Saltaire Arts Trail

Image by Simon Allmark

The May Day Bank Holiday weekend (Saturday 2nd – Monday 4th May) sees the return of the annual Saltaire Arts Trail - a celebration of visual arts in and around Saltaire World Heritage Site. Run by arts charity Saltaire Inspired, the 3-day event brings the UK’s finest artists, makers and designers to the unique spaces of Saltaire, showcasing the work of over 150 artists across a long weekend of events for all ages.

The Open Village will show a range of high-quality contemporary artwork in over 20 locations - homes, businesses, studios, gardens and windows. Discover art by local and resident artists as well as artists selected from across the UK. Open daily from 10am – 5pm, Entry is free and many of the artists will be present over the weekend to talk to visitors about their work.

In the stunning Victoria Hall on Sunday and Monday, Saltaire Makers Fair will feature over 70 exhibitors chosen for their originality and quality in a showcase of fresh, contemporary handmade art, craft and design for sale or commission. Browse and buy unique, handcrafted jewellery, ceramics, prints, textiles, homewares and more. Entry is £3 (under 16s free).

A programme of exhibitions, includes First Pressings, an exhibition of letterpress artworks and album sleeves, with popup Jazz Kissa listening room at Salts Works, Elysium at Nina Hunter Gallery & Collectors Lounge, and a range of exhibitions at Salts Mill, including The Nature of Things by Yorkshire Sculptors Group, David Hockney’s 20 Flowers for 2025 and Some Bigger Pictures and Ian Beesley’s Life Goes On. There are also exhibitions by local talent from the Leeds Photographic Society, Saltaire Art Group and St Peter’s Photographic Group.

For visitors who are inspired to get creative, there are plenty of opportunities across the weekend with pre-bookable workshops and artist-led drop-in activities for all ages and interests.

Information on the full programme can be found at saltaireinspired.org.uk.