March 2017

WARWICKSHIRE MEANS BUSINESS

Handmade Fair will bring tourists flocking to Warwickshire

Warwickshire's craft and tourist industries will receive some impetus in May when the county hosts the first Kirstie Allsopp’s Handmade Fair event to be held outside London.

The Fair, in its fourth year, has been previously held only at Hampton Court Palace in London but this year will also take place in the grounds of Ragley Hall, near Alcester, from May 12 to 14.

With more than 8,000 visitors expected to attend, the three days will generate considerable footfall for the local traders while also providing a high-profile showcase for the breadth and quality of crafts expertise around the county.

And it is a great tribute to the county that it was to Warwickshire that the organisers looked when they decided to take the event on the road for the first time.

“With Shakespeare’s birthplace on its doorstep, and some needle heritage in Studley, Warwickshire is an area steeped in culture which makes it the perfect fit for Kirstie Allsopp’s Handmade Fair," said Ali Atkinson, group marketing manager at the organisers Brand Events.

"We wanted a venue that was visually stunning and would help us create a similar look and feel to our flagship event at Hampton Court Palace. Ragley is a great fit."

The annual event has become a staple in the craft industry calendar and its arrival in Warwickshire brings a great opportunity for the county's craftspeople in their own back yard.

Warwickshire-based exhibitors at the fair will include:

* Jayne Emerson (http://jayneemerson.co.uk/workshops-2/

* Toft Alpacas (http://www.thetoftalpacashop.co.uk)

* Sew Me Something (http://www.sewmesomething.co.uk/

* Rachel Higgins http://www.courtleetstudio.co.uk/rachel_higgins.html

* Candid Owl https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/Candidowl.

 If you would like to inquire about exhibiting at the Fair, or to find out more details about the event, please contact the show manager Freya Cromarty (Tel: 03300 555 735, email: freyac@brandevents.co.uk).

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