I have done a few craft fairs over the years and been really disapointed in how much they cost to do and how busy (not) they are. I'm thinking about organising one myself near Christmas - maybe November. I used to work, and have many friends, involved in promotion, so know where to put ads, get in listings etc. Also, I have few ideas of venues, and a friend to ask if she would co-run it with me.
I wanted to keep the stalls as cheap as possible, but look at doing a free childrens craft area (if it isn't in a pub!), and maybe demonstrations.
There isn't a lot going on down here - I saw an advert in tha back of Crafts magazine for stalls for a fair at the Corn Exchange down here, but it is pricey to hire and it is run by the Brighton Art Fair people so I reckon it will be quite expensive to the part time/student/mum crafter.
Anyone got any advice, or feedback on what they think of this? If it gets off the ground it will probably be in Brighton.

That sounds like a great idea, and wish you the best of luck with it!

Would it be targeted at crafters (so, more supplies and other lovelies) or consumers (finished items, the actual goods), or both?

It's very likely that there are other members who are based in or around brighton, and if not there should be

That sounds like a great idea, and wish you the best of luck with it!

Would it be targeted at crafters (so, more supplies and other lovelies) or consumers (finished items, the actual goods), or both?

It's very likely that there are other members who are based in or around brighton, and if not there should be

I think it sounds like a fabulous idea infact I am planning my own craft fair in London so I would. I am definatly interested in coming and having a stall if you would let me I have also done many craft fairs and although there are some good ones in london they never seem to turn out to be what I expected, plus the ones that are worth doing are alway so expensive. There is also a girl planing a craft fair in Bristol if anyone is interested in travelling. Anyway I love Brighton and would definatly be up for coming down for the day for a lovely craft fair.

Ooh, this sounds interesting! I live about an hour away from Brighton (East Grinstead), and it's possibly my favourite place in the world. Do keep us posted!

That would be cool. My friend works in marketing (big club and gig scene down here) and makes lovely jewellery so we are hoping to do it together. We are currently looking around at venues and the mo. Questions for those of you who do lots of fairs-

How much do you normally pay for a table? (one of the reasons for doing this is we have a big high end craft fair which starts at £500 for a space, at the lower end with another organiser it is £65, I think this is too expensive and want to cap it at around say £20 max depending on costs)

Is it fair to ask people so send a photo of their work to check it fits in? We are going to look at space to see what sort of items to accept, if it is a big space we are debating whether to have a few of the more traditional crafts together.

Demonstrations - are these popular? Also, as long as we don't end up having it at one of the bars or pubs in town, we wanted to have a childrens table with bits to stick on cards.

Paying to get in - The high end craft fair is a whopping fiver to get it. We weren't sure whether to make it free, or do a 50p or £1 donation to a local charity if they want to get involved.

Thanks for your advice everyone!

I would say that £20 is a good price for a fair, people would probably apy a bit more if you spent some money on advertising etc as then more shopers are likely to come.

I think it is ok to charge people an entrance fee and give the money either to the place you are holding the fair or to charity, I was considering doing this with my fair in London. Or you could do a 'optional' entrance fee with a sign saying all proceeds will go to whatever charity. I think 50p up to £2 would be fair enough depending on the size of the fair.

Vetting stall holders by asking for photos or taking a look at their website is probably essential. As you say you want to make sure peoples things fit to your fair. Luckily with the lovely internet this is easy. I havent had to turn anyone down on the quality of their work at my fair as it has all been of a realy high standard. Remember not to just go by what you like though go by quality and if it has the right feeling as what one person dislikes other people will love.

Oh and before I shut up and go away before you get really annoyed with my long post. I love the idea of demonstrations if you can fit them in. Probably just a small area where you could have knitting, jewelery making etc would go down well. But you should put this info in any advertisment so that people know it is happening. Maybe a childrens crafting demos would go down well for shoppers wanting to keep their little ones entertained whilst they shop.

ok that is it I will know be quiet I promise but I hope it helps.

Thank you so much for your feedback. I'm meeting with my friend next week to discuss venues. Finding one that is suitable and available seems to be the most difficult thing!

One more question - Saturdays or Sundays - what is the best day for a fair in everyones opinion?

Grr, we have had soo much touble finding a venue, this isn't happeniung this autumn - we are trying to organise something for the Brighton Festival next May, so if it does come off, I'll post here is the summer.

Hi

I'd be interested in having a stall if you get something going in Brighton ... maybe you fancy a trip to Worthing if I get something set up here? Anyone else interested in a Worthing event?

Well, there's a date set for a fair in Worthing, during the Artists & Makers Festival in July. More details here:

Only registered users can see links on this forum! Register or Login on forum!

Hi libbybee. I saw this thread and my heart leapt with joy! Then I realised it was from last year, so I don't know if you're still looking into setting up a fiar in Brighton.

If you are, to say I'd be interested in taking part would be a huge understatement...the word 'desperate' springs to mind! I would love love love there to be an alternative craft fair in Brighton.

If you are still looking into it, I'm very happy to help in any way I can, just let me know