Explore 2025 Craft Fairs by Month
Craft fairs and markets are the beating heart of the UK’s creative community, offering a haven for makers, crafters, and artisans to showcase their talent. Whether you’re a seasoned market trader, a budding crafter, or simply someone who loves discovering unique handmade treasures, there’s no shortage of craft fairs near you to explore in 2025.
At CMTIA, we’re passionate about supporting market traders and stallholders with the craft insurance they need to thrive. So, here’s your month-by-month guide to the best craft fairs and markets across the UK this year!
March: Spring into Creativity
1. The Creative Craft Show – Birmingham
Dates: March 13–16
Venue: NEC, Birmingham
One of the UK’s largest craft events, The Creative Craft Show is a vibrant hub for crafters of all skill levels. With hundreds of stalls offering everything from fabrics and papercraft supplies to knitting kits and tools, it’s the perfect place to stock up on essentials. Visitors can enjoy live demonstrations by expert crafters and join hands-on workshops to learn new techniques in embroidery, quilting, and more.
2. The Stitch Festival – London
Dates: March 20–23
Venue: Business Design Centre, London
The Stitch Festival is a must-visit for sewing enthusiasts and textile lovers. It features an extensive marketplace filled with fabrics, patterns, haberdashery supplies, and sewing machines. Workshops are available for all skill levels, covering dressmaking, embroidery, patchwork quilting, and more.
3. Craft Festival – Cheltenham
• Dates: March 21–23
• Venue: Cheltenham Town Hall
This award-winning festival brings together over 100 of the UK’s finest contemporary makers under one roof. From stunning jewellery and ceramics to intricate textiles and woodwork, the Craft Festival celebrates high-quality craftsmanship and creativity. Visitors can enjoy live music and artisan food stalls while browsing unique handmade goods.
5. Craft 4 Crafters Show – Exeter
• Dates: March 27–29
• Venue: Westpoint Centre, Exeter
This three-day event is a highlight for anyone interested in sewing, quilting, textiles, and papercrafts. With approximately 12,000 attendees each year, the Craft 4 Crafters Show offers an extensive range of craft supplies alongside live demonstrations from industry experts. Visitors can also take part in workshops to learn new skills or refine existing ones. For traders in the craft sector, this show provides an excellent opportunity to connect with a large audience of dedicated crafters.
April: Easter Extravaganzas
1. The Makers Market – Manchester
• Dates: April 6
• Venue: Spinningfields, Manchester
The monthly Makers Market is a vibrant celebration of independent makers and artisans. Expect stalls filled with handmade jewellery, quirky homeware, artisan food, and more. It’s a great place to discover unique creations while soaking up the lively atmosphere of Spinningfields.
2. British Craft Trade Fair – Harrogate
• Dates: April 2025 (Exact dates TBC)
• Venue: Yorkshire Event Centre, Harrogate
A staple for professional makers, this trade fair showcases high-quality British crafts to buyers and retailers. From ceramics and textiles to glasswork and jewellery, it’s an excellent opportunity for makers to connect with industry professionals and expand their reach.
3. British Quilt & Stitch Village – Uttoxeter
• Dates: April 25–27
• Venue: Uttoxeter Racecourse, Staffordshire
Perfect for patchworkers, quilters, and embroiderers, this event is packed with exhibitions, workshops, and specialist supplies. Whether you’re looking to hone your skills or stock up on materials, the British Quilt & Stitch Village has everything you need to fuel your creative passion.
4. York Open Studios – York
Dates: April 5–6 & April 12–13
Venue: Various locations across York
York Open Studios offers a rare opportunity to explore the workspaces of local artists and makers in one of the UK’s most historic cities. This event showcases a wide variety of crafts, including ceramics, textiles, fine art, jewellery, and more. Visitors can meet the makers, learn about their creative processes, and purchase one-of-a-kind pieces directly from them.
May: Blooming Creativity
1. Living Crafts Festival – Hatfield Park
• Dates: May 9–12
• Venue: Hatfield House, Hertfordshire
A four-day celebration of British craftsmanship, Living Crafts is known for its exceptional designer-makers. Visitors can immerse themselves in live demonstrations and workshops while browsing unique handmade goods like ceramics, textiles, and glasswork. It’s a creative shopping experience set in the stunning grounds of Hatfield House.
2. Weald of Kent Country Craft Show – Penshurst Place
• Dates: May 3–5
• Venue: Penshurst Place, Tonbridge
Set in the picturesque grounds of Penshurst Place, this event combines craft shopping with family-friendly activities. Browse stalls featuring handmade jewellery, homeware, and artisan food while enjoying live entertainment and children’s workshops.
3. Makers Central – Birmingham
• Dates: May 17–18
• Venue: NEC Birmingham
A fun family event for creators and hobbyists! Makers Central brings together global makers and influencers for hands-on workshops, stage demos, and creative inspiration. From robots to epic builds and cosplay, this show is perfect for those passionate about innovation and craftsmanship.
4. The Handmade Festival – Hampton Court Palace
• Dates: May 24–26
• Venue: Hampton Court Palace
Set against the iconic backdrop of Hampton Court Palace, this festival offers everything from knitting workshops to artisan food tastings. The serene gardens are transformed into an artisan market filled with handmade treasures like jewellery, housewares, and wellness products—making it an unmissable event for crafters and shoppers alike.
June: Summer Markets
1. Art in Clay – Hatfield
• Dates: June 7–9
• Venue: Hatfield House, Hertfordshire
A must-visit for ceramics enthusiasts, Art in Clay is one of Europe’s most prestigious ceramic festivals. Featuring over 200 exhibitors, this event offers a chance to meet talented potters, watch live demonstrations, and shop for stunning handmade pieces. From functional pottery to decorative art, there’s something for every clay lover here.
2. Altrincham Market
• Dates: Every Sunday in June
• Venue: Altrincham, Greater Manchester
Known as one of the UK’s best markets, Altrincham Market is a bustling hub of creativity every Sunday. With an eclectic mix of artisan crafts, vintage finds, and delicious food stalls, it’s the perfect spot for a relaxed day out. Traders and shoppers alike will enjoy the lively atmosphere and variety of handmade goods on offer.
3. Handmade Oxford – The International Contemporary Crafts Festival
• Dates: June 12–14
• Venue: Waterperry Gardens, Oxfordshire
Set in the picturesque surroundings of Waterperry Gardens, this festival brings together over 150 of the UK’s most talented makers. Expect a curated selection of fine arts and crafts, including jewellery, ceramics, textiles, and furniture. Visitors can also enjoy craft workshops, live demonstrations, artisan food stalls, and live music—making it an unforgettable day out for all ages.
July: Outdoor Adventures
1. Exeter Craft Festival
• Dates: July 3–5
• Venue: Cathedral Green, Exeter
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Exeter Cathedral, the Exeter Craft festival celebrates the South West’s most talented artists and makers. With over 100 stalls showcasing everything from jewellery and ceramics to textiles and fine art, it’s a highlight of Exeter’s cultural calendar. Visitors can enjoy live entertainment and delicious food while browsing unique handmade creations.
2. Great Yorkshire Show – Harrogate
• Dates: July 8–11
• Venue: Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate
While primarily an agricultural show, the craft section of the Great Yorkshire Show is not to be missed. Discover handmade goods from across Yorkshire, including textiles, ceramics, and woodwork. With live entertainment, local food stalls, and even a craft beer bar, it’s a fantastic day out for all ages.
3. Desire Jewellery & Silversmithing Fair – Oxford
• Dates: July 11–13
• Venue: Waterperry Gardens, Oxfordshire
This elegant fair is perfect for lovers of fine jewellery and bespoke silversmithing. Featuring some of the UK’s most talented designers, visitors can browse exquisite, handcrafted pieces or commission something truly unique. The stunning Waterperry Gardens add an extra touch of charm to this sophisticated event.
4. Craft in Focus – Henley-on-Thames
• Dates: July 25–27
• Venue: Henley-on-Thames
This highly regarded fair showcases high-quality crafts ranging from textiles and glasswork to ceramics and jewellery. Known for its focus on originality and contemporary design, Craft in Focus is a haven for those seeking unique handmade treasures directly from talented makers.
August: Summer Spectacles
1. Festival of Quilts – Birmingham
• Dates: July 31–August 3
• Venue: NEC, Birmingham
Europe’s largest celebration of patchwork and quilting, the Festival of Quilts is a must-visit for textile enthusiasts. This four-day event features inspiring quilt galleries, hundreds of competition quilts on display, hands-on workshops, and talks by leading experts. The extensive marketplace offers everything from fabrics to sewing machines, making it a paradise for quilters and crafters alike.
2. Contemporary Craft & Design Fair – RHS Garden Hyde Hall
• Dates: August 22–25
• Venue: RHS Garden Hyde Hall, Chelmsford
Set in the beautiful surroundings of RHS Garden Hyde Hall, this fair showcases high-quality contemporary crafts from some of the UK’s finest makers. Expect a wide variety of handmade goods, including jewellery, ceramics, textiles, glasswork, and more. Visitors can enjoy live demonstrations and shop directly from talented artisans while exploring the stunning gardens.
September: Autumn Inspiration
1. The Creative Craft Show – Farnborough
• Dates: September 4–6
• Venue: Farnborough International Exhibition and Conference Centre
This show is a haven for craft enthusiasts, offering everything from knitting and cross-stitch to paper crafting, jewellery, and dressmaking. Visitors can explore exhibitor stalls brimming with kits, patterns, fabrics, and tools while enjoying live demonstrations and hands-on workshops. New features like the Stitching Show add even more opportunities to discover soft crafts like sewing and embroidery.
2. The Handmade Fair – Bowood House
• Dates: September 27–29
• Venue: Bowood House, Wiltshire
Set in the stunning surroundings of Bowood House, this fair is perfect for discovering new crafting techniques through workshops led by skilled artisans. Visitors can browse high-quality handmade goods ranging from textiles and ceramics to jewellery and woodwork. With its relaxed atmosphere and beautiful setting, this event offers an inspiring day out for craft lovers of all ages.
October: Cosy Creations
1. The Knitting & Stitching Show – Alexandra Palace
• Dates: October 10–13
• Venue: Alexandra Palace, London
The UK’s premier textile craft event, The Knitting & Stitching Show, is a paradise for textile enthusiasts. With over 250 workshops led by top tutors, live demonstrations at The Creative Living Theatre, and inspiring galleries showcasing work from renowned textile artists, there’s something for everyone. Visitors can shop from hundreds of exhibitors offering yarns, patterns, fabrics, and sewing supplies. It’s the ultimate destination for anyone passionate about knitting, embroidery, crochet, or dressmaking.
2. Harrogate Autumn Flower Show
• Dates: October 25–27
• Venue: Newby Hall & Gardens, Harrogate
While known for its stunning floral displays and award-winning gardens, the Harrogate Autumn Flower Show also features a dedicated craft pavilion filled with handmade treasures. From artisan gifts to seasonal treats, this event offers a unique shopping experience alongside live talks, gardening demonstrations, and access to Newby Hall’s beautiful grounds.
November: Festive Preparations
1. Craft 4 Crafters Show – Bath
• Dates: November 27–29
• Venue: Bath & West Showground, Somerset
This festive edition of the Craft 4 Crafters Show is a haven for textile lovers and hobby crafters. Featuring a dedicated quilt gallery, hands-on workshops, and live demonstrations, it’s an inspiring event for anyone passionate about sewing, dressmaking, or papercrafts. Visitors can shop for hard-to-find supplies and meet renowned fibre artists and authors. For traders, it’s an excellent platform to connect with a creative and engaged audience just in time for the holiday season.
Why Choose CMTIA For Craft Insurance?
At CMTIA, we understand how much effort goes into preparing for craft fairs and markets. That’s why we provide tailored insurance solutions designed specifically for market traders and crafters like you.
If you’re selling handmade crafts at a market stall, don’t forget that you’ll need Market Traders Insurance to protect your business. Buy your crafters insurance policy online at CMTIA, or contact our friendly team for advice. We’re here to support you every step of the way as you build your crafting journey!
