Top 10 Craft Fairs in the UK for 2024: A Must for Artisans and Creatives

 

As a passionate craftsperson, finding the perfect platform to showcase your creations is essential. Fortunately, the UK is home to some of the best craft fairs that bring together artists, designers, and makers from all corners of the country. Whether you're a sculptor, jeweller, or fine artist, craft fairs offer an unparalleled opportunity to display your work, network with like-minded creators, and connect with buyers who appreciate the beauty of handmade products.

At Hidden Artisan Bazaar, we understand how critical it is to choose the right events that align with your brand goals and customer base. Here's our roundup of the top 10 craft fairs in the UK for 2024 to help you plan your calendar.

1. Craft, Hobby and Stitch International (CHSI)

As the UK’s premier craft trade show, Craft, Hobby and Stitch International attracts over 6,000 buyers annually, offering unparalleled exposure for artisans and craft suppliers. Exhibitors can connect with buyers seeking the latest trends and innovative products in the world of craft, from textiles to bespoke home décor.

Date: 25th – 26th February 2024
Location: NEC, Birmingham

2. Craft 4 Crafters Show

A staple in the crafting community for over two decades, the Craft 4 Crafters Show in Exeter draws an audience of more than 12,000 craft lovers. This event is ideal for vendors in the quilting, textile, and sewing sectors, offering valuable networking opportunities and a chance to showcase your goods in front of a large, engaged audience.

Date: 4th – 6th April 2024
Location: Westpoint Centre, Exeter

3. The Base’s Festival of Arts & Crafts

Set in the heart of Berkshire, The Base’s Festival of Arts & Crafts provides a platform for local crafters to exhibit their work to an audience of art enthusiasts. If you're seeking to connect with a community of handmade lovers, this is the perfect place to build your local reputation while participating in workshops and art exhibitions.

Date: 7th – 8th September 2024
Location: The Base, Greenham

4. British Craft Trade Fair (BCTF)

The British Craft Trade Fair in Harrogate is a high-profile event for artisans focused on handmade and high-quality designs. Collaborating with Handmade in Britain, this fair is a magnet for retailers, galleries, and stockists looking to source original, handcrafted products from emerging and established makers.

Date: 7th – 8th April 2024
Location: Yorkshire Event Centre, Harrogate

5. Weald of Kent Country Craft Show

Hosted at the stunning Penshurst Place, the Weald of Kent Country Craft Show is perfect for vendors offering outdoor, garden, fashion, or decorative home products. With over 250 stalls, this three-day event is filled with demonstrations, workshops, and family-friendly activities, making it a must-visit for both buyers and exhibitors alike.

Date: 4th – 6th May 2024
Location: Penshurst Place, Tonbridge

6. Makers Central

If you’re looking to rub shoulders with passionate makers, Makers Central in Birmingham is the event for you. Known for its live craft demos and a bustling marketplace, this fair offers artisans a fantastic opportunity to showcase their work to an eager and engaged audience.

Date: 18th – 19th May 2024
Location: NEC, Birmingham

7. The Creative Craft Show

With a strong reputation as one of the most prestigious UK craft fairs, The Creative Craft Show is perfect for businesses looking to connect with ready-to-buy shoppers. Interactive workshops and craft demonstrations make it an appealing event for hobbyists and industry professionals alike, making it an ideal spot for vendors to network and generate sales.

Date: 30th August – 1st September 2024
Location: Farnborough, Hampshire

8. Festival of Crafts

Held annually at Farnham Maltings, the Festival of Crafts brings together a curated group of artisans from across the UK. This event showcases a diverse mix of homewares, ceramics, jewellery, and more, with a focus on both modern and traditional techniques. It’s a must-attend for craft lovers and collectors alike.

Date: 12th – 13th October 2024
Location: Farnham Maltings, Surrey

9. Handmade in Britain

The Handmade in Britain fair in Chelsea is the perfect place to display your contemporary crafts to an audience of collectors, retail buyers, and press. Known for its high-end, artisan-focused atmosphere, this event offers exhibitors the opportunity to build valuable connections and drive significant sales.

Date: 6th – 9th November 2024
Location: Chelsea Old Town Hall, London

10. Henley Christmas Fair

As one of the most anticipated Christmas fairs, the Henley Christmas Fair at Stonor Park is the perfect place to sell your seasonal creations. Whether you're a jeweller, artist, or artisan, this four-day event attracts thousands of visitors looking for unique, handmade gifts.

Date: TBA
Location: Stonor Park, Henley-on-Thames

Why Craft Fairs Matter for Artisans

Craft fairs provide a direct route to market your brand and meet your customers face-to-face. These events offer more than just sales opportunities; they help you forge lasting relationships with buyers, stockists, and fellow creators, driving brand recognition and loyalty. At Hidden Artisan Bazaar, we believe in empowering artisans to thrive, and these craft fairs are excellent starting points.

Tips for a Successful Craft Stall

  1. Design an eye-catching stall – Use branded banners, foamex boards, and packaging to ensure your stall stands out.
  2. Engage with your audience – Craft fairs are about personal connections. Take time to explain your work to potential buyers.
  3. Leave a lasting impression – Even if a sale isn’t made, hand out business cards and offer promotional materials to keep your brand on their radar.

Make 2024 your most successful year yet by planning ahead and selecting the right craft fairs to showcase your work!

Location: London, UK

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Empowering Local Businesses at Totterdown Street Market: Your Digital Partner for Success

Image
Dear Artisan Market Whispers Readers, By now, many of you have had the pleasure of meeting my brother, Abraham Chowdhury a talented artist and a passionate advocate for local business growth. As the owner of Somnium London, Abraham’s unique artistry has added elegance and creativity to our marketplace. But his influence extends far beyond his art. Abraham’s outgoing and confident nature has made him a key figure in our community. Through his friendly connections with traders and his collaborations with local business owners, he’s been a beacon of support. One of his standout contributions is his work with the owner of Tooting Market to revitalise the Totterdown Street Market . Together, they’ve created new opportunities for artisans and entrepreneurs to showcase their products and talents. While Abraham thrives in the spotlight, I, Zubair Chowdhury, prefer to work behind the scenesthough no less passionately. As a web developer and digital marketing specialist, I’ve dedicated myself to...
Read more

Journey Through Time at Brixton Village

Image
  Nestled in the heart of South London, Brixton Village is not just a market; it's a living, breathing tapestry of history, culture, and resilience. Walking through its vibrant arcades is like stepping into a story that spans over two centuries, each corner echoing with the rhythms of a community that has continuously shaped and been shaped by its surroundings. Welcome to the Hidden Artisan Bazaar ’s journey through Brixton Village—a place where history meets the present, and tradition blends with modern creativity. A Humble Beginning: The Birth of a Market Our story begins in the 19th century when Brixton was nothing more than a burgeoning Victorian suburb. The year was 1816, and the opening of Vauxhall Bridge had just established a crucial transport link into South London. As the area grew, so did its need for a marketplace. Brixton soon emerged as a shopping capital, with a modest outdoor street market selling fresh produce and household goods to the growing population. But Br...
Read more

Totterdown Street: A New Landmark for Tooting

Image
  Exciting changes are coming to Tooting’s Totterdown Street! As part of a pilot scheme designed to enhance the town centre’s charm and support local businesses, Totterdown Street is about to undergo a stunning transformation. The new look will not only improve the aesthetics of the area but also provide a vibrant space for the community to gather and enjoy. A New Pedestrian Paradise The heart of this transformation is the pedestrianisation of Totterdown Street between Saint Cyprian’s Street and Blakenham Road. No longer just a road for vehicles, this section will be turned into a pedestrian-friendly zone, offering a peaceful environment where people can walk, relax, and enjoy the surroundings without the disruption of traffic. Imagine sitting outdoors in a beautiful public space, surrounded by greenery, with the scent of freshly cooked food wafting through the air. The new street layout will feature tables and chairs for people to relax and enjoy this outdoor setting, providing a ...
Read more