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Here in the UK, there is an abundance of local and national craft fairs held every year. These events bring together imaginative entrepreneurs, designers and makers, offering opportunities to exhibit creations, generate sales and boost brand visibility. Whether looking to expand your reach by finding new stockists, attract businesses seeking to diversify their offerings, or connect with craft-loving consumers, handmade craft fairs remain one of the most effective ways to reach your target audience face-to-face and share the story behind your products.
Craft fairs are more than markets; they are thriving hubs of creativity and commerce that help small brands grow. For many independent makers, they act as a launchpad for wholesale partnerships, press exposure and valuable customer feedback.
To make 2026 your most successful year yet, we’ve curated a list of the 10 best UK craft fairs and trade shows to help you plan your annual event calendar. Whether you’re an artist, sculptor or jewellery designer, use this guide to find the right art and craft event for your business goals and marketing budget.
The Creative Craft Show welcomes exhibitors from across every corner of the handmade industry. Featuring engaging demonstrations, hands-on workshops and a bustling retail floor, it is one of the UK’s best-known events for hobbyists and professionals alike. With attendees spending an average of £80-90 each year, it is a proven space for sellers looking to increase brand awareness and direct sales.
Date: 12th – 15th March 2026
Location: NEC, Birmingham
The Stitch Festival is a highlight of the UK craft calendar, bringing together sewing enthusiasts, textile artists and fabric lovers under one roof. Its bustling marketplace features a wide selection of fabrics, patterns, haberdashery and state-of-the-art sewing machines from leading brands. Across four inspiring days, visitors can take part in interactive workshops covering dressmaking, embroidery, quilting and more; making it the perfect event to learn new techniques, explore trends and network with the UK’s creative community.
Date: 19th - 22nd March 2026
Location: Business Design Centre, Islington, London
The Craft4Crafters Show, now in its third decade, is a three-day event that celebrates all things handmade. Featuring live demonstrations, creative workshops, lectures and stunning displays, it attracts more than 12,000 visitors seeking the latest craft supplies and inspiration. With around 145 traders each year, it is a must-visit for those in the craft, textile, sewing and quilting communities. Whether you specialise in paper crafts, home décor or handmade jewellery, this show offers an excellent platform to connect with buyers, share your process and boost sales.
Date: 26th - 28th March 2026
Location: Westpoint, Exeter
In collaboration with Handmade in Britain, the British Craft Trade Fair (BCTF) remains one of the country’s most influential craft trade events. With more than 300 exhibitors across fine art, jewellery, textiles and greetings cards, it is a hub for professional networking and B2B growth. Retailers attend to source innovative handmade products, while exhibitors benefit from direct access to trade buyers and gallery representatives.
Date: April 2025
Location: Yorkshire Event Centre, Harrogate
A long-standing celebration of British craftsmanship, the Living Crafts Festival has run for over 40 years and continues to be one of the UK’s best-loved artisan events. It brings together master artisans, emerging makers and passionate craft lovers in a lively and educational setting. Visitors can enjoy live demonstrations, interactive workshops and countless stalls showcasing traditional and modern techniques. For exhibitors, it is a prime opportunity to meet buyers and introduce their brand to a wide audience of engaged, craft-focused visitors.
Date: 7th - 10th May 2026.
Location: Hatfield Park, Hertfordshire
Makers Central is one of the UK’s largest gatherings of craft enthusiasts and creative businesses. Drawing over 9,000 visitors to Birmingham’s NEC, it is known for its vibrant atmosphere, live craft demonstrations and inspiring “Makers Market.” From painting and woodturning to metalwork and digital design, it caters to all creative disciplines. Exhibiting here offers an unrivalled opportunity to connect directly with passionate hobbyists, potential collaborators and wholesale buyers.
Date: 16th – 17th May 2026
Location: NEC, Birmingham
This springtime staple is a fantastic opportunity for British designers and artisans to display their work in a picturesque countryside setting. With over 250 independent stallholders offering everything from outdoor décor and homewares to fashion and fine art, the Weald of Kent Country Craft Show is a family-friendly event with workshops, demonstrations and live entertainment. Exhibitors enjoy a mix of local shoppers and destination visitors, making it ideal for exposure and on-site sales.
Date: 2nd - 4th May 2026
Location: Penshurst Place, Tonbridge
A cornerstone of London’s creative scene for nearly two decades, the Crafty Fox Market is the go-to destination for unique handmade gifts and emerging brands. Taking place across multiple London venues in the run-up to Christmas, the market draws a loyal crowd of design lovers and shoppers eager to buy directly from makers. It is an inspiring blend of community, creativity and independent enterprise.
Date: December 2026
Location: Various locations in London
Held at the historic Farnham Maltings, the Festival of Crafts showcases a curated collection of skilled UK artisans. Exhibitors range from established names to promising newcomers, offering products that span ceramics, textiles, jewellery and fine art. The event’s reputation for high-quality craftsmanship and curated selection makes it a standout opportunity for makers looking to reach discerning shoppers and galleries.
Date: Applications open January 2026 (dates TBC)
Location: Farnham Maltings, Surrey
Handmade in Britain celebrates contemporary craftsmanship, uniting some of the UK’s most talented artists under one roof. The fair attracts collectors, retailers and design enthusiasts eager to discover exceptional handmade work. Alongside its retail success, it provides valuable networking opportunities for makers to secure new partnerships and long-term stockist relationships.
Date: TBC 2026
Location: Chelsea Old Town Hall, London
To apply for a craft fair, vendors typically complete an online application form detailing their products, business background and contact information. Many organisers also require product images to ensure quality and fit for the event. Once approved, you’ll secure your space with either a deposit or full payment.
The best tip to offer is to apply early. Many major fairs open applications 6-12 months ahead of time, and stalls often sell out quickly. Always review organiser requirements, including insurance, setup times and display regulations.
Absolutely. Many successful creative businesses began with regular appearances at UK craft fairs. Even if immediate sales vary, each event builds long-term visibility. Use fairs to collect customer emails, hand out printed business cards or leaflets and direct visitors to your online store. Consistent presence and follow-up communication turn casual shoppers into repeat buyers.
Your stall is your storefront, so make it stand out. Use high-quality signage, branded packaging and cohesive displays that reflect your style. Position banners with your logo and social handles prominently to help visitors remember you. If organisers allow, use foamex boards or floor stickers to guide foot traffic toward your stall. Offer demonstrations or small samples to draw attention and always encourage photos or social tags for organic visibility online.
After each event, review your sales data and note what displays or products drew the most attention. Refining your setup over time helps you maximise return on investment and build a recognisable brand presence across the UK craft circuit.
The UK craft fair scene continues to thrive, offering more opportunities than ever in 2026 for makers to showcase their creativity, connect with audiences and grow their business. From major trade shows like the BCTF and the Creative Craft Show to boutique markets like Crafty Fox, there is an event for every creative entrepreneur ready to take their craft to the next level.
Posted on December 18, 2025 by Miller Lane-Williams
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