Craft Fairs / Events Northern Ireland 2009

Always100FC

Hi folks,

Sorry to gatecrash your discussion, but i've just a quick (or maybe not!) question.

Do any of you sell your products through the internet? (and if not, what are the barriers? e.g. expense, expertise, time etc.)

I've no commercial interest (well unless i stumble upon a brill idea!)

Thanks

Cazo1

bead_mad wrote: »

Just wondering what you do if you hear that there are going to be other people doing the same as you at a fair? Do you go anyway or stay away?

I always ask when I'm booking, and if there is, ask to be placed well apart if possible..I don't mind a bit of competition, .but it is annoying to go to fairs and find maybe 3 or more people selling the same things:mad:

SuperMum2008

bead_mad wrote: »

Just wondering what you do if you hear that there are going to be other people doing the same as you at a fair? Do you go anyway or stay away?

Hi Beadmad - I second the suggestion that you ask not to be put next to someone selling something similar. I always try to remember to ask the organiser who else is going. It also helps give you an idea of how you could tailor your display eg. if you know there are going to be a lot of children or older people.

SuperMum2008

Always100FC wrote: »

Hi folks,

Sorry to gatecrash your discussion, but i've just a quick (or maybe not!) question.

Do any of you sell your products through the internet? (and if not, what are the barriers? e.g. expense, expertise, time etc.)

I've no commercial interest (well unless i stumble upon a brill idea!)

Thanks

Hi Always - yes I sell via the internet. I have an ebay shop, and am also just building a website using Mr Site for some of our goodies. THe only barrier for me is time and money! Probably the same as anyone else. But I figured if I spend £25 at each fair for the table (on average), then a website at £80-ish per year could be a cheaper sideline too. Also, there is a site called ETSY where you can sell your own handmade goodies. My problem is that I dont actually make most of what I sell, it is handmade by a group of women I am connected with in Kathmandu, but it does exclude me from sites like Etsy and others who frown upon you unless you have fingers worn to the bone to prove your skilL!!!

SuperMum2008

Cazo1 wrote: »

Victoria Square Craft Fair

Visit Victoria Square’s Craft Fair, every Sunday throughout June, July and August. With a range of unique Glass, textiles, jewellery, wood, metal, ceramics, furniture, mixed media arts and crafts exhibited and available for purchase.
Sunday 1pm - 5.30pm
Sunday August 30th
Sunday September 6th, 13th, 20th and 27th
Sunday October 4th

saw this today, but don't have any details of cost etc....

Was at Victoria Square yesterday morning - there were a handful of stalls spread around the lower floor, looked a bit spartan to be honest, although the stalls themselves were very professional looking and pretty, with Victoria Square banners around them. Hate to think how much it cost to get a stall? Anyone find out?

angell27

Table at Victoria Square is £8 per day but limited to 12 stands run in conjunction with Belfast City Hall and the centre itself. No vacancies at the moment seems like they just contacted traders from St georges market.

There is a chance that the centre itself will extend up to christmas but at moment no confirmation.

For all you who Pm me re setting up regular crafting event and dedicated forum for good ole nornern ireland old had 4 replies so not sure the interest is there, either that or very few from here visit this site.

Sorry for not replying to each in person but been busy crafting have decided to bite the bullet and attend a craft show in Athlone at end of month.

SuperMum2008

angell27 wrote: »

Table at Victoria Square is £8 per day but limited to 12 stands run in conjunction with Belfast City Hall and the centre itself. No vacancies at the moment seems like they just contacted traders from St georges market.

There is a chance that the centre itself will extend up to christmas but at moment no confirmation.

For all you who Pm me re setting up regular crafting event and dedicated forum for good ole nornern ireland old had 4 replies so not sure the interest is there, either that or very few from here visit this site.

Sorry for not replying to each in person but been busy crafting have decided to bite the bullet and attend a craft show in Athlone at end of month.

Oh £8 isnt bad - was expecting an awful lot more....might be worth a go closer to Christmas if they are open to other traders.
Re the regular crafting event, I think I replied to you but perhaps didnt. I am surprised only 4 people replied - that seems a real shame, and whenver I go to fairs and talk to other traders they always express an interest in as many events as possible. perhaps it is the risk of tying yourself to regular dates when something big could come up at the last minute? Comments from others welcome!

bead_mad

SuperMum2008 wrote: »

Oh £8 isnt bad - was expecting an awful lot more....might be worth a go closer to Christmas if they are open to other traders.
Re the regular crafting event, I think I replied to you but perhaps didnt. I am surprised only 4 people replied - that seems a real shame, and whenver I go to fairs and talk to other traders they always express an interest in as many events as possible. perhaps it is the risk of tying yourself to regular dates when something big could come up at the last minute? Comments from others welcome!

For me it would depend on where and when. I'm not interested in doing Sundays on a regular basis, but a Saturday once a month would be good.

tracey.sherman

Me too, I would be interested in doing Saturdays say once a month and wuld be interested in a dedicated forum as well.

Tracey

SuperMum2008

Sunday September 6th, 13th, 20th and 27th
Sunday October 4th
Victoria Square - no details yet

Sat 20/09/09
? Time
Killyleagh
£25
Part of Viking Festival
Contact Lisa 44 821461

Saturday 17th October
Belmont School Harvest Fair
Ring the school and ask for details - being arranged by Carla on the PTA!

Sat 17/10/09 AND Sun 18/10/09
? Time
? Venue - Possibly Castle Ward
£35 plus £5 electricity plus £5 for pop up shelter
Cheque to “National Trust”
Contact Carol Crozier 44881204
[EMAIL="carole.crozier@nationaltrust.org.uk"]carole.crozier@nationaltrust.org.uk[/EMAIL]

24/10/09
? Time
Banbridge Leisure Centre
£40 - we think this is TOO EXPENSIVE!!! (Unless it is going to be a real go-er of a fair or you live that direction anyway.
Contact Leah Duncan 40660605

01/11/09 TO 30/11/09
? Times
Guildhall Derry/L’Derry
Specifically for Irish Crafts
Contact 71365151

November
Ballynahinch Leisure Centre - details to be confirmed

Sat 21/11/09
12-4
Integrated Primary School, Drumcoo
Enniskillen
£25
Contact Sharon 07732521533
[EMAIL="sharonelliott01@btinternet.com"]sharonelliott01@btinternet.com[/EMAIL]

Sat 21/11/09
? Time
Bangor Abbey Church Halls
£20
Contact Rachel McEvoy 91450487 OR send cheque to her at 99 Owenroe Drive Bangor BT19 1QJ
EARLY BIRD WARNING - 8am START!

Sat 28/11/09
11-5.30
Down County Museum
£25
Contact Geoff Tulip 44 811004
Charging people small entrance fee

Sat 05/12/09
? Time
Bangor Castle Leisure Centre
Contact Colin Martin 07811560771

Sunday 06/12/09
11-4
Balance House
? Cost
Contact [EMAIL="ballancenz@aol.com"]ballancenz@aol.com[/EMAIL] or 92648492 or think belle87 has forms on here![/QUOTE]