Manchester Art Fair has announced that for its 2026 edition its exclusive evening preview will move to Thursday, meaning the creation of a new public open day on Friday, ahead of its traditional opening times across Saturday and Sunday. The move reflects the fair’s continued growth and the increasing demand from art collectors across the UK.

The additional day allows visitors to spend more time exploring, talking with artists and galleries and making thoughtful acquisitions. It also opens the fair up to corporate art buyers, curators and collectors, as well as audiences who prefer to visit during the week rather than at the weekend.

In 2025, Manchester Art Fair welcomed over 10,300 visitors and generated almost £1 million in art sales, while The Manchester Contemporary Art Fund has enabled the acquisition of 48 artworks for Manchester Art Gallery worth over £118,000 since 2017. These figures underline the fairs’ significance in both the commercial and cultural landscape of the UK.

Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said:
“Manchester’s cultural success is built on openness to new ideas, new audiences and talent from across the country and beyond. Manchester Art Fair shows how culture can drive growth while remaining accessible to everyone, attracting national and international attention and strengthening our position as a leading creative city for the North.”

Sophie Helm, Fair Director said:
“Following our best-ever 2025 edition, we are expanding Manchester Art Fair to four days, a 50 percent increase in the time collectors, curators and galleries can engage with the artworks. Our focus more than ever is on creating sustainable opportunities for meaningful conversations, repeat viewings and stronger connections between exhibitors and serious art buyers to power the regions art ecology”.

The 2026 edition will offer an expanded programme of talks, workshops and guided tours, providing visitors with deeper insight into the art and artists on show. Guests will also have the opportunity to enjoy exclusive receptions, curated brunches and Michelin-star dining experiences within the fair’s restaurant and bar, creating the perfect environment to connect with leading collectors, curators and art world professionals.

With its expanded format, Manchester Art Fair and The Manchester Contemporary continue their upward trajectory, underlining their status as serious, nationally significant events on the UK art calendar.