitment to bringing culture, heritage and creativity together, offering a warm and welcoming space for local residents, visitors and families to enjoy.

Andreea Chitan, Exhibitions and Events Manager at Ilkley Manor House, said: “Summer at Ilkley Manor House is always special, and the Makers’ Fair is a wonderful way to celebrate creativity in the heart of the town. We are looking forward to welcoming visitors into the courtyard to meet talented makers, discover beautiful handmade work, and enjoy the Manor House as a lively cultural space.”

The Summer Makers’ Fair has become a popular part of Ilkley Manor House’s seasonal programme, bringing together art lovers, craft enthusiasts and curious visitors for a weekend of browsing, conversation and discovery.

Visitors are encouraged to come along, explore the stalls, enjoy the historic surroundings, and support independent makers both days 10am until 4pm. For more information, visit: www.ilkleymanorhouse.org