Why ‘makers’ fairs’ are thriving in the age of online shopping.
There is currently quite a buzz around pop-up art, craft and makers’ fairs, with a growing number of people of all ages discovering the joys of meeting the makers, discovering unique handmade items and buying direct from small, local businesses.
With the face of the high street changing, makers’ fairs have become an essential lifeline for many artists and small independent businesses. They allow the makers to reach out to their local communities and start making connections. Essentially, they have become large pop-up creative department stores, but with an ever-changing line-up of exhibitors.
Curator of Paper Daisy, Bryony Reynolds, is the sole owner of Paper Daisy Events and organised her first event almost 10 years ago straight out of University.
Over 100 events later, and continuing to grow from strength to strength, Paper Daisy has become a trusted name in local makers’ fairs, with a reputation for quality, vibrant events, full of some of the best makers around – which makes them hard to beat!
When asked what sets Paper Daisy apart from others, Bryony tells us: “Staying one step ahead in understanding what people want and carefully curating each event so that every exhibitor, attraction and detail feels just right. There’s nothing more satisfying than seeing people leave with big smiles, full of praise and bags full of goodies. There’s a real community spirit to our fairs and it’s a joy to see them growing in popularity – especially in a world where it’s so easy to just shop online.”
Their upcoming winter season of events presents the perfect opportunity to experience this special, more personal way of shopping and supporting local small businesses. With four different venues across six dates – there will be more than 300 exhibitors waiting to be discovered. Entry to each event is free!
Always offering a full range of products incorporating ceramics, jewellery, homewares, textiles, Christmas décor, gifts, and speciality food and drink from different exhibitors each time.
Paper Daisy thinks of everything and, alongside the shopping, visitors can really embrace the festive extras like wreath-making and glass fusion workshops, children’s craft activities, face painting, live entertainment, bars and plenty of opportunities to grab a delicious, locally produced bite to eat or enjoy a seasonal drink while soaking up the atmosphere.
The British Engineerium, 22–23 Nov / 10:30–16:30
A weekend where creativity meets heritage at The British Engineerium in Hove. The Grand Winter Makers Fair takes place on Sat 22–Sun 23 November. New for 2025, a marquee and outdoor marketplace expand the event to feature over 120 talented makers, artists and designers. Enjoy street food, a bar, wreath-making workshops and live music, making it one of the area’s largest events. The Engineerium Museum also opens its doors with guided steam-up tours showcasing the power and beauty of Brighton & Hove’s historic water machines.
Saltdean Lido, 29 Nov / 10:00–16:00
Paper Daisy heads east along the coast to the beautifully restored art deco Saltdean Lido, where a further 45 design-led makers will be showcased in the impressive Ballroom and Lounge. Take in the stunning views over the Lido and beyond, enjoy brunch or lunch from The Deco restaurant, and get ready for some relaxed Christmas shopping among exceptional makers, artists and designers. You’ll also have the opportunity to take part in wreath-making and glass-fusion workshops – the perfect way to complete your festive day out!
The Shoreham Centre, 6 Dec / 10:00–15:30
A truly special experience of community festive spirit awaits you in Shoreham for the much-anticipated Christmas Makers Fair, a firm favourite in the locals’ diaries! A coming together of the community with live performances from Messengers Choir and Shoreham Ukuleles, face painting, a children’s craft zone, festive workshops and pop-up artisan café run by a local baker, all of which takes place alongside many incredible and unique stalls throughout The Shoreham Centre. Now in its ninth year, the fair promises to be a magical family day out.
Wagner Hall, 13–14 Dec / 10:30–16:30
The finale for Paper Daisy’s 2025 schedule takes place in the centre of Brighton. Wagner Hall is a delightful venue for exhibitors, both inside and out, creating a perfect festive shopping experience just before the big day! And in a venue that surprises visitors with its hidden, cosy charm. The Fig Tree courtyard will feature more exhibitors, a festive bar and pop-up cafe, along with wreath-making workshops. There will be 80 exhibitors across the weekend – perfect for discovering last-minute gifts, enjoying festive treats and soaking up the seasonal spirit.
www.paperdaisyevents.co.uk / @paperdaisyevents
