A Christmas shoppers dream in Tynedale

The Christmas Fair @ Hexham returns this weekend…boosted by the success of last years event, every available space in the Leisure Centre is being used to fulfil the demand for stalls.

Newcastle based Rival Arts, organisers of the Fair, will create an intriguing retail shopping mall meandering throughout the Centre before arriving in the distinctive indoor tented area within Wentworth Leisure Centre. The showcase event will be Tyndale’s biggest ever Gift and Food Fair with the regions artisans emphasis on ‘fayre’ from foodstuffs to arts & and crafts and gifts.

Event Organiser Colin Caygill of Rival Arts says “We have been almost overwhelmed by the response. The 120 stalls were all sold in just eight weeks. Visitors to the Fair will have a terrific opportunity to change that annual, sometimes stressful chore of Christmas shopping into an exciting, enjoyable experience”.

“Our regions small creative businesses and artisans value face-to-face feedback and selling opportunities. This Fair gives them a chance to create awareness of their brands and websites and with such a wide mix of local exhibitors, we are confident that it will prove to be a buzzing weekend retail attraction for all the family”.

Visitors to the Fair will be greeted by ‘Snowy’ the Snow Owl from Northumberland based Falconry Days…one of the many interesting attractions throughout the event.

This year we are delighted to welcome to the Fair Judith Holder, author of Grumpy Old Women Books and producer of the hit BBC2 series. Judith will be signing copies of her best selling books throughout the weekend…what better Christmas read to chuckle your way through a dark winter evening.

Judith says “The run up to Christmas makes even trainee Grumpy people very Grumpy indeed - the only thing that makes it bearable is getting tasks ticked off the Christmas to do list in November- especially buying presents early enough to feel smug but late enough to remember where you put them when you come to wrap them up on Christmas Eve. A Christmas Fair is just the ticket for buying yourself lolling time on the sofa in December with a magazine and some dry white wine. You never know some people might like to buy a signed book to give to a grumpy loved one - somehow I suspect we all know a few…”

Exhibitors at The Christmas Fair include local Artists, Sue Malkin, Ann Bushell, Sue Fenlon and David Holliday. Andru Knitwear using natural yarns, the amazing portable Swedish log splitting tools from Newcastle based F1 Products, educational toys from Parents Can Teach Ltd., Glendale Ginger, mouth-watering Davenport’s Chocolates and a plethora of jewellery and craft makers.

Event: The Christmas Fair @ Hexham
Date Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd November
Times: 10am to 4pm Daily
Palce: Wentworth Leisure Centre, Hexham, Northumberland, NE46 3PD
Admission: Free

17th November 2009

THE AUTUMN FAIR @ RHEGED

GIFT & FOOD FAIR RETURNS TO RHEGED BURSTING WITH EARLY CHRISTMAS TEMPTATIONS

A strong influx of Cumbrian Exhibitors has ensured two full exhibition halls this coming weekend. Craft, Art and Food Artisan Exhibitors from all corners of the UK will be selling their wares at The Autumn Fair, to be held at The Rheged Centre on Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th October.

Over 70 stands and an exciting diverse collection of food and gifts, visitors will have an early opportunity to find those unusual and interesting Christmas Gifts...A full list of exhibitor details is attached

For foodies…whether your passion is Chilli or Chocolate, Rare Breed Meat or Cupcakes a mouth watering array of food will be on sale.

Glitz will not be forgotten as the Scottish ladies travel South from Midlothian… Mineli with a stunning range of elegant and modern lambs wool jackets and accessories, designed and made in the Scottish borders and Spanish Stepps with a bright and unique range of shoes, boots, handbags and accessories, direct from manufacturers in the UK, Spain, Italy and Portugal

Event organiser, Colin Caygill of Rival Arts said “We are delighted with the response we have had to The Autumn Fair to be held at The Rheged Centre, Penrith. The stalls were sold out two months before the Fair, and we have an exciting and varied mix of Arts, Crafts, Gifts and Food. This event follows the terrific success of last year’s Fair and continues our successful relationship with The Rheged Centre, proving very popular with exhibitors and public, due to the fantastic location and easy access from the M6."

The Autumn Fair is open from 10am – 4pm each day, and entry is free of charge to all visitors.

19th October 2009

CHRISTMAS @ USHAW

Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th December
Ushaw College Durham

Rival Arts are delighted to announce an exciting new Fair, when the North’s hidden Jewel in the Crown opens its doors this festive season.

The Fair will be a wonderful opportunity to escape the frenzy of Christmas and enjoy a unique shopping experience surrounded by the breathtaking architecture of Augustus Pugin.

A traditional Christmas day out for all of the family with over sixty five trade stands, guided historical tours of St Cuthbert’s grade 1 listed chapel, carols and music in the spectacular lecture hall and most important… face painting for little angels! Throughout the weekend you can enjoy an array of festive food and drinks served in the majestic splendour of the Parlour.

28th September 2009

2009 SUMMER FAIRS INTRODUCED

Rival Arts are delighted to announce new dates for the 2009 series of Fairs including two new Summer events. Following the appalling weather last year, when many outdoor marquee shows were cancelled by other organisers, Rival Arts are now offering two high profile indoor venues at the height of the tourist season. Whatever the Summer brings, sun, rain or glorious mud, the Fairs can be enjoyed in an environment without risk of cancellation due to the weather.

Details of the Fair can be found on line at www.rivalarts.co.uk . The Fairs will continue to bring together an interesting mix of quality lifestyle exhibitors from far and wide; a mix of food, decorative art and gifts, including a diverse array of crafts. Once again, Rival Arts will carefully monitor the standard of both stock and display which must be of the highest calibre. The number of stands available within a certain group will be managed to ensure a wide variety of exhibits essential to create an interesting environment for our visitors.

Admission to the Fairs in 2009 will remain free and visitor numbers are expected to be high following an extensive media campaign of advertising, press releases, flyers and Internet promotion.

29th January 2009

THE CHRISTMAS FAIR

AN INSPIRATIONAL GATHERING OF ARTS, CRAFTS, GIFTS & FOOD

The Grand Indoor Marquee, Wentworth Leisure Centre, Hexham, Northumberland Saturday 29th & Sunday 30th November 2008.

The Grand Indoor Marquee will transform the main sports hall of the Leisure Centre into a magnificent tented arena free from any inclement weather normally associated with marquees, a facility normally reserved for the Lord Mayors Ball. Details of the Fair can be found on the attached poster or viewed on line at www.rivalarts.co.uk . The Christmas Fair continues the success of the 2008 series and will bring together an interesting mix of quality lifestyle exhibitors from far and wide; a mix of food, decorative art and gifts, including a diverse array from crafts to antiques. Once again, Rival Arts will carefully monitor the standard of both stock and display which must be of the highest calibre. The number of stands available within a certain group will be managed to ensure a wide variety of exhibits essential to create an interesting environment for our visitors. The cost of stands will remain unchanged and are set out below at a competitive rate considering a fine balance of good value, whilst ensuring that an adequate marketing budget is achieved. The cost of exhibiting will include a table, two chairs and a 240v 5amp power supply. Should you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact our office by telephone or email. Bookings can be made on line at www.rivalarts.co.uk