Frequently Asked Questions
Join our mailing list and follow us on social media to receive the latest news, event announcements and information for exhibitors.
We have been organising events since 2000, and our shows attract some of the largest audiences of any contemporary craft fairs in the UK. We are proud of the reputation we have built, the loyalty of our exhibitors and the continued demand for stand space at our events.
We do not rely on unsolicited calls to recruit exhibitors. Our reputation has grown primarily through word of mouth and recommendations from makers who return year after year. Demand for space is consistently high, and our events are frequently oversubscribed.
However, you do not have to take our word for it. We encourage you to read the testimonials on our website and hear directly from makers who have exhibited with us.
- Design and make your own work in the UK.
- Exhibit and represent your own work, rather than act as an agent for other makers.
- Agree to abide by our Terms and Conditions.
We do not accept bought-in, imported or mass-produced work. We take this requirement seriously and reserve the right to remove exhibitors who are found to be selling work that they have not made themselves, in accordance with our Terms and Conditions.
We are interested in the quality, originality and craftsmanship of your work, rather than simply how long you have been practising.
We look for a high standard of craftsmanship, originality and a distinctive approach to your chosen discipline. Please ensure that all images are clearly labelled with your trading name.
Our application forms are fillable PDFs and are best completed on a computer or tablet. Alternatively, you can print the forms, complete them by hand, and return them by email as a scan or photograph, or by post.
Clear images that allow us to assess the quality, style and finish of your work are what matter most. Photographs taken on a mobile phone are perfectly acceptable, provided they are well lit and in focus. A plain, uncluttered background will help your work stand out.
If you are new to exhibiting, you may not yet have a photograph of a previous stand. This is not necessarily a problem. As long as we can clearly assess your work, we can discuss suitable display options and offer guidance where needed.
For further advice, please see our Tips for Newcomers pages.
If your application is successful and you are offered a place at an event, a deposit will be payable in accordance with our Terms and Conditions.
Exhibitors booking space-only stands must provide their own backdrop and display equipment. Alternatively, shell scheme can be hired as an optional extra at most events.
Tables, chairs and electrical power are also available to hire at an additional cost. Outdoor space may be available for certain types of work and display requirements. Please refer to the information for your chosen event for the specific arrangements and options available.
For further guidance on preparing your stand, please see ourTips for Newcomers pages.
Exhibitors booking space-only stands must provide their own backdrop and display equipment. Alternatively, shell scheme can be hired as an optional extra at most events.
We prefer gazebos to be white on the outside. Striped, brightly coloured and black gazebos are not permitted. Please check the requirements for your particular event if you are unsure.
It consists of panels enclosing your stand area and provides a neat, professional display without the need to supply your own backdrop. It can be particularly useful if you are new to exhibiting.
Our shell scheme panels are approximately 2.1 metres high and covered in pale grey, Velcro-compatible fabric, allowing you to attach suitable graphics and display materials.
Please note that screws and nails must not be used on the panels. If you are planning to attach anything to the shell scheme, please ensure that it is suitable for Velcro-compatible fabric.
Many of our stand layouts are arranged back-to-back, so an appropriate backdrop is essential.
Your backdrop must be at least 1.7 metres high and must not exceed 2.4 metres in total height, including any fittings.
We recommend keeping your backdrop to around 2.2 metres wherever possible. Taller structures can appear imposing, affect neighbouring displays and create practical difficulties within the marquee.
If you are unsure whether your proposed display is suitable, please contact us before the event.
However, we strongly recommend applying as early as possible, as our events fill quickly through word of mouth and returning exhibitors. For many disciplines, events can be fully booked by mid-November. Early application gives us the best opportunity to consider your work while space may still be available.
However, you must have a suitable risk assessment in place before participating in your first event with us. Preparing a risk assessment is usually more straightforward than you might expect. We can provide guidance to accepted exhibitors on request.
We strongly recommend arranging appropriate cover before taking part in any public event.
The minimum level of cover required for Craft In Focus events is £2 million. A number of providers offer policies designed specifically for artists, makers and craft fair exhibitors, and annual cover may be more economical than purchasing insurance for individual events.
Please ensure that your policy meets our requirements and covers your exhibiting activities.
Where appropriate, unsuccessful applicants may be placed on a reserve list in case a space becomes available through a cancellation.
We also encourage makers to apply again in the future. We aim to introduce variety into our shows by rotating exhibitors where possible, giving visitors the opportunity to discover new work and new makers each year.
At most events, there is also an opportunity to arrive during the afternoon two days before opening. The precise arrangements will be confirmed in the information for your event.
On show mornings, exhibitors generally have access to their stands approximately 60–90 minutes before opening to prepare for the day. Vehicle access to the show area is generally not permitted on show days, although some exceptions may apply.
Please plan your arrival and set-up accordingly.
If you intend to arrive in a Luton-style van or a large motorhome weighing more than 3,500 kg, please tell us when booking, using the Notes section of your application or booking form.
Some venues have tight turns, restricted access or low overhanging branches near the marquees. Knowing your vehicle requirements in advance allows us to advise you on access and make any necessary arrangements.
There is no additional admission fee specifically to visit the Craft In Focus event beyond the venue's standard admission price. At most events, we also arrange discount codes for exhibitors to share with their customers, offering savings of up to £10 on admission at some venues.
Please check the information for your particular event for details of any available visitor discounts.
Helpers may be directed to designated exhibitor parking areas and access routes rather than the public entrances. Please ensure that anyone assisting you is familiar with the relevant arrangements before arriving on site.
We cannot advise you on how to price your work, but the range of prices at our events is broad, from smaller pieces costing just a few pounds to major works worth many thousands.
Over the years, Craft In Focus has built a reputation for presenting high-quality British craft and contemporary art. Our events attract visitors who appreciate original work and are interested in discovering distinctive pieces for their homes and collections, including higher-value and statement pieces.
We encourage makers to present their work confidently and price it appropriately for their materials, time, skill and the market they serve.
Each event offers a different setting and opportunity to showcase your work. Please visit our website for details of forthcoming events and their locations.
Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with your name, contact details and a brief description of your work, and we will be happy to point you in the right direction.
