Sheffield Co-operatives Showcase Fair
30th August 2019
Sheffield Co-operatives Showcase Fair
19th – 20th September 2019
Co-operatives are a part of the proud people’s history of Sheffield, and also a valuable part of the economy, culture and society of the present day and the future.
As part of Heritage Open Days 2019, and with the overarching topic of “People Power” we will be holding an exhibition of all things co-operative in Sheffield and the surrounding areas. Co-operatively and democratically owned organisations will be setting out their stalls in the impressive Executive Conference Room of Aizlewood’s Mill to show everyone just how vital these organisations are to Sheffield. The exhibition will be open from 10am until 4pm on Thursday 19th and Friday 20th September.
Co-operatives from the fields of housing, food, tech, telephone, printing and media will be exhibiting over the 2 day event, along with the national organisation Co-ops UK and our founders Sheffield Co-operative Development Group with advice and guidance for those interested in setting up co-operatives or even contributing to the success of one of the many existing ones in the region.
Heritage Open Days is England’s largest grassroots heritage festival, involving over 40,000 volunteers and 5,000 events with 2019 being the 25th anniversary. Principle 5 is a volunteer-run co-operative education resource centre based in Aizlewood’s Mill and are the main organisers of this Showcase. Having invited around 50 exhibitors we expect a huge variety of traders, service providers and community organisers to attend and enjoy the event.
In addition to the exhibition there will be tours of this beautiful Grade II listed building, only available to the public during Heritage Open Days. These much sought-after spaces must usually be pre-booked and the tours are often full weeks in advance, but attendees of the exhibition should have the chance for an impromptu tour.
Photographs taken during the renovation of Aizlewood’s Mill from a derelict rat-infested eyesore to a stunning example of Victorian architecture on the edge of the Kelham Island Conservation Area will be on display and there will be the opportunity to discuss aspects of the renovation and ongoing use of Aizlewood’s Mill with the staff. Many of the original artefacts that were found during the renovation have been installed in key areas around the building, and will form part of the tour.
Entrance to the exhibition is free and there is free parking for all visitors in either of our two car parks.
If you would like to book a place on the tour to guarantee the opportunity to see this lovely building and visit the exhibition, please email us at reception@aizlewoodsmill.com or telephone Reception on 0114 282 3123.
