Handmade in Britain

2024 Festival

Continuing our partnership with Waterperry Gardens, the Fourth Edition of Handmade Oxford will bring together over 150 + of the most exciting makers featuring a curated selection of fine arts and craft including Jewellery, Fashion & Textiles, Ceramics & Glass, Sculpture and more….

Venue: Waterperry Gardens, Nr. Wheatley, Oxfordshire, England OX33 1JZ

Festival Dates: 21 – 23 June 2024

VIP Entry*: 9:30am – 5pm
Standard Entry: 10am – 5pm

*Enhance your Festival experience with a VIP ticket and enjoy the benefits of Fast Track Entry, early opening times from 9:30am before the Festival Gates open to the public and a LUXURIA cocktail/Pimms or glass of bubbly. You will also enjoy priority parking closer to the Festival grounds, ensuring convenience and ease of access to help you make the most of your day with us.

Tickets for 2024 are now on sale, with easy online booking >>

In response to popular demand, additional exhibiting spaces now available. Apply here >>

Getting here

Venue: Waterperry Gardens, Nr. Wheatley, Oxfordshire, England OX33 1JZ
Festival Dates: 21 – 23 June 2024
VIP Entry: 9:30am – 5pm
Standard Entry: 10am – 5pm

Car & Coach
  • Complimentary Car Parking
  • Designated Blue Badge Parking – see FAQs
  • Advanced booking required for coaches
  • Sat NAV OX33 1LA

From Oxford: Follow directions for A40 East – London. On the A40 take the third exit, 2 miles after passing the Thornhill Park and Ride, signposted for Wheatley and follow the brown signs to Waterperry Gardens and follow the yellow AA signs for Handmade Oxford.

From Birmingham – M40 South – Follow the M40 Brown Signs, exit Junction 8a for Oxford Services follow directions towards the services then at the second roundabout take the exit signposted Oxford A40, after 0.5 miles turn right again towards Wheatley and Waterperry, follow the brown signs. Do not join A40 and then follow the yellow AA signs for Handmade Oxford.

From London – M40 North – Follow the M40 Brown Signs, exit Junction 8 for A40 Oxford then take first exit approx 1/2 mile Wheatley and Waterperry, turn immediately left on leaving A40 , follow the brown signs to Waterperry and the yellow AA signs for Handmade Oxford.

Electric Vehicle Charging – You can access an interactive map showcasing charging points in Oxfordshire here >>

Train

National Rail Enquiries + (0) 8457 48 49 50 www.nationalrail.co.uk

From Central London – Marylebone Station to Haddenham & Thame Parkway Station. Trains run about every 30 minutes.

From Birmingham – Birmingham New Street Station to Banbury, then change onto Chiltern Railways to Haddenham & Thame Parkway

Taxi – A local cab company is based in Haddenham & Thame Parkway station car park.

 

 

Getting Here

Venue: Waterperry Gardens, Nr. Wheatley, Oxfordshire, England OX33 1JZ
Festival Dates: 21 – 23 June 2024
VIP Entry: 9:30am – 5pm
Standard Entry: 10am – 5pm

Car & Coach
  • Complimentary Car Parking
  • Designated Blue Badge Parking – see FAQs
  • Advanced booking required for coaches
  • Sat NAV OX33 1LA

From Oxford: Follow directions for A40 East – London. On the A40 take the third exit, 2 miles after passing the Thornhill Park and Ride, signposted for Wheatley and follow the brown signs to Waterperry Gardens and follow the yellow AA signs for Handmade Oxford.

From Birmingham – M40 South – Follow the M40 Brown Signs, exit Junction 8a for Oxford Services follow directions towards the services then at the second roundabout take the exit signposted Oxford A40, after 0.5 miles turn right again towards Wheatley and Waterperry, follow the brown signs. Do not join A40 and then follow the yellow AA signs for Handmade Oxford.

From London – M40 North – Follow the M40 Brown Signs, exit Junction 8 for A40 Oxford then take first exit approx 1/2 mile Wheatley and Waterperry, turn immediately left on leaving A40 , follow the brown signs to Waterperry and the yellow AA signs for Handmade Oxford.

Electric Vehicle Charging – You can access an interactive map showcasing charging points in Oxfordshire here >>

Train

National Rail Enquiries + (0) 8457 48 49 50 www.nationalrail.co.uk

From Central London – Marylebone Station to Haddenham & Thame Parkway Station. Trains run about every 30 minutes.

From Birmingham – Birmingham New Street Station to Banbury, then change onto Chiltern Railways to Haddenham & Thame Parkway

Taxi – A local cab company is based in Haddenham & Thame Parkway station car park.

 

 

Groups and Coach Trips

Take advantage of our exclusive pricing for purchases of ten or more tickets. Secure a complimentary parking space for your coach by booking in advance.

Contact Nicole to arrange your booking on [email protected]

Festival Dates: 21 – 23 June 2024

VIP Entry: 9:30am – 5pm
Standard Entry: 10am – 5pm

These coach companies get you to the Festival…

 

 

Location: Swindon
Company: Barnes Coaches
Tel: 01793 821303
E: [email protected]

Departure Date: Sunday 23rd June 2024

Further Information & Booking here >>

 

FAQs

Festival Opening Times

Friday 21 June:       10am – 5pm

Saturday 22 June:  10am – 5pm

Sunday 23 June:     10am – 5pm

TICKETS

Yes, however, tickets bought on the day will not have the benefit of reduced online prices

Concession tickets apply to students over 18 with a valid student card and senior citizens (60+).

Children under 14 enter free and a free personal assistant ticket will be free of charge for a carer. Please bring proof of eligibility with you to show at the entrance upon arrival.

Under 14s enter free but must be accompanied by a paying adult

Waterperry Gardens, encompassing the ornamental gardens, garden shop, gift barn, gallery and museum welcoming visitors every day of the week. The sole fee at Waterperry is for entry to the ornamental gardens, with admission charges directly contributing to the maintenance and enhancement of the beautiful grounds.

Ornamental garden – 10.00am – 5:30pm

Handmade Oxford Festival offers a combined Festival & Garden Ticket

WORKSHOPS & DEMONSTRATIONS

<span style=”font-weight: 400;”>Many of our exhibitors will showcase their talents throughout the Festival.

ACCESSIBILITY

If you arrive by Car, we have designated parking spaces for Blue Badge holders.

The Festival is on grass and most areas are accessible to visitors in wheelchairs but Handmade Oxford is unable to provide any push/motorised wheelchairs for hire.

Accessible Toilets and Baby change facilities are available within the Festival site

Assistance Animals and well-behaved dogs on leads welcome

ARTISAN FOOD AND DRINK

We have some fantastic food and drink available at the Festival and we work with a variety of interesting traders, to suit all tastes; including, vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options. Their offerings will be available from 10 am each day of the Festival.

GENERAL  INFORMATION

We are encouraging contactless card payments, wherever possible.

There will be no cash withdrawal facility on site available

Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome. Shaded areas can be found around the Festival site.

There is good 4G/5G mobile signal across the Festival site.

No Wi-Fi is accessible.

Artisan Food

Enjoy delightfully delicious treats from our Artisan Food & Drink exhibitors – if you fancy a leisurely lunch, a mid afternoon ‘pick me up’, or some special goodies to take home, there is plenty to choose from – see some of the provisions on offer below, and check back to see more.

VIP Guests will be welcomed on arrival with refreshment from our partners Luxuria, also providing a little taste of luxury to all our guests in the *new* Bar & Cafe Area.

BUY TICKETS FOR THE FESTIVAL HERE

 

 

FALLOW & FIELDS

Dedicated to providing locally produced and sustainably sourced food, Oxfordshire based Fallow & Fields love to grow as much as possible – their plates are guaranteed to be fresh, and bursting with flavour.

 

LA KORDUN CATERING

With a small and dedicated team of caterers who have years of experience providing great food and coffee, this family-run business La Kordun Catering will have plenty on offer. Serving authentic French crepes, sweet or savoury, with lots of toppings to choose from. Barista-style coffee will also be available!

 

NAPOLeat

Authentic Italian food prepared by a team of people passionate about good food and Mouthwatering Wood Fired oven Pizzas.  Opened in April 2022, you can also find Cambridge based NAPOLeat  inside Sorrento hotel.

 

LUXURIA

Luxuria Lifestyle Cocktails and Bubbles

With unwavering commitment to excellence, LL Cocktails & Bubbles collaborates with premium drinks partners and trusted suppliers, ensuring every detail is infused with professionalism. Relax and refresh in our Cafe and Bar areas with Luxuria.

Demonstrations

Watch live craft demonstrations and engage with the artists. Sharing insights and expertise, showing techniques and giving tips – there is a wealth of experience to explore – don’t miss this chance to find out more! 

A Demonstration Schedule will be published in the lead up to the Fair, and available at the entrance gate. Get a sneak peek of some of our Demonstrators below – and check back for more to be added soon!

 

EXPERIENCE THE MAGIC OF MARBLING

Marbling 4 Fun

Craig will demonstrate how to marble onto fabric, paper, wood, and tiles, demonstrating old and new techniques with a chance to ask him questions throughout. 

HANDPAINTING ON SILK

Jane Williams Silks

Jane will demonstrate how to paint a silk scarf using free form technique. 

GLASS CUTTING

Cotswold Glass Creations

Lisa will demonstrate the art of scoring and breaking glass strips and circles to create her candle holders and a large statement bowl.

HAND WEAVING SUMERIAN CHAIN

Megan Arnold

Megan will weave a series of silver rings to produce a ‘link in link’ flexible chain, of various designs.

WOOD ENGRAVING & PRINTING

Ellie Cliftlands

Ellie will be demonstrating the traditional medium of wood engraving from start to finish, to create small and finely detailed prints.

BLACKSMITHING TECHNIQUES

Falcon Forge

Carl will be demonstrating the traditional skill of blacksmithing. He’ll be using a coke forge to heat steel, hammering and manipulating it on an anvil and using various tools to create small scale items.

RUSH SEAT WEAVING

The Marchmont Workshop

Using rushes harvested ourselves in the river Avon, Richard & Sam will show the process of twisting and weaving rushes to form the seat pad of a newly made traditional frame chair.

NATURAL DYES – EXTRACTION AND FIXING

studioEVIG – The Plant Dye Company

studioEVIG – The Plant Dye Company, will demonstrate how to simply extract colour from plants, and fix that colour to a fabric. The range of colours available from natural sources is amazing and they can’t wait to share some examples with you.

SILVER CLAY – MOULDS AND FINISHING 

Studfold Art of Science

Laurie will demonstrate different types and use of moulds to imprint and create texture in precious metal clay, including botanical imprints, as well as exploring varied finishing options.

MAKING WAX FIGURES

The Metalsmith

Emily will demonstrate the process used to make the little figures in her collection, ‘Make Jewellery Not War’. One of a combination of processes Emily uses to create these pieces – Emily also designs, creates the wax figures, casts the metal from spent brass shell casings, and combines the figures with silver and wooden structures using a variety of finishing techniques.

STILL LIFE OIL PAINTING

Rosie Parmley Contemporary Art

Rosie is a painter and potter who loves paint. She regularly works in her studio on a simple still life as an exercise in observation. Rosie will demonstrate how to record a simple still life of flowers in the vase, using oil paints.

BRASS PLANISHING, ETCHING & PATINATION

Black Pear Bespoke

Nick will demonstrate various simple processes used to add surface decoration and patina to brass inlays. Including: Preparation and annealing, planishing, acid etching, finishing and chemical aging/patina processes.

FRENCH BEADING

Holly Parr – Beaded Blooms

Holly will be presenting a series of short demonstrations giving an introduction to the techniques used in creating her beaded blooms, including: drawing & detailing from life, measuring and disecting a flower.

TRADITIONAL ENGLISH BASKET MAKING

Julie Livesey at Pip Cottage

Using home grown Lancashire and Somerset willows, Julie will demonstrate the traditional basketry techniques used to make an oval shopper, taught to her by Adrian Charlton of Norfolk Basket Company who was himself taught by Master Basketmaker Terry Bensley.

ENDANGERED STRAW CRAFTS

Penny Maltby

Learn about Heritage wheat, traditional straw skills and farming customs. Watch straw worker and artist Penny demonstrate the endangered crafts of corn dolly, harvest trophy making and hat plaiting.

Workshops

More Workshops coming soon..

Get creative and learn something new in a fun and interactive festival atmosphere.

Spaces are LIMITED for each workshop, so don’t miss out! Please note, workshop tickets do not allow free entry to the festival. Festival tickets must be purchased to attend any workshop. 

BUY TICKETS FOR THE FESTIVAL HERE

INTRODUCTION TO LINOCUT ON PAPER, Wee Bothy Art

DATES: Friday 21st June – Sunday 23rd June
11am – 1pm

DURATION: 2 hours
COST: £40
Seats are limited, CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION AND BOOKING

DESCRIPTION
Learn how to carve and print your own lino block by hand. Join Eleanor where you will be guided through the process of designing, carving, and printing your own Lino block onto cards and prints.

INTRODUCTION TO LINOCUT ON FABRIC, Wee Bothy Art

DATE: Friday 21st June – Sunday 23rd June
2.00pm – 4.00pm

DURATION: 2 hours
COST: £40
Seats are limited, CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION AND BOOKING

DESCRIPTION
Learn how to carve and print your own lino block by hand. Join Eleanor where you will be guided through the process of designing, carving, and printing your own Lino block onto a tote bag.

WILLOW LEAPING HARE, Julie Livesey at Pip Cottage

DATE: Saturday 22nd June 11.00am – 1.00pm

DURATION: 2 hours
COST: £40
Seats are limited, CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION AND BOOKING

DESCRIPTION
Make your very own leaping hare. Julie will demonstrate step by step how to bend and weave willow to create this 2D sculpture, using a figure of 8 and rand weaves. The final leaping hare can be used to adorn a wall or as a hanging.

FRENCH BEADED FLOWER WORKSHOP – LAVENDER, Beaded Blooms

DATE: Sunday 23rd June 11.00am – 1.00pm

DURATION: 2 hours
COST: £65
Seats are limited, CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION AND BOOKING

DESCRIPTION
Gain an insight into the lost art of French beading. Learning a combination of techniques you will create your own forever flower; techniques which you could use in the future to create your own stems and designs. This course is suitable for all levels and is the perfect opportunity to escape reality and get lost in this therapeutic process.

POLE LATHE TURNING, Greenwood Days

DATES: Friday 21st June – Sunday 23rd June. Workshops will be running all day on a drop-in basis.

DURATION: From 20 mins upwards
COST: Variable from £5 dependent on which item you turn.

DESCRIPTION
Get involved in hands-on workshops in Greenwood turning, using a foot powered pole lathe. Choose which item you want to turn including a simple spinning top, rounders bat, candlestick or garden dibber. Using English hardwood – locally sourced and sustainably managed.

Partners

To support and promote British excellence remains central to Handmade in Britain’s vision for our future.”

It is extremely important for us to collaborate with our partners and other like-minded organisations that share the same ethos as us. If you are an organisation looking to contribute to the UK’s cultural landscape by supporting this leading international consumer event for contemporary craft and design there are many ways we can work together.

We offer cross-marketing promotions as well as bespoke packages which include social media posts, newsletter inclusions, logo features, ticket adverts, and more.

If you would like to partner with us in 2024, we’d love to hear from you. Send an email to Piyush Suri, [email protected] and we’ll get in touch with you.

Exhibit with Us

**WE’RE DELIGHTED TO ANNOUNCE THAT, IN RESPONSE TO POPULAR DEMAND, WE HAVE ADDED MORE MARQUEES TO ACCOMMODATE ADDITIONAL EXHIBITOR SPACES FOR STAND AND TRESTLE TABLES AT THE FESTIVAL.

Are you:

  • An Individual Craftsperson
  • A curative Group or Organisation
  • A Gallery

We now invite applications from a range of disciplines and opportunities including:

Contemporary Craft, Fine Art & Prints, Health & Wellbeing, Craft Supplies, Sculpture & Mix Media Artisan Food, Workshops & Talks Program, Craft Demonstrations, Sustainable & Eco Living

Please Note: All Jewellery & Silverware applications will now be included in our Festival Waiting List. Applications: Each week, we carefully review and assess all submissions. The Festival is a curated event and space is limited within each discipline, we advise to apply as soon as possible through our online form>

I had a good show, it was busy and I made new customers and saw returning customers. 
Alexandra Aurum, Handmade Oxford 2023 

“Thanks for an amazing show -I had a great few days and it was really worthwhile!
Chalk Wovens, Handmade Oxford 2023 

 

1. READY BUILT STAND PACKAGE 

Located within a marquee a ready built stand which comes complete with white wooden walls, flooring and name board.

We offer a range of stand sizes with prices starting from:

£370 + VAT per square metre (minimum stand width 2m)

We will be happy to work with you to find a stand size that will suit your needs.

 

2. TRESTLE TABLE (Supplied)  

Located within a marquee an alternative to our Contemporary Craft stands are free standing 6′ trestle tables. These will provide the same high quality products with a vibrant & festival feel, but at a lower cost of £500.00 + VAT

3. TRIANGLE GALLERY SPACE

A 6m x 6m (36sqm) peaked marquee dividable into quarters, halves or its entirety.

Option 1 | A & B
Small Triangle 9m2 (Quarter)
£765.00 + vat

Option 2 | C
Large Triangle 18m2 (Half)
£1400.00 + vat

  • Triangular floor space
  • On grass
  • Diagonal separation curtain
  • All pagoda sides open

 

4. BRING YOUR OWN MARQUEE / SITE ONLY

Starting from: £85 + VAT per sqm

Varied sizes available for your marquee starting from 3m x 3m (9sqm) priced at £765.00 + VAT

 

CONTACT US: 
Alis Clement
Events Manager
Bookings & General Enquiries
T: 07593 654 006
E: [email protected]
Working Days: Tuesday – Thursday

Cat Lorimer
Sales & Customer Services Manager
General Enquiries and Bookings
T: 07538 550 382
E: [email protected]

Exhibit with Us

**WE’RE DELIGHTED TO ANNOUNCE THAT, IN RESPONSE TO POPULAR DEMAND, WE HAVE ADDED MORE MARQUEES TO ACCOMMODATE ADDITIONAL EXHIBITOR SPACES FOR STAND AND TRESTLE TABLES AT THE FESTIVAL.

Are you:

  • An Individual Craftsperson
  • A curative Group or Organisation
  • A Gallery

We now invite applications from a range of disciplines and opportunities including:

Contemporary Craft, Fine Art & Prints, Health & Wellbeing, Craft Supplies, Sculpture & Mix Media Artisan Food, Workshops & Talks Program, Craft Demonstrations, Sustainable & Eco Living

Please Note: All Jewellery & Silverware applications will now be included in our Festival Waiting List. Applications: Each week, we carefully review and assess all submissions. The Festival is a curated event and space is limited within each discipline, we advise to apply as soon as possible through our online form>

I had a good show, it was busy and I made new customers and saw returning customers. 
Alexandra Aurum, Handmade Oxford 2023 

“Thanks for an amazing show -I had a great few days and it was really worthwhile!
Chalk Wovens, Handmade Oxford 2023 

 

1. READY BUILT STAND PACKAGE 

Located within a marquee a ready built stand which comes complete with white wooden walls, flooring and name board.

We offer a range of stand sizes with prices starting from:

£370 + VAT per square metre (minimum stand width 2m)

We will be happy to work with you to find a stand size that will suit your needs.

 

2. TRESTLE TABLE (Supplied)  

Located within a marquee an alternative to our Contemporary Craft stands are free standing 6′ trestle tables. These will provide the same high quality products with a vibrant & festival feel, but at a lower cost of £500.00 + VAT

3. TRIANGLE GALLERY SPACE

A 6m x 6m (36sqm) peaked marquee dividable into quarters, halves or its entirety.

Option 1 | A & B
Small Triangle 9m2 (Quarter)
£765.00 + vat

Option 2 | C
Large Triangle 18m2 (Half)
£1400.00 + vat

  • Triangular floor space
  • On grass
  • Diagonal separation curtain
  • All pagoda sides open

 

4. BRING YOUR OWN MARQUEE / SITE ONLY

Starting from: £85 + VAT per sqm

Varied sizes available for your marquee starting from 3m x 3m (9sqm) priced at £765.00 + VAT

 

CONTACT US: 
Alis Clement
Events Manager
Bookings & General Enquiries
T: 07593 654 006
E: [email protected]
Working Days: Tuesday – Thursday

Cat Lorimer
Sales & Customer Services Manager
General Enquiries and Bookings
T: 07538 550 382
E: [email protected]

Apply 2024

Before proceeding with your application, please ensure that you have explored all available exhibiting options, along with participation prices by reading our “Exhibit with Us in 2024” page here.

Applications: OPEN
Note: All Jewellery & Silverware applications will now be included in our Festival Waiting List.

Applying to exhibit takes a maximum of 15 minutes. In order to complete successfully our short online application form, please have ready the following details about you and your work:

  • Your business contact information
  • Four professionally photographed pieces and one example of a previous stand display

To ensure your application is fully considered, please complete and return the contract with your application. By submitting this contract you are committing to attend the Festival over the published dates. If your collection is selected we will require a non refundable deposit of £250.00 within 2 weeks of the date of confirmation that you have been selected to exhibit with us.  

Please return completed contract in pdf with terms & conditions by email to [email protected] or [email protected]

The contracts can be filled online and signed digitally and failure to do so may prevent us from moving forward with your participation in the Festival.