Whether you’re an experienced crafter or just starting out, visiting the best craft fairs in the UK is a brilliant way to gather materials and inspiration for your Christmas makes – and enjoy a fantastic day out!
If you’re not a creative type but love to buy handmade gifts (or a unique treat for yourself), you can also visit craft fairs where makers display and sell items they’ve made.
In this blog post I’ve shared my list of some of the best craft fairs across the UK (a good mix of shows for crafters and gift shopping opportunities) to save you some research time – and hopefully inspire you to go along!
You’ll see I’ve included fairs taking place throughout the year. This is because making gifts and Christmas decorations is a time-consuming process, so I recommend you start planning and creating as soon as you can.
If you’re not having to rush it’ll be a much more enjoyable process – I recommend using the crafts planning pages of my new Christmas Organised planner 2023 to ensure your projects stay on track.
Before you check out the list of craft events* and decide which one (or more!) you’re going to visit, here are my top tips for getting the most out of a craft fair:
- Once you’ve decided to attend a particular show, check if you can save money (and queuing time) and buy your tickets in advance
- Check the fair’s website to see which exhibitors will be there and what they’ll be selling. If there are specific stands or displays you want to see, plan your time accordingly so you don’t miss out
- Look at the list of workshops, demonstrations and speakers and plan which sessions you’d like to go to. Find out if you need to book a place, check timings and set reminders. On the day – if it’s a large venue – allow yourself plenty of time to find where you need to be!
- Write a list of things you need to buy to help you stay focused and stick to your budget. When you’re surrounded by beautiful crafts, it can be tempting to buy everything in sight! It’s also a good idea to check what you have in stock before you shop
- Meet other crafters: be open to introducing yourself and chatting with exhibitors and other like-minded visitors!
- Follow the fair and exhibitors on social media and sign up to email newsletters. It’s an easy way to stay up-to-date with the latest news – and perhaps spot some handy discounts
- Craft fairs are a great way to spend a day. Be sure to relax, gather some inspiration – and, most of all, enjoy yourself!
Crafterama
21 May 2023, Lincolnshire Showground
10 June 2023, Kent Showground
Crafterama offers the perfect chance to discover new craft techniques, watch demonstrations and learn from the experts.
You’ll also be able to stock up on craft supplies including art stamps, mixed media, art journaling, decoupage, beading and needle felting.
Spring Craft Fair
18-21 May 2023, Hever Castle and Gardens
This fair is a great place to shop for original, unique handmade crafts including jewellery, sculpture, ceramics and glass.
There’ll be around 140 exhibitors from the UK’s designer makers and contemporary artists.
Previous contestants from TV’s The Great Pottery Throw Down will also be displaying their work in a special Potters’ Village.
Make a day of it and enjoy the beautiful gardens while you’re there!
Scottish Arts and Crafts Fair
3 June 2023 (and throughout the year), Geilsland Country Estate, Beith, Ayrshire
This fair has 48 stalls and new crafters take part every month, so there’s always something new to see and buy.
It’s a great place to buy unique gifts and cards, or just to treat yourself. And there’s a cafe too!
Art and Craft Market
21 – 23 July 2023, Cardiff Bay
This fair offers a great day out for all the family, complemented by an eclectic selection of arts and crafts – and a small selection of food and drinks producers.
Brecon Craft Fair
Saturday 19 August 2023 (and throughout the year), Market Hall, Brecon, Powys
Every month, up to 60 traditional and independent craft workers and artists set up shop in Brecon’s market hall.
Brecon Craft Fair offers a unique collection of Welsh arts and crafts, from beautiful handmade soft furnishings to hand-painted jewellery and locally crafted Fabergé style eggs.
Yarndale, Yorkshire
23 – 24 September 2023, Auction Mart, Skipton
Celebrating the brilliance of yarn in all its forms, this award-winning craft festival brings together more than 180 makers, craft makers, retailers and artisans.
Visitors can try their hand at new skills and techniques in a range of workshops led by experienced practitioners and listen to inspirational designers, bloggers and speakers in the fair’s Creative Conversations sessions.
The Knitting and Stitching Show
5-8 October 2023, Alexandra Palace
16-19 November, HCC, Harrogate
Meet up with other crafters, discuss ideas, learn new skills and shop for your Christmas craft supplies all under one roof.
There’ll be hundreds of workshops, demonstrations, professionally curated textile art galleries, as well as more than 200 leading craft suppliers.
Craft4Crafters
12-14 October 2023, Bath & West Showground, Bath
With a vast range of the latest crafting supplies from stitching, knitting and felting to paper craft, jewellery and dressmaking, this is the perfect place to pick up everything you need for your Christmas projects.
You can also learn the skills and come up with the ideas and inspiration you need at the many workshops on offer.
The Creative Craft Show
23-25 June 2023, 2-5 November 2023, NEC, Birmingham
2-4 September 2023, Farnborough International
21-23 September 2023, Westpoint, Exeter
26-29 October 2023, SEC Centre, Glasgow
The Creative Craft Show is a haven for knitting, cross stitch, paper crafting, jewellery and dressmaking and stitching enthusiasts, offering all the latest supplies, ideas and innovations in the craft and hobby world.
There are opportunities to gain advice from industry experts, as well as the chance to try something new in Creative Den workshops and mini Make & Take sessions.
You might also spot some famous faces as you wander the aisles, from TV stars to online influencers and creators!
Christmas Craft Fair
24-26 November, Brancepeth Castle, near Durham
The fair is organised and staffed by the owners of this stunning castle, which brings an unusual personal touch to the event.
Crafts on offer are all selected for quality and diversity with an emphasis on real craft work – perfect if you’re looking for an extra special Christmas gift.
Carry on Crafting
2-3 December 2023, South of England Showground, East Sussex
This festive show will include craft demonstrations, Christmas craft classes and makers selling beautiful finished seasonal gifts.
There’ll also be hot food, mulled wine, cakes and hot drinks on offer to help you get into the festive spirit!
I hope my list of favourite craft fairs has inspired your Christmas crafting preparations – and saved you some valuable time!
If there’s a show you love that’s not on the list, let me know and I’ll share it with the Christmas Organised community.
Happy crafting!
Alex x
Details are correct at the time of writing (4 April 2023) – please check with event organisers before you travel.