festival of crafts
exhibitor information pack
Sat 11 & Sun 12 October 2025
A celebration of contemporary crafts from leading UK makers and designers.
general information
the festival, location & our venue
about festival of crafts
festival of crafts is an annual two-day craft event held at Farnham Maltings, a charitable arts organisation.
Now in its 29th year, this well established craft festival features a curated selection of talented makers from across the UK. All craft skills are represented including homewares, jewellery, ceramics, stationery, accessories, furniture, lighting, textiles, print and more. The festival champions great design and showcases both traditional and modern processes and techniques.
We welcome both established craft makers as well as emerging makers. This is a curated festival and exhibitors are selected by a panel. The selection process aims to offer visitors an eclectic mix of contemporary craft from innovative makers.
festival of crafts is the highlight of Farnham Craft Month; a monthlong programme of activities celebrating our status as England’s first World Craft Town.
the venue
Farnham Maltings is an arts and cultural community centre in the heart of Farnham in southwest Surrey. The 18th century listed building hosts theatre productions, live music, comedy, film, workshops, craft festivals, artist studios and more. From parent and baby classes to students from the University for the Creative Arts to U3A sessions, the Maltings is a vibrant space enjoyed by all ages within our community.
the location
From its roots as a medieval market town, Farnham has a long history of supporting craft and makers. In 2020, Farnham was awarded World Craft Town status by the World Craft Council in recognition of the town’s ongoing celebration and promotion of craft. In addition to the Maltings, craft is proudly on display in Farnham at the New Ashgate Gallery, the Craft Study Centre and UCA Farnham.
Farnham Maltings is a short two-minute walk from the town centre with plenty of public car parks and the rail station only five minutes away. Trains run between Farnham and London Waterloo on a regular service, taking only an hour.
what to expect
• a lively atmosphere, which provides the perfect opportunity for makers to meet, sell to or take commissions from craft enthusiasts
• a diverse workshop and talk programme, plus a variety of interactive craft activities for visitors to enjoy throughout the weekend
exhibition information
selection criteria & how to apply
what we are looking for
We are looking for applications from craft makers working in a variety of disciplines, including new and traditional craft techniques and producing work with a modern design aesthetic. Our marketplace showcases makers selling products with a lifestyle focus including (but not limited to) homewares, jewellery, ceramics, stationery, accessories, furniture, lighting, textiles, print and more.
Each application must be supported by images of the maker’s work to reflect the products that will be sold.
festival of crafts is a curated show and applications are not selected on a first-come first-served basis. Our small selection panel is made up of craft experts ensuring a high standard of exhibitor and a varied range of disciplines are showcased.
The panel refer to the following criteria when selecting exhibitors to festival of crafts.
selection criteria
• how an exhibitor’s product(s) fits with the ethos of festival of crafts (contemporary lifestyle craft with a modern design aesthetic). The work must be designed or made by the exhibitor.
• how an exhibitor’s work fits in with the range of disciplines at festival of crafts
• how the quality of the finished product aligns with the standard of makers at the festival
• how the exhibitor demonstrates an overall cohesiveness and consistency to their work
• if an application includes more than one range of products, the panel reserves the right to specify that only a particular range is to be sold at the festival
• returning exhibitors should include details of new items for sale, to keep the festival fresh and engaging
• applications must include clear photographic representations of exhibitor’s products
stand sizes & prices
There is no shell scheme at Farnham Maltings. We can provide tables, chairs and electricity at no extra charge. VAT is applied at the UK standard rate at the point of invoice.
Please be aware that the sizes of the pitches are approximate. Due to the quirky nature of the Maltings building, pitches may vary in shape while still having the square footage of a single or double pitch.
• Single pitch (approx 2m x 1.5m) £185 + VAT
• Double pitch (approx 4m x 1.5m) £370 + VAT
• Emerging maker pitch £130 + VAT (single pitches only)
To qualify for the emerging maker pitch you must have graduated or have set up your creative business within the last two years. Evidence of this will be required if you are offered and accept a place.
your exhibitor fee includes:
Digital: Listing on the website, as well as inclusion in the digital catalogue available to download for all visitors. Both listings include a description of your work, image and website details.
Stand: Table, chair, electricity and wifi use as required.
Please note that parking charges apply to all exhibitors. You can find out more details of parking charges here.
Online: Applications should be made via the online form on the farnhammaltings.com website. If you have any queries with the form please email: jo.connolly@farnhammaltings.com
Applications close on Mon 24 February 2025 and applicants will be contacted with regards to the status of their application shortly after this.
contact us for exhibitor queries:
Jo Connolly, Head of Craft jo.connolly@farnhammaltings.com
Farnham Maltings farnhammaltings.com
Farnham Maltings, Bridge Square, Farnham, Surrey, GU9 7QR
Charity No: 305034
Registered in England No: 954753
VAT Registration No: 293 6758 08