The Next Fair Will Be On Saturday 2nd April 2016!
(That's the weekend AFTER Easter!)
We’re looking for people in and around Penge who make stuff and want to showcase and sell it!
Because there’s been so much interest in the fair, and because it always fills up so fast, I’ve decided to find a bit more space for a couple more stalls. So this time around, alongside the usual 20 indoor stalls we have up for grabs, we’ll have 2 outdoor stalls* available too! Both indoor and outdoor stalls come with table and chairs and are the same price for the day - £10. I’ve put the price up by £2 for 2016. The extra £2 per person will be going towards the cost of advertising for the fair, which is generally vast! It won’t cover everything, but it will help, and I don’t want to put the price up beyond a tenner, because I want to make the fair reasonably priced and accessible to all.
The theme of our April 2016 fair (there’s always a theme – you can choose to go with it or not, it’s completely up to you!) will be WORDS, which you can interpret in any way you want. Song lyrics, poetry, prose, words you like…it’s going to be a veritable feast of wonderful wordplay. With the word ‘PENGE’ decorating the walls in big letters!
So – would you like a stall?
Please read on, and make sure SE20 Craft Fair is the right craft fair for you…
We’re a small fair in a hall attached to the side of Penge Congregational Church, with entrance via Kenilworth Road. We’ve been going since 2012 and growing since then, chiefly via word of mouth. We’re less about PROFIT and more about COMMUNITY and while I want to get as many people in through the doors and in front of our crafts as I can, the concept of ‘footfall’ is not something I’m particularly interested in. The priority is really having a community event that gives a platform to talented local people who make things and who perhaps don’t have anywhere to display it, and don’t feel ready for a massive, professional craft fair yet.
Want to experiment with table displays, prices, products? Whilst being cheered on by 19 likeminded people all in the same boat? Happy to spread the word, get into the collaborative spirit of the fair and even draw up some posters for the event if that’s your thing? Live in Penge or the surrounding area? You don’t need a web site or even a company name to be part of things. As long as you make things and want to show them off and gain experience for the future – we want to hear from you!
( If you’re not from the area or if you’re a professional crafter looking to be part of the community – that’s fine too! But please read our values carefully and decide if this is your thing.)
Here’s what to do:
Shoot an e-mail to [email protected] with the following information:-
Your name
What you make
The price range of your products (typically, we sell products ranging from £1 to £20)
Photos of your stuff! (A web address is great if you have it, but if not, never fear. I would like to see some photos though. They don’t have to be posh pictures)
I will then get in touch with you. Please allow a couple of days! No money is required at this stage, although all confirmed stallholders will be asked to pay the full £10 at some point before the fair.
And that’s about it! I hope to hear from you soon. And I can’t wait for the wordiest SE20 Craft Fair yet! (I’ll be using the theme to pay a tribute to the late great local boy David Bowie, [probably in cross stitch form!)
Have questions? Please scroll down to read my handy FAQ, titled Handy FAQ.
Christina xx
*Outdoor stalls will be the first to get seen but also the first to be affected by WEATHER! If you want one of these stalls, please bring your own overhead covering, we don’t provide them.
Because there’s been so much interest in the fair, and because it always fills up so fast, I’ve decided to find a bit more space for a couple more stalls. So this time around, alongside the usual 20 indoor stalls we have up for grabs, we’ll have 2 outdoor stalls* available too! Both indoor and outdoor stalls come with table and chairs and are the same price for the day - £10. I’ve put the price up by £2 for 2016. The extra £2 per person will be going towards the cost of advertising for the fair, which is generally vast! It won’t cover everything, but it will help, and I don’t want to put the price up beyond a tenner, because I want to make the fair reasonably priced and accessible to all.
The theme of our April 2016 fair (there’s always a theme – you can choose to go with it or not, it’s completely up to you!) will be WORDS, which you can interpret in any way you want. Song lyrics, poetry, prose, words you like…it’s going to be a veritable feast of wonderful wordplay. With the word ‘PENGE’ decorating the walls in big letters!
So – would you like a stall?
Please read on, and make sure SE20 Craft Fair is the right craft fair for you…
We’re a small fair in a hall attached to the side of Penge Congregational Church, with entrance via Kenilworth Road. We’ve been going since 2012 and growing since then, chiefly via word of mouth. We’re less about PROFIT and more about COMMUNITY and while I want to get as many people in through the doors and in front of our crafts as I can, the concept of ‘footfall’ is not something I’m particularly interested in. The priority is really having a community event that gives a platform to talented local people who make things and who perhaps don’t have anywhere to display it, and don’t feel ready for a massive, professional craft fair yet.
Want to experiment with table displays, prices, products? Whilst being cheered on by 19 likeminded people all in the same boat? Happy to spread the word, get into the collaborative spirit of the fair and even draw up some posters for the event if that’s your thing? Live in Penge or the surrounding area? You don’t need a web site or even a company name to be part of things. As long as you make things and want to show them off and gain experience for the future – we want to hear from you!
( If you’re not from the area or if you’re a professional crafter looking to be part of the community – that’s fine too! But please read our values carefully and decide if this is your thing.)
Here’s what to do:
Shoot an e-mail to [email protected] with the following information:-
Your name
What you make
The price range of your products (typically, we sell products ranging from £1 to £20)
Photos of your stuff! (A web address is great if you have it, but if not, never fear. I would like to see some photos though. They don’t have to be posh pictures)
I will then get in touch with you. Please allow a couple of days! No money is required at this stage, although all confirmed stallholders will be asked to pay the full £10 at some point before the fair.
And that’s about it! I hope to hear from you soon. And I can’t wait for the wordiest SE20 Craft Fair yet! (I’ll be using the theme to pay a tribute to the late great local boy David Bowie, [probably in cross stitch form!)
Have questions? Please scroll down to read my handy FAQ, titled Handy FAQ.
Christina xx
*Outdoor stalls will be the first to get seen but also the first to be affected by WEATHER! If you want one of these stalls, please bring your own overhead covering, we don’t provide them.
Handy FAQ!
Where is SE20 Craft Fair?
It’s at the Kenilworth Hall which has its entrance on Kenilworth Road, just up from Penge High Street, near Sainsbury’s. It’s easy to find from the main road but we always put signs with big arrows up on the main road, so people know where to come! It’s near several bus stops and mainline train stations and tram stops too.
How much is a stall at SE20 Craft Fair?
£10, and for that you get a table, 2 chairs (but there are plenty more if you need them) and the whole craft fair to trade, learn, banter and drink tea. You also get an hour at the beginning to set up your stall and up to half an hour at the end to take down you stall (although generally the consensus is ‘the quicker we get this done, the quicker we can go to the pub’)
How big are the tables?
They are trestle tables and measure 6 feet by 2 feet, 9 inches. The table tops are brown. If you like brown, leave it bare! Otherwise, cover it up with a fun tablecloth.
Can I bring my own table?
Please don’t, as it is likely there will not be room for it. Tables and chairs are all provided, gazebos for outdoor stalls are not!
How long is the fair?
SE20 Craft Fair runs from 11am to 4pm, with an hour’s set up before that. Aim to arrive at 10am or just after.
I’ve never done a craft fair before. Arg! Should I apply?
Yes. So many of our stallholders started out at previous SE20 Craft Fairs having never done a fair before. It’s a relaxed and supportive environment to learn, try things out, network and grow your business. If it doesn’t work out perfectly then it doesn’t matter! Nobody is judging you, just admiring your beautiful handmade products.
Can I sell things that I haven’t made?
Nope, it’s a craft fair. Please apply if you’ve made at least some part of the item, or someone you know has. Bakers, artists, photographers, makers all welcome. But this is not the place for tombolas, raffles, fairground games, bought food and drink, bought toys and clothes or jumble sale items. Even though I love all those things dearly.
What is your average footfall?
I don’t keep count, because this is not my biggest priority, and I hope that if you’re coming to sell at SE20 Craft Fair, then it isn’t yours either. Don’t get me wrong, footfall is important otherwise no one will see our lovely stuff that we’ve made and no one will buy it. But this event is so much more about community and having fun and meeting each other and developing as a crafter than purely about packing the place out and getting everyone to spend hundreds. What I will say is that the fair gets fuller and fuller every time we put one on. Here are some photos of what the room generally looks like during craft fair hours. I hope this helps you get an idea of what to expect! (Also, please TELL PEOPLE about the fair! Best way to increase footfall by far)
Where is SE20 Craft Fair?
It’s at the Kenilworth Hall which has its entrance on Kenilworth Road, just up from Penge High Street, near Sainsbury’s. It’s easy to find from the main road but we always put signs with big arrows up on the main road, so people know where to come! It’s near several bus stops and mainline train stations and tram stops too.
How much is a stall at SE20 Craft Fair?
£10, and for that you get a table, 2 chairs (but there are plenty more if you need them) and the whole craft fair to trade, learn, banter and drink tea. You also get an hour at the beginning to set up your stall and up to half an hour at the end to take down you stall (although generally the consensus is ‘the quicker we get this done, the quicker we can go to the pub’)
How big are the tables?
They are trestle tables and measure 6 feet by 2 feet, 9 inches. The table tops are brown. If you like brown, leave it bare! Otherwise, cover it up with a fun tablecloth.
Can I bring my own table?
Please don’t, as it is likely there will not be room for it. Tables and chairs are all provided, gazebos for outdoor stalls are not!
How long is the fair?
SE20 Craft Fair runs from 11am to 4pm, with an hour’s set up before that. Aim to arrive at 10am or just after.
I’ve never done a craft fair before. Arg! Should I apply?
Yes. So many of our stallholders started out at previous SE20 Craft Fairs having never done a fair before. It’s a relaxed and supportive environment to learn, try things out, network and grow your business. If it doesn’t work out perfectly then it doesn’t matter! Nobody is judging you, just admiring your beautiful handmade products.
Can I sell things that I haven’t made?
Nope, it’s a craft fair. Please apply if you’ve made at least some part of the item, or someone you know has. Bakers, artists, photographers, makers all welcome. But this is not the place for tombolas, raffles, fairground games, bought food and drink, bought toys and clothes or jumble sale items. Even though I love all those things dearly.
What is your average footfall?
I don’t keep count, because this is not my biggest priority, and I hope that if you’re coming to sell at SE20 Craft Fair, then it isn’t yours either. Don’t get me wrong, footfall is important otherwise no one will see our lovely stuff that we’ve made and no one will buy it. But this event is so much more about community and having fun and meeting each other and developing as a crafter than purely about packing the place out and getting everyone to spend hundreds. What I will say is that the fair gets fuller and fuller every time we put one on. Here are some photos of what the room generally looks like during craft fair hours. I hope this helps you get an idea of what to expect! (Also, please TELL PEOPLE about the fair! Best way to increase footfall by far)
Will there be refreshments available for stallholders?
Why yes, yes there will! My fantastic Mum and Reverend of Penge Congregational Church fires up the urn and puts on free tea and coffee (and sometimes squash) for everyone who comes to the fair, whether you be stallholder or guest. There’s always a collection plate collecting for a local charity or for future SE20 Craft Fairs but it’s not mandatory at all.
Also, some of the stallholders make cakes! They are not free. But they are delicious. (Bring lunch though, it does not do to be totally hopped up on sugar by 11.30am. Believe me, I know!)
Is there parking near the fair?
Yes and for the time being anyway, on-street parking is free in Kenilworth Road and the next couple of roads over. There’s also Sainsbury’s car park not far away, which is also free.
Can I sign up for a stall and then decide later on whether I want to do it or not?
Nooo, please be sure about having a stall if you sign up! I know £10 isn’t a lot to lose if you get cold feet or you get busy but please let me know so I can re-allocate the stall! There’s usually a long waiting list.
Can I have my £10 back if I have to cancel my place?
The whole £10 is not refundable I’m afraid. £5 is refundable if you cancel up to 72 hours before fair time. Any time after that, and none of it is refundable. This bit of the FAQ is well harsh. Sorry about that.
Do I need any kind of insurance?
The hall is covered by public liability insurance but there are various kinds of insurance that will protect your products, so please do look into that. It’s not mandatory for the fair but it will give you piece of mind, and it’s not usually very expensive.
Can I sell alcohol that I have made?
The hall does not have a license for selling alcohol, and the owners of the hall prefer that people don’t sell alcohol on the premises, so this one is off limits I’m afraid.
If I get bored, can I pack up and go home before the end of the fair?
I really hope you don’t get bored! A walkout has only happened once thank goodness! But please, if you get all settled down and then you aren’t enjoying yourself, please try and stay to the end! It might improve for you. Drink some tea, chat to some people near you. Obviously if there is an emergency then you gotta go, but otherwise, I do ask that everyone stays until the end. People leaving early leaves gaps and damages morale. I’m not going to hold you prisoner but please, if you book yourself a stall, please be prepared to stay all day.
Are electrical sockets available?
Yes! But not everywhere in the hall so please write on your booking form if you need one, and I will place you near one, or find an extension cable if I can’t.
Can I bring music?
Yes, and I actively encourage this!
Can I use floor and wall space as well as my table?
If there is blank wall space behind you then please do, but no hammering of nails please! Likewise, with floor space, if there is spare floor space next to your table, please use it, but do not block exits or walkways, and please be respectful of other stallholders and their spaces! If there is communal space near your stall, perhaps suggest sharing it with a stall holder near you.
Will there be wheelchair access?
There is wheelchair access into the hall at a side entrance that is not immediately visible, so I’m looking into getting a ramp sorted for the main entrance. Get in touch if you want to find out more about disabled access.
Are there toilets in the hall?
Yep, just off the hall there are male, female and disabled access toilets.
Where will my stall be located?
If you’ve specified an outdoor stall then it will be outdoors, otherwise you’ll be indoors, and I allocate stalls based on any special requirements people have and then the rest are random, although I try not to put similar stalls together unless I can’t help it. The important thing to know is that everyone gets the same amount of stall space.
What is the feel of SE20 Craft Fair?
Fun fun fun!
Why yes, yes there will! My fantastic Mum and Reverend of Penge Congregational Church fires up the urn and puts on free tea and coffee (and sometimes squash) for everyone who comes to the fair, whether you be stallholder or guest. There’s always a collection plate collecting for a local charity or for future SE20 Craft Fairs but it’s not mandatory at all.
Also, some of the stallholders make cakes! They are not free. But they are delicious. (Bring lunch though, it does not do to be totally hopped up on sugar by 11.30am. Believe me, I know!)
Is there parking near the fair?
Yes and for the time being anyway, on-street parking is free in Kenilworth Road and the next couple of roads over. There’s also Sainsbury’s car park not far away, which is also free.
Can I sign up for a stall and then decide later on whether I want to do it or not?
Nooo, please be sure about having a stall if you sign up! I know £10 isn’t a lot to lose if you get cold feet or you get busy but please let me know so I can re-allocate the stall! There’s usually a long waiting list.
Can I have my £10 back if I have to cancel my place?
The whole £10 is not refundable I’m afraid. £5 is refundable if you cancel up to 72 hours before fair time. Any time after that, and none of it is refundable. This bit of the FAQ is well harsh. Sorry about that.
Do I need any kind of insurance?
The hall is covered by public liability insurance but there are various kinds of insurance that will protect your products, so please do look into that. It’s not mandatory for the fair but it will give you piece of mind, and it’s not usually very expensive.
Can I sell alcohol that I have made?
The hall does not have a license for selling alcohol, and the owners of the hall prefer that people don’t sell alcohol on the premises, so this one is off limits I’m afraid.
If I get bored, can I pack up and go home before the end of the fair?
I really hope you don’t get bored! A walkout has only happened once thank goodness! But please, if you get all settled down and then you aren’t enjoying yourself, please try and stay to the end! It might improve for you. Drink some tea, chat to some people near you. Obviously if there is an emergency then you gotta go, but otherwise, I do ask that everyone stays until the end. People leaving early leaves gaps and damages morale. I’m not going to hold you prisoner but please, if you book yourself a stall, please be prepared to stay all day.
Are electrical sockets available?
Yes! But not everywhere in the hall so please write on your booking form if you need one, and I will place you near one, or find an extension cable if I can’t.
Can I bring music?
Yes, and I actively encourage this!
Can I use floor and wall space as well as my table?
If there is blank wall space behind you then please do, but no hammering of nails please! Likewise, with floor space, if there is spare floor space next to your table, please use it, but do not block exits or walkways, and please be respectful of other stallholders and their spaces! If there is communal space near your stall, perhaps suggest sharing it with a stall holder near you.
Will there be wheelchair access?
There is wheelchair access into the hall at a side entrance that is not immediately visible, so I’m looking into getting a ramp sorted for the main entrance. Get in touch if you want to find out more about disabled access.
Are there toilets in the hall?
Yep, just off the hall there are male, female and disabled access toilets.
Where will my stall be located?
If you’ve specified an outdoor stall then it will be outdoors, otherwise you’ll be indoors, and I allocate stalls based on any special requirements people have and then the rest are random, although I try not to put similar stalls together unless I can’t help it. The important thing to know is that everyone gets the same amount of stall space.
What is the feel of SE20 Craft Fair?
Fun fun fun!
Recap!
E-mail me at [email protected] telling me your name, what you make, your price range and include a couple of pictures and I'll get back to you as soon as I can!