Below is the information you need, to exhibit at our events. We really appreciate your support.
Information for Exhibitors
Thank you for your interest. Below you’ll find details of our confirmed events. More events will be added when details and contracts are finalised.
We’re always pleased to welcome new faces to our events, as well as “regulars”. If you need any advice or have any questions, just let us know.
Our events do vary in style and in content, so we try hard to describe them accurately for you. Please read the details and let us know if you want more information.
In recent years we’ve staged Craft and Design Shows, Contemporary Craft Shows, Christmas Markets, and Craft Marquees within other shows. We aim to produce well-organised, professional events with realistic stand fees for exhibitors. Although Woodland Crafts Events Management have organised hundreds of events over the past thirty years, we never forget that we were (and still are) exhibitors ourselves!
We very much hope you’ll be able to join us!
Paul & Lynn Bishopp
Don’t forget to bookmark this page so you can refer to our Exhibitor’s information easily and see any additional shows that are added throughout the coming year.
Do you need more information or have any additional questions?
Please view our Frequently Asked Questions section which should answer most queries you have.
However, if you require any other information or have any additional questions, please get in touch. You can call us on 01243 641306 or email us by clicking on the button below:
Email us today
Here’s all the information you need about exhibiting at our events
To open each section, simply click on the headings below. To close, just click the heading again.
Section 1: Requirements
General:
We like to make sure our events are enjoyable, friendly, and problem-free for all exhibitors. We try to avoid unnecessary “rules”, but we do expect certain standards of presentation and conduct. Exhibitors are expected to present their stands smartly and comply with trading standards legislation as well as general health and safety requirements. We like to ensure that customers visiting our events are treated politely, fairly, and honestly. We have a very good reputation, and we expect all exhibitors to behave in a professional manner. For exhibitors new to the business, this doesn’t mean you need expensive stands and equipment. It simply means that you need to behave professionally, your products need to be of good quality and your stand, display, tables etc. need to be tidy, safe, and smart. We treat customers the way they should expect to be treated by a reputable and honest business. We also ensure that all exhibitors are protected from unreasonable behaviour from other exhibitors. We’re always happy to help with advice so do call us or email if you have any questions.
Insurance:
You must have insurance for “Public and Products Liability” Insurance cover levels vary at each venue (see event details). Currently, a minimum of £2 million cover is generally required but at some venues the minimum is £5 million. We strongly recommend a minimum of £5 million everywhere. Cover can be arranged easily and cheaply (from around £60 per year for £5m). We must have a copy of your policy at least 2 weeks before the event. N.B. If you would like more information about obtaining cover, please let us know.
Electrical equipment:
In accordance with health and safety legislation, any electrical equipment you use at events must be maintained in safe condition. To be confident of this, we require that your lights, extension leads, electrical tools etc. must be P.A.T. tested, certificated, and carrying a current sticker, less than a year old, this includes any new equipment. We have test equipment and we can sometimes test and certify items for you at the events if you arrange this with us in advance. Call or email us if you need to know more.
Section 2: Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Are stand fees shown “per day” or for the whole event?
A. Fees shown are for the whole of each event. We don’t accept bookings for single days.
Q. Do I need insurance?
A. Yes. You cannot take part in our events without it. You need a specific policy to cover Public and Products liability. This will cover your liabilities for any injuries or damages etc. caused by your involvement in an event or by any products you sell. Your household or shop insurance will not cover you. Currently, a minimum of £2 million cover is generally required but at some venues the minimum is £5 million.
Q. How much does insurance cost?
A. Premiums vary but most exhibitors pay around £50-£90 per year for £5m cover. We can’t make specific recommendations but if you email us info@woodlandcrafts.co.uk we can give you details of insurance companies used by most exhibitors.
Q. My electrical equipment is new. Should it be “PAT tested”?
A. Yes. The “PAT test” is a requirement of some local authorities and we have to insist on it. Any item you plug in at an event must be tested and have a current certificate, less than a year old. It must also carry a test sticker. Surprisingly, it is not at all unusual for a new item to fail the test!
Q. How can I get my electrical equipment “PAT tested”?
A. Many electricians and small electrical shops will arrange this for you. Alternatively, you can usually have it done at our events for a small charge. We have specialist testing equipment, and we can issue a valid certificate. N.B. We cannot guarantee to be able to carry out testing so please check with us.
Q. Will there be an access gap beside my stand?
A. At our indoor shows, we provide a shared access gap to one side of each stand. In marquees and for open-ground stands, we don’t provide a gap, so you must book enough space to get in and out.
Q. I need to leave before the end of the event. Is this alright?
A. No! It is a strict requirement that you are there throughout the opening times of each event. By submitting your application, you are committing to keeping your stand fully intact and manned throughout show opening hours. Please do not arrive late, leave early, or start “tidying” your stand or packing things in boxes until closing time. This gives a bad impression to customers and is unfair to other exhibitors. We do not tolerate it!
Q. Can I have extra space to demonstrate my craft?
A. Sometimes. If your demonstration is interesting and we feel it will enhance the event, we may be able to give you free extra space. Where appropriate, you can request this on your application forms.
Q. When can I set up my stand before the event?
A. Usually the afternoon before the show and/or on the morning of the first day. You will receive an exhibitor’s information sheet with your application form and a copy with your acknowledgement and vehicle pass after we accept your applications. Access times and details of your booking will be included, and it is important to keep them safe and refer to them before the event. (A file for each event you book is a good idea). It is very surprising that a number of exhibitors fail to take note of the details of the events they are booking. This often results in problems for them. Please take the trouble to be aware of the event requirements, times, and details. If you need more details of setting up times before you apply, please contact us.
Section 3: EVENTS: The Craft & Design Show 2025 at RHS Garden Hyde Hall
RHS Hyde Hall – Craft & Design Show 2025
Fri 2nd May – Mon 5th May 2025 (4 Days)
This event is staged within RHS Garden, Hyde Hall, Essex. Exhibitors are housed mainly in professional carpeted marquees/pavilions. This is a fantastic opportunity to offer your products to very large numbers of people in this busy and prosperous area.
RHS Hyde Hall has been the location for many successful Craft & Design Shows during the past 16 years, and we’re delighted to be returning to this wonderful venue in 2025. Our thanks go out to all our exhibitors who took part in the show over the past few years. It is always a privilege to work with so many talented people. After the 2024 show, we again received wonderful feedback from a record number of visitors. They loved the show and they went home with plenty of treasures and treats.
N.B. THIS IS A MAKER-ONLY EVENT. We welcome applications from makers, artists and designers selling their own work only. Speciality foods and drinks are also welcome but there may be restrictions to avoid conflict with the interests of the in-house catering.
Dates
Friday 2nd until Monday 5th May 2025. – 4 Day Event.
Stands
This event can accommodate up to 100 stands.
The majority of stands are housed within high quality modern pavilion marquees located near the visitors’ centre and the main entrance to the RHS gardens. There is also space for some outdoor exhibitors. If you would be interested in trading outside in open-ground space, or in your own gazebo, please contact us first to discuss availability of space before completing your application form.
Products
We do not accept any “bought-in” craft products at this event. Exhibitors must be solely responsible for the original creation of their product, and they must have the sole rights to the sales of it. Products must not appear to be mass-produced or be readily available online or in shops. Exhibitors must be able to show evidence that they are the makers/designers of the products on their stands. Any stand that appears to be displaying bought-in products will be removed from the event.
Applications will be assessed carefully. Product quality, individuality and presentation will be considered. Good quality photographs will help us to see your work and may be used to promote your products in publicity for the show.
In 2025, we again hope to be able to accommodate some demonstration space, but details of this may be uncertain until shortly before the show. If you are interested in having extra space for demonstration purposes, please let us know by ticking the checkbox on the application form.
Marketing/Publicity
This wonderful venue consists of established gardens and buildings belonging to the Royal Horticultural Society. It’s an extremely popular and busy venue for visitors and admission is free to all RHS members. Members receive advance publicity about our event, and we will of course be arranging our own publicity as well.
Marquee stand fees:
N.B. Stands in marquees are “end to end”.
Access gaps must be included in stand space booked.
Marquee stands are 1.8m (6ft approx.) depth
(Extra depth available by special arrangement).
Frontage: 2.5m = £414, 3m = £488, 4m = £634, 5m = £782, 6m = £929
Open ground stand fees:
N.B. Open ground stands are 3m (10ft) depth.
(Extra depth may be available by special arrangement).
Frontage: 3m = £294, 4m = £357, 5m = £420, 6m = £483
Electricity socket (Max 500 watts) = £44
Table hire (6ft x 2ft 3in approx.) = £12
Chair hire = £6
Larger stands in marquees or open ground may be available by special arrangement. Please contact us to discuss.
Download the 2025 Craft & Design Show – Hyde Hall Application Pack for everything you need to know about exhibiting at this event plus the Craft & Design Show Application Form
Dates and details:
2025 Dates:
Fri 2nd May – Mon 5th May
(Bank Holiday)
Times:
10am – 5pm
Description:
Craft and Design Show for makers and designers selling their own work.
We do not allow any bought-in products with the exception of food, drink and craft supplies
Event type:
Pavilions/Marquees (with a few additional outdoor stands)
Parking:
FREE
Venue:
RHS Hyde Hall
Creephedge Lane,
Rettendon
Chelmsford
Essex
CM3 8ET
SAT NAVS:
Use postcode CM3 8RA
What 3 Words:
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Directions:
From the M25: leave the M25 at junction 29 for A127 (signed Southend).
From the A127 exit onto the A132 (signed Wickford/South Woodham Ferrers).
From the A12: leave at junction 17, then at the roundabout take the second exit for the A130 (signed Southend/Basildson).
From the A130: Rettendon Turnpike roundabout follow the tourist attraction flower symbols towards South Woodham Ferrers on the A132. At the Shaw Farm roundabout turn into Willow Grove/Creephedge Lane.
Section 4: EVENTS: Contemporary Craft Show 2025 at Fort Purbrook
Contemporary Craft Show at Fort Purbrook 2025
Sat 1st & Sun 2nd November 2025
Indoor Contemporary Craft Show in Southern Hampshire.
Our 33rd year at this wonderful venue.
N.B. THIS IS A MAKER/SPECIALIST RETAILER EVENT. We welcome applications from makers and designers, specialist retailers as well as craft supplies and speciality food & drink.
This is a well-established indoor craft show with an extensive and loyal customer base. Visitors love the atmosphere in this unique historic building. We arrange extensive publicity for our events here. We are very well-known in the area, and we have an impeccable reputation. Customers know that they can buy with confidence at a “Woodland Crafts” event. The November show is well-known and widely publicised as a great opportunity for Christmas gift buying. This is a very popular venue, attracting tourists as well as “locals”.
We’re always pleased to receive applications from “first-time” exhibitors. Although the vast majority of stands are “regulars”, we always like to see new faces too, and customers love to see new products and exhibitors. If you’re new to the business, or just haven’t exhibited with us before, don’t worry, we’re here to answer any questions and we’ll help wherever we can.
Dates
Saturday 1st & Sunday 2nd November 2025 – 2 Day Event
Stands
This event can usually accommodate approximately 60 stands.
Exhibitor stands are inside this amazing building, with the exception of a small number of outdoor stands, demonstrations etc., by arrangement.
If you would be interested in trading outside in open-ground space or in your own gazebo, please contact us first to discuss availability of space before completing your application form.
Products
At Fort Purbrook we welcome applications from a wide range of exhibitors with products of good quality and individuality. These events are open to craft makers and some retailers. They are not “Maker-Only” shows. However, we will not usually accept mass-produced products, readily available online or in shops. We don’t accept “multi-level” marketing organisations, offering “business opportunities”. Preference is given to exhibitors who make their own products and particularly those who demonstrate on the stand. This show is publicised as a “Contemporary Craft Show” and customers expect to find different and interesting products in all price ranges. Food products are popular and welcome but must not compete too closely with the in-house catering.
Applications will be assessed carefully. Product quality, individuality and presentation will be considered. Good quality photographs will help us to assess your products and may be used to promote your stand in publicity for the show.
Fort Purbrook is situated a few minutes from the junction of the A3M and the A27 on Portsdown Hill, with views over the city of Portsmouth to the south and with the affluent areas of southern Hampshire to the north. Less than an hour from the M25, half an hour from Southampton, and fifteen minutes from Chichester, and from Petersfield, this is an excellent catchment area, and our shows attract a wide range of visitors.
Stand fees:
Charge for 6ft (1.8m) frontage: £168.00
Extra frontage £22 per foot.
Access gap provided. (Must be kept clear).
Standard spaces are 6ft (1.8m) in depth
Other depths may be available by special arrangement.
Pre-booked extras:
Electricity (Max 500 watts) = £12
Table hire (6ft x 2ft 3in approx.) = £12
Chair hire = Free of charge
The current insurance requirement at this venue is: Minimum of £2million Public and Products Liability.
As a former military fort, the building is very secure, and a caretaker is usually on site overnight, and the building is locked. You are welcome to leave your stand set up, but this is of course at your own risk.
Camping/Caravan space is sometimes available on site by prior arrangement.
Exhibitors wishing to bring dogs will need to check with us first.
Download the 2025 Contemporary Craft Show – Fort Purbrook Application Pack for everything you need to know about exhibiting at this event plus the Contemporary Craft Show Application Form
Dates and details:
2025 Dates:
“Pre-Christmas Show”
Sat 1st & Sun 2nd November
Times:
10.30am – 4.30pm
Our 33rd year at this venue
Description:
Contemporary Craft Show for makers, designers and some retailers
Event type:
Indoor event (with a few additional outdoor stands)
Parking:
FREE
Venue:
Fort Purbrook,
Peter Ashley Activity Centre,
Portsdown Hill Road,
Cosham, Nr Portsmouth,
Hampshire
PO6 1BJ
What 3 Words:
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Directions:
Just 5 minutes from the Junction of A27 and A3(M) Junction 5. Signposted from Bedhampton and Cosham.
Click this link for a map to show the location of the Fort.