Sunny Bank Mills’ Print Festival Returns This March With Leeds’ Biggest Print Fair

Got any plans for early March? If you’re looking for something a bit different, a bit creative, and a lot of fun, then you might want to circle the 7th and 8th of March on your calendar. Something pretty special is happening over at Sunny Bank Mills in Farsley, Leeds. The much-loved annual Print Festival is back, and it's shaping up to be a brilliant weekend for anyone who loves art, or even just wants to try something new. It’s an annual celebration that brings together a massive community of artists and art lovers from all over Yorkshire and beyond for a proper celebration of creativity.

What's the big deal about this print fair?

Okay, so when people say "print fair," you might just picture a few posters on a wall. But this is on another level. The event at Sunny Bank Mills is home to Leeds’ largest Print Fair, which is a pretty big claim. Imagine a massive, historic mill building buzzing with energy, filled with over 60 different printmakers, bookmakers, and creative studios each day. These aren't just local folks, they’re talented artists from all over the country, including well-known names like Kristyna Baczynski and Tall Paul Kelly.

The variety of print on show is huge. You’ll find everything from screenprints (the kind of bold, colourful art you see on cool t-shirts and posters) to something called a risograph, which creates really vibrant, almost neon-like images. There are also monoprints, which are completely unique one-off pieces, and collographs, where artists create a print from a collage. It's a fantastic chance to see a wide range of printing and printmaking techniques up close. And it’s not just pictures for your wall. There will be stalls selling zines – think of them as mini, handmade magazines on every topic imaginable – and beautifully crafted, hand-bound books. It’s the perfect place to pick up a unique piece of art, whether you’re a serious collector or just want something nice for your room. The fair is a cornerstone of the whole print festival.

More than just looking – getting your hands inky

One of the best things about the Print Festival is that it’s not just for looking. It’s designed to be properly hands-on. So, if you’ve ever wondered how all this stuff is actually made, this is your chance to find out. The team from Ironbridge Fine Arts will be there, giving live demonstrations of different printmaking techniques. You can watch them create etchings, lino prints (remember doing that at school, but way, way better?), and even woodblock printing. They’ll also be selling high-quality supplies if you get inspired to try some printing yourself.

And for those who really want to get stuck in, there are loads of workshops. For families, there are free, drop-in sessions where you can just turn up and have a go. But if you want to learn a specific skill, you can pre-book a session. The workshops sound amazing – fancy trying Lego Relief Printing? Or how about Block Printing on Textiles to make your own custom tote bag? There's even a session on making a notebook using ink made from avocados! It’s this kind of creative, hands-on activity that makes the festival such a brilliant community event. It's a real focus on creativity, bookbinding and all things print.

A word from the people behind the festival

The team at Sunny Bank Mills is clearly chuffed to be hosting the event again. Arts Director, Anna Turzynski, shared some thoughts on what makes the weekend so special.

“We’re thrilled that our Print Festival returns in just three weeks’ time. It’s always such a special weekend — bringing together artists, collectors, families and anyone with a love of print. There’s something incredibly exciting about seeing traditional techniques alongside bold contemporary approaches all under one roof. We can’t wait to welcome everyone back to the Mills for this annual celebration of creativity.”

She also pointed out that the festival is just one part of the huge cultural offer at the mills.

“In addition to the Print Festival, I’m encouraging everyone to explore the full cultural offer across Sunny Bank Mills. Drop into our Artists’ Open Studios in the Twisting, Spinning Mill and Red Lane Mill Studios – come and see what 48 talented artists and makers do all day and buy work direct from them. You can also take part in our family friendly studio print trail designed by artist Catherine Pape and take home your very own limited edition print! You can explore the Gallery’s annual emerging artist exhibition, Ones to Watch 2026, bringing together work by 36 Yorkshire artists from across disciplines, and drop-in to the textile Museum & Archive which houses 200 years of Mills’ history with its unique and nationally significant collection.”

But wait, there's even more at the mills

As Anna mentioned, there’s a lot more to see and do at Sunny Bank Mills than just the Print Fair. The whole site is a hub of activity. The Artists’ Open Studios are a must-see. It's a rare chance to pop your head into the creative spaces of 48 different artists and makers. You can chat with them about their work, see what they're currently making, and even buy something directly from the person who made it. The studios are a huge part of the community here.

For something fun with the family, the studio print trail sounds like a great shout. It’s designed by artist Catherine Pape, and at the end, you get to take home your own limited-edition print. Over in the main Art Gallery, there’s an exhibition called 'Ones to Watch 2026', showcasing work from 36 emerging artists from across Yorkshire. It’s a brilliant opportunity to spot new talent. And if you’re interested in the history of the place, the Textile Museum is fascinating. The mills have been there for 200 years, and the archive tells the story of their past. The history of these mills is deeply woven into the local Farsley and Leeds story.

Making a day of it in Farsley

With so much going on, it’s easy to spend a whole day, or even the entire weekend, at Sunny Bank Mills. The Print Festival is on Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th March 2026. When you need a break from all the art and creativity, you can refuel at the Fair’s Craft Café. There are also other brilliant independent food and drink places around the mills site. It’s a fantastic cultural offer for the whole community.

So, whether you're a seasoned art fan or just a bit curious, the festival is a perfect celebration of printmaking. It's a chance to see amazing work, meet the artists behind it, learn some new techniques, and soak up the creative atmosphere of one of Yorkshire's most interesting cultural spots. This annual celebration truly showcases the best of traditional and contemporary approaches to print.