A Guide to Bury Festival of Art 2025: A Weekend to Get Creative
On Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 October 2025, Bury comes alive with the Bury Festival of Art – a borough-wide celebration that turns familiar spaces into galleries, stages and studios. With more than 100 artists showing work across eight venues, plus free workshops and performances, it’s the perfect excuse to explore the town and see it from a fresh angle.
View the full festival programme here
Where to Start
The Bury Art Museum & Sculpture Centre is always worth a visit, and this autumn it’s showing Now You See Her, Now You Don’t by Paula Chambers. The work uses found objects and domestic materials to explore presence, absence and memory, and it’s the sort of show that gets people talking whether you’re a regular gallery-goer or just popping in for a look.
Don’t miss the Museum Gift Shop, where you’ll find prints, creative gifts and small treasures that make perfect souvenirs.
Nearby, you’ll find Two Crows Art Studio, just next door to Nook at The Met. It’s a relaxed, welcoming space offering workshops and creative socials, ideal for families, beginners and anyone who fancies a go. October’s programme even includes a Halloween Arty All-Dayer for kids. Check out their events here.
Out and About
Art in Bury doesn’t stop at the door. The Irwell Sculpture Trail runs right through town, with several works within easy walking distance of the centre. It’s a great way to stretch your legs, discover something unexpected, and balance indoor gallery time with some fresh air.
And if you or the kids are feeling inspired, pop into The Works (Mill Gate) or The Range (The Rock) in town. Grab a sketchbook or a packet of pastels – sometimes the best souvenirs are the ones you make later at home.
Where to Refuel
When you need a break, Bury’s cafés have you covered:
Bloom Coffee Co – great coffee and cakes in cosy surroundings
Olive’s Kitchen – hearty brunches and family-friendly meals
Nook at The Met – part café, part cultural hub, right by Two Crows Art Studio
Barista and The Coffee House – reliable spots in the town centre
- Pop into Leckenby’s for hot chocolate or afternoon tea
Wax and Beans – Bury’s independent vinyl record shop and coffee bar rolled into one. Even if you’re not into records, it’s a cracking place to sit with a brew and soak up the atmosphere
A Day in Bury
Here’s one way your day might look:
Start with a festival workshop – something hands-on for the kids or a sketch session for you
Head to Bury Art Museum to explore Paula Chambers’ exhibition
Stop at Olive’s Kitchen or Bloom Coffee Co for lunch or a coffee
Take a short walk along the Irwell Sculpture Trail installations in the town centre
Pick up some art supplies at The Works or The Range
Round things off with a browse at Wax and Beans – coffee in hand, vinyl in earshot
It doesn’t have to be planned down to the minute. The beauty of the festival is that you can just turn up, follow your nose, and let the day unfold.
What Else to Do in Bury This October
The Festival of Art is the big weekend (11–12 October), but Bury’s cultural calendar doesn’t stop there.
At Bury Art Museum – Alongside Paula Chambers’ show, there’s work by the Bury Art Society, plus family-friendly creative workshops, craft sessions, and displays marking Black History Month (buryartmuseum.co.uk)
At The Met – A full October line-up of gigs, comedy and theatre. It’s also home to Two Crows Art Studio, just next door to Nook café-bar, where you can get hands-on with art classes (themet.org.uk)
East Lancashire Railway – Climb aboard a steam train at Bolton Street Station for a heritage ride through the Irwell Valley (eastlancsrailway.org.uk)
Markets and Makers – Bury Market is always worth a wander, and in October you’ll find extra craft stalls and makers with unique finds
Festival Info
Dates: Saturday 11 – Sunday 12 October 2025
Venues: Eight across Bury Borough (check the festival programme)
Cost: Free entry to venues, some workshops may need booking
Getting here:
• Bee Network – Bury is the northern terminus from Manchester
• Regular bus services via Bury Interchange
• Car – parking at The Rock, Mill Gate and Bolton Street Station
Why Go?
The Bury Festival of Art isn’t just about looking at art. It’s about joining in, feeling part of something, and seeing the town in a new light. And if you can’t make the festival weekend, October still has plenty on offer – from museum exhibitions to comedy at The Met, steam trains, markets and more.
Come for the festival, stay for the creativity, leave inspired.
