List of Antique, Vintage and Collectable Fairs April 2013

It's that time again when I compile my list of vintage, antique and collectables fairs.  All these fairs are taking place in the month of April and I have tried to include some new ones.  I have also added a link to the website where possible so do click to check times and dates.  If there are any other fairs that you would like to be included then please let me know.

Photo Courtesy of Arun fairs

Its no joke but the first fair of April is the Goodwood Racecourse Antiques and Collectors fair Monday 1st April.  Doors open 9am-4pm.  I haven't been to this fair for a long long time but it was always worth a trip especially as it only happens on bank holidays at Goodwood Racecourse.  Trade can go in from 7am. 300 plus stalls inside and out so there's bound to be something that takes your fancy.

Image courtesy of iacf

The largest event of its kind in Europe is the Newark International Antiques and Collectors Fair.  This is run by iacf who also run Ardingly and the sheer size o the fair has to be seen to be believed!  It is so huge and will easily take a day to get round maybe even two so its lucky that the first day entry also allows you entry on the Friday too.  The next fair is Thursday 4th April and Friday 5th April.  Doors open 9am-6pm Thursday and 8am-4pm Friday.  £20 entry on Thursday but this also allows you entry on Friday.  There are up to 2500 stalls to see so take a good pair of walking shoes and plenty of refreshments for refuelling.  Mark always has a slump and then he starts getting a bit niggly and not wanting to wander round anymore so I've learnt to make sure I have plenty of snacks to keep him going!  Only been twice but desperately want to go again, well worth the trek.

A bit closer to home for me is the Johnny Loves June Vintage & Handmade fair on Saturday 6th April.  Doors open 11am.  I have never been to this fair so do not know what its like but my friend and fellow stall holder Emily from Love Emily Vintage is going to be having a stall and she always sells lovely things so if her stall is anything to go by then all the others will be great too.  I also see they have a singing trio and jive demo which always adds to the atmosphere and makes it feel a bit like a vintage party!

photo courtesy of whitstablepeople.co.uk

On Saturday 6th April is Mainwaring's Seaside Brocante.  Doors open at 10am at St Mary's Hall, Whitstable.  I've been once and thought the fair was good and it certainly has a following and is popular with the London set.  On offer are vintage fabrics and clothing, silverware, antique jewellery, kitchenalia, home sewn vintage items, decorative antiques and homewares.  Whitstable is a wonderful old seaside town and its well worth going for the day out.  Lots of other vintage shops to peruse and of course the seafood and oysters are a must.  If the sun is shining and you fancy a realxing day mooching about then I'd recommend this fair and all the delights Whitstable has to offer.

According to their website Frock Me! is the original London Vintage fashion fair with a huge cult following.  It will take place on Sunday 7th April at Chelsea Town Hall, King's Road, Chelsea and doors open 11am.  It looks as though there is something for everyone and you're bound to find something special.  You might even bump into a celebrity or two!

Sunbury Antiques Market

My favourite!  That's right its Sunbury Antiques Market held at Kempton Racecourse.  The first fair in April is Tuesday 9th April and as always entry is free, parking is free and doors open at 6.30am.  A word of advice, take a torch with you if you get there really early although it may not matter as much when the clocks go back.  Its handy just so you can see a bit clearer and that you really are buying something that's blue and not fluorescent yellow!  Always remember to take LOTS of money too.

A new fair that started in March is the new monthly Cuckfield Vintage Emporium run by Darcy who also co-organises the hugely successful Village-Vintage events with Lucy from Love Lane Vintage.  This new fair is held at the Queen's Hall Cuckfield and the next one is Friday 12th April.  Doors open 11am.  A great range of sellers plus a rather fabulous clothes rail with lots of high end pre loved brands to be had.  Tory's cafe is serving the refreshments and you have to try the sausage rolls, absolutely delicious!

One I haven't heard of before but it sounded interesting is Dairy House Antiques 4th Annual Vintage Textile and Costume day.  I know there are an awful lot of people who love vintage textiles and costumes so I thought I would include it in my list.  It is on Sunday 14th April and doors open 10am.  It is being held at Station Road, Semley, Shaftsbury and is free entry and free parking.  There will be an array of antique and vintage textiles, clothing and other decorative items.  I think that the Dairy House has a good reputation so if textiles are your thing then give it a go!

Tuesday 16th April sees the doors open at 11am for the Sandown Park Antique and Vintage Fair.  300 stalls coming together to sell antiques, vintage, textiles, collectables and so much more.  Plus they have a unique starting point, doors open at 11am when a whistle sounds and that's when the dealers start unloading their wares.  So as the public go in, the dealers start putting their wares out.  It can be a little chaotic the first time you go as everything isn't already neatly set out for you but it adds to the fun and its a good market.  I've found lots of interesting little bits and pieces that I haven't seen anywhere else.  I haven't been for a while but they seem to deal mainly in smalls rather than large pieces of furniture.

My old faithful, The Sussex Country Brocante!  This month though the brocante will be on a Saturday adding a new dynamic to the fair.  There will still be many of your favourite stallholders plus some new faces and doors still open at 11am.  The date to put in your diary is Saturday 20th April.  Just follow the bunting and signs to Wisborough Green Village Hall.  A firm favourite for both atmosphere and quality of items.

The Spring Vintage Bazaar

As you know I had my first stall at The Vintage Bazaar in Devizes and now they're back in their usual location of Frome for The Spring Vintage Bazaar in Frome. The date is Saturday April 20th and doors open at 9am.  I'm a bit gutted about this as I'm not going to be able to make it and you all know how much I enjoyed Devizes.  Never mind as in only a week's time there will be another Vintage Bazaar that I will be attending, hooray!  Lots of wonderful stallholders will be at Frome and if you click on the link above you will be able to see who will be attending.  In my experience these fairs are well organised, well attended, interesting and full of things you just have to buy!

Detling Antiques Fair

Detling International Antiques & Collectors Fair is on Saturday 20th April and doors open 8.30am for trade and 10am for public.  Outside they have stalls selling larger pieces of furniture and inside is where you will find the smalls.  Generally about 300 stalls.

This is one I've never been to before but it looks interesting.  The Vintage Parade is held at Winchester Guildhall, Hampshire and doors open 11am on Sunday 21st April.  It looks like a fun fair with plenty of vintage stalls and live music to keep you entertained.

The Bath VA Vintage Fashion Fair is on Sunday 21st April and doors open 9.30am.  If you are a vintage fashion lover then this is the fair for you.  Held at Green Park Station in Bath and with free entry. this sounds like the perfect way to spend a Sunday especially as you can explore the beautiful city of Bath afterwards (I would recommend the Thermae Bath Spa for afters!).

The biggest fair in the South East is back on Tuesday 23rd April and Wednesday 24th April.  Doors open 9am Tues and 8am Wed.  I really enjoy Ardingly Antiques and Collectors Fair especially when the sun is shining as its lovely to be out in the fresh air perusing all the wonderful stalls.  My favourites are always the outside marquee tents.  There are up to 1700 stalls so you are bound to find something you want.  Remember the first day is always £20 entry but does allow for entry on Wed too.

Friday 26th April sees the second Country Fair and Antiques held in the pretty village of Loxwood at the Village Hall.  There's a vintage tearoom, outdoor swing/play area for children, free parking and of course lots of beautiful stalls selling your vintage wants and needs.

The Vintage Bazaar in Hartley Wintney

See I told you that you wouldn't have to wait long till the next Vintage Bazaar!  This time they are in Hartley Wintney at the Victoria Hall in West Green Road on Saturday 27th April and doors open 9.30am.  Really looking forward to this as I will have my first stand here.  I had visited the first Hartley Wintney fair last year and you can read about my experience here.  A great fair as a buyer so I'm looking forward to seeing what its like on the other side so to speak!

The Very Vintage Rottingdean Fair is on Saturday 27th April and doors open at 10am.  This sounds like a lovely little fair especially as there is a vintage Ice Cream van, hair and make up styling, tea shop and of course all the stalls selling vintage fashion, crafts and more!

Other fairs include:

• Belles Bridal Bazaar Brighton Saturday 27th April.  Doors open 12pm

• Festival of Vintage York Saturday 27th April and Sunday 28th April.  Doors open 10am

• Jukebox & Retro Fair  Saturday 27th April and Sunday 28th April.  Doors open 10am

• The Brighton Vintage Fair, Corn Exchange, Sunday 28th April.  Doors open at 12pm

•  Past And Present Fairs, St Mary's Hall Whitstable.  Sunday 28th April. Doors open 10.30am
• And finally the last Sunbury Antiques Market of the month is Tuesday 30th April.  Doors open 6.30am
  
  Please remember to click on the links to check for times etc.  Above are just a list of fairs which I have compiled to try and help make visiting some of these fairs a bit easier. All opinions are my own.

I really hope that the list helps especially as there are so many in April.  I've tried to list a varied amount and would love to hear from any of you who have visited or will be visiting to find out what you think of them.  Also please do let me know if there are any that I haven't included but you think should be on the list.

Happy Hunting Everyone!