looking to book Christmas Fairs...any thoughts?

**doodle** · 20-07-2010 05:09 PM

Hi Guys!
Well, I'e been trying to pretend it isn't coming, but it's about time I got organised for christmans

I'm based in North Essex and am looking for a few good Christmas Craft Fairs. I'm thinking Essex/Cambridgeshire/Suffolk and don't want to do any 'gift' fairs really.
All my items are handmade by myself.
Anyone know of anything they can recommend?
Also, how close up to Chritmas do you usually stall ou and when is the right time to start adding Christmas bits to your stall?

Thank you in advance.
Donna xxx

**nattynetty** · 20-07-2010 05:39 PM

Hi Donna

Have to confess that I don't know too much about the following fairs/events and suspect they won't be handmade only but what I do know is that they are well known and well advertised...

Blackthorpe barn at Risby oops ?I mean Rougham (nr Bury) http://www.blackthorpebarn.com/

Bury St Edmunds Xmas Market http://www.burystedmundschristmasfayre.co.uk/

I think Sutton Hoo and West Stow also do xmas events in November and I have a feeling Saffron Walden have a xmas street fair - and there's also Audley End.

Like I say I suspect they won't be handmade only and I have no idea how much stalls would be (except I'd imagine Audley End would be very pricey) but could be worth researching into a bit more before ruling them out.

By the way, how did Clare Priory go? I intended to visit but couldn't make it in the end.

**doodle** · 21-07-2010 10:52 AM

Thanks for the links.xx
Bury is full, but I've been put on a waiting list.
Blackthorpe Barn looks a little out of my league...lol
I'm onto the case with the others...thanks again.

Clare was brilliant! I love it there. I had so much positive feedback and orders are trickling in as a result.
Add to this I took full advantage of the beautiful setting to take some great pictures for my new website and it was a very positive weekend.
love donna xx

**nattynetty** · 21-07-2010 11:14 AM

Great to hear Clare was good experience, I was so annoyed I couldn't get there to say hello to you and Moonbeam Angel.

Are you completely sure Blackthorpe Barn is out of your league, I'd have imagined it would cost about the same as Clare Priory to do. I've just had a proper look on their website, it looks amazing and strictly handmade only

every year when we see the AA Signs for it I say we must visit but so far have never done so which is a bit bad considering how close we are to it.

**doodle** · 21-07-2010 11:44 AM

I didn't mean money-wise....it just seems a bit too strict. I like to sit here at 2oc in the morning and just make what I feel like...they insist on photographs of every single item you will have on your stall and you're not allowed to defer. I'm just not sure that, as a 'true crafter'

I can be so restricted-I like the freedom to tweek my designs all the time.
love Donna xx

**nattynetty** · 21-07-2010 12:01 PM

Originally Posted by doodle

I didn't mean money-wise....it just seems a bit too strict. I like to sit here at 2oc in the morning and just make what I feel like...they insist on photographs of every single item you will have on your stall and you're not allowed to defer.

Oh I didn't read the details, there's a difference between ensuring there's no bought in goods and checking every single item you will be selling isn't there - those rules do seem to stiffle creativity somewhat. Shame because it's so well advertised

**julie pegram** · 27-07-2010 09:07 PM

Hi, donna
hope you'll come to ours 4th and 5th of december have lots of great ideas in mind to get the public in!! last years was fab - this ones going to be even better!!
see you on friday!!

julie

**Creative Events** · 01-08-2010 12:38 AM

CHRISTMAS CRAFT AND GIFT FAIR
DUNMOW ESSEX
SAT 6th NOVEMBER 2010

Over 35 stalls of craft and seasonal gifts. The Foakes Hall is situated in the heart of Great Dunmow town in a prime position with a high public profile. Good parking facilities and refreshments available.

We will be arranging a variety of promotional events leading up to the event to promote and create a strong public awareness.

Stall space is limited and is on a first come first served basis. We will however try to limit the number of stalls in the same category.

Stall prices start at £25.00 for a 6ft table, corner units comprising 2 x 6ft tables £50.00
Electricity is available for some stands (please state at the time of booking).

For futher information

Email: info@creativeevents.org.uk

Telephone 07849 283246 or 07849 283247

**Jenksi** · 15-08-2010 10:08 PM

I am currently arranging a Christmas fair in Stanway near Colchester on Saturday 27th November 2010.

I am looking for various stalls offering a variety of products.

We will also be raising money on the day for Essex Air Ambulance.

A 6ft stall in the hall on the ground floor is £20, alternatively you can also book a stall on the indoor balcony for just £15 which is visible and accessible from the main hall (limited spaces on the balcony).

If a table is required please inform us at the time of booking as this can be arranged however there are limited tables available.

If you would like a booking form please email me on cjag@hotmail.co.uk or call clare on 07717776868