30/08/2021
Dear Crafters/Artists/Makers,
We are in the throws of planning for WinterFest 2021 (6th to 12th December) at the Gorebridge Beacon (loads more details soon) think of it as a week of wonderful wintery events and gatherings.
But first, and urgently …
What we know for certain is the WinterFest Craft Fair will take place over 2 days on the 11th and 12th of December. Would you like to be here selling your work? You can register your interest/booking at the bottom of this post.
We know you need to be planned, so we are getting this out super early (well, not really, it’s only 4 months away). If you are thinking about taking a stall at this fundraising event, here’s a few FAQ’s you may need to know:
Can I bring my own table?
No, we have the space all measured out for own tables. Tables are 5ft long. And are supplied as part of the hire price.
How much is a table?
£25 per day.
Can I choose my own space?
Your space/table will be allocated to you. We will send you details/map before the Craft Fair. This is to ensure that there is a spread of different goods, and no similar sellers are side by side.
Will you be charging an entrance fee?
Yes, £1 for adults and children under 12 free.
How will you be marketing the event?
We will be using our social media channels, networks, partners, our website, flyers and noticeboards. We will also create posts and pictures for you to share. We don’t want you to have a slow day, however we aren’t responsible for income made and potential footfall.
Will you be sifting/raffling spaces?
Yes we will. We will be accepting local makers, crafters and artists. That means we expect your products to have been made locally. We are looking for quality, fair priced, and a wide range of products with no duplications. We hope to have completed this by the end of October 2021.
Is priority given to makers/artists/crafters in Gorebridge and surrounding district?
As this is a local event we would love to offer spaces to local business owners first. However, we will take into account quality, price, and no duplications.
What can I sell?
We are strictly looking for handmade goods from local makers, crafters and artists who are based/or goods are based in Midlothian.
This is part of WinterFest 2021, what does it really mean?
We are a social enterprise activity. We want to offer activities and events during WinterFest that may be funded: we are applying. But, the Craft Fair on the 11/12th Dec is not part of this plan. It is a fundraising activity. What does that mean? Any income made from the Craft Fair will go back into the Trust/Beacon as unrestricted funding so we can deeper and reach our charitable aims.
Who is the craft fair for?
In 2019 (t was so good), many local people came to the Craft Fair, and from wider Midlothian. We are looking for quality but not excessively expensive goods and products. You know your market the best. What we learned from 2019 is that people are looking for unique, bespoke, handmade, lovely goods they simply cannot get elsewhere. Is that you?
How many crafters/stall holders will be there?
20 each day of the fair.
Can you book the 2 days?
You can request it, but it may not be possible to offer both so that we can offer fair allocation of space.
When will I know I have a table?
The latest will be the end of October 2021, we hope earlier.
What about Covid? Restrictions? Guidelines?
Since March 2020 we have been following restrictions and determining what we can and cannot do. Obviously government guidelines have to be followed. When we know who is attending (you, maybe?) we will create a private Facebook or Whatsapp group for sellers etc. so we can keep you up to speed should there be any changes as we approach the date. We know how hard last year was for you, so we will always be transparent and share. We are thinking that we will have to operate a one-way system, and we will have to be super vigilant of numbers in the ‘craft fair’ at any one time.
Will you be using outside?
It depends. We obviously aren’t out of Covid yet. And we have learned that things can change quickly (read: overnight). At time of writing we will be using the inside hall at the Beacon and other areas. We may/may not have to operate a booking system for attendees. But, as of right now, we know we will have a one way system.
We/I sell food goods, can we book?
This is a fundraising event for the Trust/Beacon. We will however ask you for your FH certificates if you make your own goods. All food goods have to be labelled with allergens, BBE dates etc.
I am interested, what do I need to do?
Please complete the form below, giving as much detail as you can. We will be in touch and ask you to send us pictures of your products and ask for more details if needed.
Warmest,
Gorebridge Community Development Trust
Interested? Fill in the form below. We WILL be in touch. Please allow is a little time.
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