This years Northern Design Festival showcased the best of design from the North of England and beyond

Focusing on the central question - 'Where do ideas come from?' the 2016 Northern Design Festival explored the design thinking behind the hottest designers, makers, and architects in the UK. With 65 exhibits spanning graphics, furniture, fashion, illustration, architecture, ceramics, textiles and lighting this festival truely held its own in the wake of London Design Festival. 

Highlights included a sight specific instaliation by the Granby Workshop, a social enterprise and design studio creating high end products for the home. This workshop is part of the Turner Prize winning collaboration between Assemble and Granby's residents, who are working to reinvigorate their Livepool community. 

Next was a one-off exhibition from Hothouse; a Crafts Council programme of creative and business support for new and emerging makers. Beautiful ceramics by Arjan van Dal were displayed next to the rich embroidery of Jacky Puzey, complimented beautifully by the Assembly House's patinated decor. 

The Northern Design Festival proves that exciting and innovative design exists outside of the metropoliton design capitals. As the festival goes from strength to strength we wait with baited breath for next years offerings. 

The Northern Design Festival ran from the 8- 16 of November at the Assembly House, Newcastle. To keep up to date with the latest goings on visit Design Event.