Sharing dates of Fairs


If you click on one of the months above it will show a list of fairs usually held that month.PLEASE, PLEASE let me know of any fair you know about and I'll add it to the list.
I apologise for not making any attempt to keep it current this is just an attempt to have a list of as many dolls house shows that I can find. Even if you see a show with an old date you can just google the name of the show to find out the date of the next one.

It would be great if you'd let me know of any I can add to the list.

Saturday 14 October 2017

Market Harborough DH & Miniature Fair, 21 October 2017

MGM Fairs Market Harborough Dolls House Fair

The
Market Harborough
Dolls House & Miniature Fair 

The Jubilee  Hall,
Congregational Church
Bowden Lane,
MARKET HARBOROUGH
Leicestershire, LE16 7JD



SATURDAY 21 OCTOBER 2017

Fair Opens 10.30am - 3.00pm

Hi Everyone,
 

We are delighted to bring our Dolls House and Miniatures Fair  back to  Market Harborough on Saturday 21 October 2017   the fair opens 10.30am till 3.00pm.  

 We have some great  traders attending this one, including a demonstration being done by  Fredona's Miniature Dreamsthat will take place throughout the day. Do  check out  our website for the complete list  of those attending at http://www.mgmfairs.co.uk

Hopefully you will find everything you need for your dolls house projects, whether it is  furniture, wallpaper, dolls, tools, lights, wood, fabrics, shop items and Romany Caravans plus  even some dolls houses or kits. Many of the items are hand made or one-offs, see some of the traders work below.


There is a large Pay and Display car park, next to / behind, the venue, and  light refreshments will be available  throughout the day.

We are also delighted to welcome back the  Small Scale Fiddlers  Dolls House Club, who will not only be displaying their lovely projects, but will also be doing some demonstrations throughout the day.  A bit of fun for everyone attending the show.

W
e shall also have our usual Free Prize Draws, so you could win something,  just for coming along.

The Entrance fee  for Adults/Seniors remains at   £2.50 with accompanied children at 50p, children under 7 will be free.  


Unfortunately we won't be able to accommodate children's push chairs inside the fair rooms, but we will look after the chair, if you wish to take your child into the Fair with you. The fair has access for wheelchair users. 

A map, venue information and a list of traders are all available on our website at www.mgmfairs.co.uk

I look forward to seeing you on 
Saturday 21 October 2017 and hope we all have a really great day.

Gail Tucker
Fair Organiser

Monday 2 October 2017

Miniatura Autumn Fair, NEC, Birmingham, 30 Sep/1 Oct 2017

I am sure there must be very, very few mini-mad folk who would not want to be indoors wandering around 140 dollhouse miniatures shops on a rainy day.  This is what a large show like this brings you.  That said, when I tell you I purchased items from only eleven vendors you might be wondering why I bother going.  

However, these wonderful shows are more than just a collection of 'shops', they offer a miniaturist the chance to see masses of things that they hadn't even thought of.  They are inspirational in many senses of the word.  

A lot of us can not afford to buy from the top level crafts people who are producing the most exquisite museum quality furniture and silver and glass (and other) items; but this is our chance to see them and to dream and to give ourselves a standard to work towards, if that is what interests us.

For straight-forward collectors of miniatures it must be a little slice of heaven.

We often see ideas that can spark a notion for our project and even see things that can set us off on the next build!!

It is also something of a social event.  Most vendors are hugely generous with their time and will happily help and answer any questions you have.  At this show I spent a long time speaking to the man who is Escutcheon about his wonderful finishes that he achieves on his furniture.  He carefully explained how he did it.  Graham of Barbara's Mouldings was also generous with his time and we discussed what I might want for my next build.

I spend a lot of time just saying hello to vendors I now sort of know such as Jane Harrop, Mini McGregor, Amanda Speakman, Jennifer and Andy (Jennifers of Walsall) and others - all of whom are happy to say a quick hello and have a catch-up whether you are buying or not.  It is also fun to come across visitors you might know.  I always see the indomitable Molly Cromwell (a show organiser from the USA) and like to say "Hi".  I am shy about meeting new folk but am happy to keep in touch with those I know.

For anyone who is gregarious it is a great opportunity to meet new people.  I spent a jolly hour at lunch (compelled to table share) swapping interesting real life and mini stories with a delightful Kathy from Arizona.

You will have noticed this isn't really a review of the show as I have done that so many times.  If you are curious as to how to get there and its amenities just click on last year's review over in the left column.

I didn't take photos of the show and hope to scrounge them soon from the super-helpful and charming Mr Andy Hopwood (one of the show organisers)  Meanwhile you might want to see photos of what I bought.  They do give you some idea of the breadth of stuff available to you.  You can do that over at my Dalton House blog.

Not sure if this is a bit of a no-no but if you would like to see some lovely photos of some vendors work Alison Davies has done an excellent blog piece.  I have half a dozen of her pieces and can't praise them enough - so pop over to her site and take a look at what she does if you don't know her.



Friday 1 September 2017

Cwmbran Dolls House & Miniature Fair

MGM Fairs Cwmbran Dolls House Fair

New Venue for our Cwmbran
Dolls House & Miniature Fair 

The Parkway Hotel,
Cwmbran Drive,
CWMBRAN
South Wales, NP44 3UW



SUNDAY 17 September 2017

Fair Opens 10.30am - 3.00pm

Hi Everyone,
 

Another great dolls house show from MGM Fairs is coming  back to Cwmbran, but this year we have moved from the Stadium to the Best Western Parkway Hotel, Cwmbran Drive, Cwmbran, NP44 3UW  on Sunday 17 September 2017 .  The Fair opens 10.30am till 3.00pm. 

We have another great show this year with some really special miniature traders attending;  some of them new to the fair, so please check out  our website for the complete list at : http://www.mgmfairs.co.uk/cwmbran_traders.html

You should be able to find everything you need for your dolls house projects, whether it is  furniture, wallpaper, books, dolls, food, lights, wood, tools, fabrics, shop items and even some dolls houses.  See some of the traders work below.

There is free parking at the venue, who will also be happy to provide light refreshments, all in a  4* setting.

W
e shall also have our usual Free Prize Draws, so you could win something,  just for coming along.

The Entrance fee  for Adults/Seniors remains at   £2.50 with accompanied children at 50p, children under 7 will be free.  


Unfortunately we won't be able to accommodate children's push chairs inside the fair rooms, but we will look after the chair, if you wish to take your child into the Fair with you. The fair has access for wheelchair users. 

A map, venue information and a list of traders are all available on our website at 
http://www.mgmfairs.co.uk/cwmbran_dollshouse_fair.html

I look forward to seeing you on Sunday 17 September 2017 and hope we all have a really great day.

Gail Tucker
Fair Organiser

Tools, Wood and Electricals from Mini Lights


Tools, Wood and Electricals from Mini Lights

Tudor Houses from Kevin Jackson

Tudor Houses from Kevin Jackson

Haberdashery Unit from Yvonne's Miniatures

Haberdashery Unit from Yvonne's Miniatures

1:48th House from Magic Minis

1:48th House from Magic Minis

Tuesday 22 August 2017

Whibleys Dolls House Fair & Exhibition, Rochdale

Time for Whibleys August show near Rochdale.  Click here for full information

Whibleys Dolls House Fair & Exhibition

This is a smashing show.  If you can get to it, do try to - not only a chance to buy things for your project but a wealth of miniature things to look at and get ideas from.  You might even come home with a house!


DESCRIPTION

Whibleys Dolls house Fair is now in it's 4th Year.we have exhibits of Club models including Back o' Terrace Houses and a complete beach scene in 12th scale and a 6th scale railway camping coach along with many other exhibits to inspire your own creations in small scale modelling.
Also come along and enjoy a coffee, cake and sandwich in the 150 year old House formally owned by Thomas Watson (Silk Manufacturer)
A great day out for all the family at only £2 adults and £1 accompanied children

DATE AND TIME

LOCATION

Horse Carrs
Shawclough Road
Rochdale
OL12 6LG

Tuesday 4 July 2017

July - maybe shows?

When I compiled this list in 2014 these were the shows I could find for July.  You could google any that might be of interest to you to find their 2017 dates, or contact the organiser.



12th 2014
FogelsvillePA, USA
Lehigh Valley Miniatures Club "Small on Scale". Pre-registered, pre-paid workshops held at the show site - workshop information: Jo Roseberry, jolen1@verizon.net 570-620-
0810

13th, 2014
FogelsvillePA, USA
The 37th Annual Dollhouse and Miniatures Show and Sale, sponsored by the Lehigh Valley Miniatures Club "Small on Scale", The Holiday Inn, Exit 49A off I-78 onto Rt. 100
South. 7736 Adrienne DriveBreinigsvillePA 18031 610-391-1000. 10AM - 4 PM $5. Adults (4.50 with coupon), $1. children under 12. Exhibits, free parking, food available.
Free children's class on Sunday. Show info: Jo Roseberry 570-620-0810 jolen1@verizon.net or Mary Breidinger 610-762-8370 mbreiginger4547@gmail.com . Website:
www.lehighvalleyminiatures.com 


13th, 2014
Copdock, UK
Cameo Hotel, London Road, Copdock, nr Ipswich, Suffolk, IP8 3JD
Dolly's Daydreams


17th - 20th 2014
Missouri, USA
 NAME National
St Louis


20th, 2014
Kent, UK
The inn on the Lake Hotel, DA12 3HB
D & M Fairs


20th, 2014
Kelham, UK
Kelham Hall & Country Park, Kelham, nr. Newark, Notts, NG23 5QX
Dolly's Daydreams


26th, 2014
MooresvilleNC
North Carolina Dollhouse Show and Sale. The Charlotte Area Dollhouse Clubs of North Carolina will be hosting the First Annual Mooresville, NC Dollhouse Exhibit and Sale
9 AM -3 PM. Admission $1. Door prizes, free classes for children. South Iredell Lions Club, 630 Brawley School Road,MooresvilleNC. Dealer tables are $10. Space is

limited, call early for a reservation. Info: Maria Cannizzaro, (704) 230-0569. Donations will be made to NAME and the Lions Club. Show your NAME card at the door for a free gift. 


26th, 2014
Dedham, UK
The Assembly Rooms, High Street, Dedham, nr Colchester, Essex CO7 6DE
Dolly's Daydreams



Monday 3 July 2017

Dolls House Fair, Holt, Norfolk

MGM Fairs Matlock Dolls House Fair

Our Holt
Dolls House & Miniature Fair 

Holt Community Centre
Kerridge Way,
HOLT,
Norfolk, NR25 6DN


SUNDAY 9 July 2017

Fair Opens 10.30am - 3.00pm

Hi Everyone,
 

Another great dolls house show from MGM Fairs is coming  back to Holt on Sunday 9 July 2017  at the above address.  The Fair opens 10.30am till 3.00pm.  

We have some really great miniature traders attending;  some of them new to the fair, so please check out  our website for the complete list at http://www.mgmfairs.co.uk

You should be able to find everything you need for your dolls house projects, whether it is  furniture, wallpaper, books, dolls, food, lights, wood, tools, fabrics, shop items and even some dolls houses.  See some of the traders work below.

 

There is a Budgen's Pay and Display car park, across from the venue.

W
e shall also have our usual Free Prize Draws, so you could win something,  just for coming along.
 
The Entrance fee  for Adults/Seniors remains at   £2.50 with accompanied children at 50p, children under 7 will be free.  

 
Unfortunately we won't be able to accommodate children's push chairs inside the fair rooms, but we will look after the chair, if you wish to take your child into the Fair with you. The fair has access for wheelchair users.  

A map, venue information and a list of traders are all available on our website at www.mgmfairs.co.uk

I look forward to seeing you on 
Sunday 9 July  2017 and hope we all have a really great day.

Gail Tucker
Fair Organiser

Geyser by Sussex Crafts


A 1920s / 1930s Geyser from Sussex Crafts

Beautiful Items from KattyKorner MIniatures

Shop Display from KattyKorner Miniatures

Lighting from ABC MIniatures

Lights, Wallpaper and Furniture from ABC Miniatures

A Romany Caravan from Lazy Days

A Romany Caravan
from Lazy Days

Sunday 18 June 2017

Dolls House & Miniatures Fair, York, 4th June 2017

As I used to write for Dolls House and Miniature Scene magazine and this fair is associated with them I have gone to both fairs each year since I started in this hobby, initially to write a review for the magazine and then because 'that's what I did'.  I have to confess to having a difficult time with the last one and more so this time.  I suspect it is a case of York Fair fatigue.  It is probably not advisable (if you have a choice) to go to the same fair every time it comes round.  It will bring, in the main, the same vendors who are pretty much selling the same things so you can get jaded - not to mention sulky (!) when you find yourself wandering around unable to spend money.  That noted do not let me turn you away from an excellent venue.

If you can turn your visit into a long weekend break and actually spend time in and around York it will be even more enjoyable.  We go to York on Friday and leave Monday morning so the actual fair is only part of one day during a lovely weekend break.  York and its environs has a ton of things to see and do so every show you can find something different to occupy your time.  It  is also is home to my absolute favourite eatery on the planet.  Not posh but the best Sicilian food ever - arancini to die for.

The fair housed eighty vendors with a wide range of products. It will cover your 1/12th hobby ten-fold but there is also a decent amount of quarter scale to go at with large vendors like Petite properties but also others selling quite a lot of their things in mixed scales.  Anyone new to the game will be utterly thrilled with the size and variety of the show and will be able to get pretty much everything they need to be able to crack on with their build.

There were two workshops at this show - I wish we did more of those at all shows here in the UK.  This is one thing the American shows do 'big time', indeed they can start a week before the show - take a look at Tom Bishop's shows for example.  I wonder if we could rouse that enthusiasm here?  In the morning the Miniature Needlework Society did a workshop on pattern darning technique.  I sort of intended to do that one but arrived a nano-second too late - they were 'full'.  Don't leave it until the start time in case it is going to be a popular one.  The afternoon workshop was making a basque on a display mannequin with Hazel Dowd's Little people.

Even if these classes aren't making something useful to your current project you will certainly acquire or improve skills you can use in another way.

Jane Harrop always gives a free talk around half two (just when you really need a sit-down!!)  These are worth the entry price in themselves.

York always has a good turn out of customers and this was no exception.  The weather was sunny and there seemed to be more than usual bodies filling the halls.  I think  all shows are 'shrinking'  in terms of vendors - this one had ninety plus vendors two years ago and now eighty...... but the customer base seems to be there.  Indeed with less shows around there may be pretty much the same number having to travel further for a show but therefore increasing the number of buyers at each show (????)   I am sure we all prefer touchy-feely to buying on the internet if we can get to the goods.  Even if I can't afford to buy everything I'd like at a show it gives me a chance to suss out the vendors I will buy things from between shows when my pennies allow.  So these events do act as a showcase as well as a purchasing fair for vendors.  This is their shop window.

Even with a lot of buyers the York fair doesn't seem overcrowded like some shows can be.  You can usually get to see what you want easily and move around with some breathing space. It is spread out over three floors so you can always find places to sit down with a drink or your shopping list.

There is a main restaurant right alongside the show - very handy - the food is OK and not expensive so no need to leave the show if you like to take a proper break and get something to eat.

York is easy to get to by road or rail and the venue is easy to find as it is held at York race course.  There are a ton of places to stay immediately around it if you want to make a short break of it.  

Parking at the course is fine, and even better if your 'driver' drops you off as mine does.  Unless you really must be the first person over the threshold and you arrive early, just sit in the car until the show opens.  There is always a very long queue outside the building (which then moves very slowly!) and, unless the weather is perfect, that's not a fun way to start the day.  I buy the preview ticket which lets you in half an hour before the pay-on-the-day folks.


One caveat, and it applies to several shows, the phone reception is almost non-existent deep inside the building so you need to make some clear arrangements (not phone dependent) with anyone who is not at the show with you.

Apologies for no photos this trip - I will contact the magazine and see if they have a press release I can scrounge.

If you want to see what I bought go to my (click here for link) Dalton House blog.

The New
Llandudno
Dolls House & Miniature Fair 

The Assembly Rooms,
Town Hall, Lloyd Street,
LLANDUDNO

North Wales, LL30 2UP

SUNDAY 25 June 2017

Fair Opens 10.30am - 3.00pm

Hi Everyone,
 

MGM Fairs are returning to Llandudno after an absence of about 12 years  on Sunday 25 June 2017 at the above address.  The Fair opens 10.30am till 3.00pm. 

It is a smaller venue than we have had previously, but we hope to be able to revive and promote this fair as the must-come-to-show in North Wales. We already have some  really great miniature traders booked for this year  including, Mini Lights, Yvonne's Dolls Houses, ABC Miniatures and Loverseeds, so please check out  our website for the complete list at http://www.mgmfairs.co.uk

You should be able to find everything you need for your dolls house projects, whether it is  furniture, dolls, food, lights, wood, tools, fabrics, shop items and even some dolls houses.  See some of the traders work below.

 

There is Pay and Display car parking, behind the venue, and free parking just up the street.

W
e shall also have our usual Free Prize Draws, so you could win something,  just for coming along.

The Entrance fee  for Adults/Seniors remains at   £2.50 with accompanied children at 50p, children under 7 will be free.  


Unfortunately we won't be able to accommodate children's push chairs inside the fair rooms, but we will look after the chair, if you wish to take your child into the Fair with you. The fair has access for wheelchair users. 

A map, venue information and a list of traders are all available on our website at www.mgmfairs.co.uk

Friday 2 June 2017

MGM Fairs

MGM Fairs have many shows all around the country throughout the year so, if you are lucky one is likely to turn up near you.  Click here: MGM Fairs for more information

I will do my best to remind you when they are due and will be adding next years list to the months above when I get them.


Thursday 1 June 2017

The Matlock Dolls House & Miniature Fair

MGM Fairs:  Matlock Dolls House Fair

The Matlock
Dolls House & Miniature Fair 

The Imperial Rooms,
Imperial Road
MATLOCK,
Derbyshire, DE4 3NL


SUNDAY 11 June 2017

Fair Opens 10.30am - 3.00pm

Hi Everyone,
 

Another great dolls house show from MGM Fairs is coming  back to Matlock on Sunday 11 June 2017 at the above address.  The Fair opens 10.30am till 3.00pm.  

We have some  really great miniature traders attending this year, some of them new to the fair,  such as Valerie Claire Miniatures, Lazy Days and Dateman Books, as well as previous traders such as John Peck, Wallflower Miniatures, Tee Pee Crafts and Angie Pyatt, so please check out  our website for the complete list at http://www.mgmfairs.co.uk

You should be able to find everything you need for your dolls house projects, whether it is  furniture, dolls, food, lights, wood, tools, fabrics, shop items and even some dolls houses.  See some of the traders work below.

 

There is Pay and Display car parking, next to, and across from, the venue.

W
e shall also have our usual Free Prize Draws, so you could win something,  just for coming along.
 
The Entrance fee  for Adults/Seniors remains at   £2.50 with accompanied children at 50p, children under 7 will be free.  

 
Unfortunately we won't be able to accommodate children's push chairs inside the fair rooms, but we will look after the chair, if you wish to take your child into the Fair with you. The fair has access for wheelchair users.  

A map, venue information and a list of traders are all available on our website at www.mgmfairs.co.uk

I look forward to seeing you on 
Sunday 11 June  2017 and hope we all have a really great day.

Gail Tucker
Fair Organiser

Haberdashery & Other Items from Valerie Claire Miniatures

Haberdashery & Other Items
from Valerie Claire Miniatures

Soft Furnishings from Wallflower Miniatures

Soft Furnishings from Wallflower Miniatures

Miniature Books from Dateman Books

Miniature Books and Magazines from Dateman Books

Canework Demonstration by C&D Crafts

 Cane work Demonstration and Sales from C & D Crafts

Craft, Filigree, Lace, Braids and Supplies from Tee Pee Crafts

Ribbons, Braids, Jewellery Findings, Threads, Silks and Filigree items from
Tee Pee Crafts

Romany Caravan from  Lazy Days

Romany Caravans and
Narrow Boats
from Lazy Days