Craft Fairs Norfolk
So what is a craft fair and where can you find one? Wikipedia describes them as "organised events to display crafts by a number of exhibitors"; and a craft is a skill especially involving practical skills. It may refer to a trade or particular art." So Crafts Fairs are an opportunity for ordinary people to showcase and sell their handmade products. The organiser of a good craft fair will ensure that there is a diversity of different products and skills on show, unless it is a fair for a specific type of craft e.g. jewellery.
So in a local craft fair there may be jewellery makers, wood turners, handmade greetings cards, candle makers, handmade soap makers, glass ornament makers, artists, photographers, picture frame makers, garment makers, hand spun yarn makers ironmongers, jam makers, pickle makers, rag doll makers, silk flower makers, embroiderers and many more. Indeed, a little while taken to browse the stalls of a craft fair can lead to some unusual and good quality items. However, craft fairs are run by different groups.
Groups of crafters - These are usually a group of people who attend fairs regularly, and who form a group in order to book venues in advance to advertise events. The Wells craft Group is such an organisation. It holds craft fairly regularly in the Maltings at Wells Next the Sea, Norfolk (please see List of craft fairs for further details).
Charities which hire venues in advance and then hire out stall space for arts and craft fairs. Any profit then made on the hiring goes to charity. Again the organiser will usually try to ensure a diversity of crafts. A good example of a charity event would be the Sandingham Flower Show. This flower show and craft fair was the late Queen Mothers favourite charity event. Prince Charles now attends each July
Businesses, such as Living Heritage,promote craft fairs in England during the course of the year, at such sites as Sandringham in Norfolk, and Gatcombe Park in Gloucestershire. They charge an entry fee to each event.
Occasionally organisers allow in merchants who are not crafters but offer goods there have purchased to sell on at a profit. That is not to say that the buyer does not get good value, but it probably does dilute the base principle to a degree.
Finally - where can you find art craft fairs? Local craft fairs are held all over the Country, at any location that can be hired by the day. That includes Townhalls, church halls, village halls, I even do one in an actual church at Fakenham in Norfolk. Look up arts & crafts fairs in your local newspaper's "what's on" section.
Enjoy a day out at Wells soon perhaps, and come and browse around a well managed and interesting craft fair. You never know, you may pick up something unusual and different from those sold on the High street.