Provisional dates for IACF’s Newark International Antiques and Collectors’ Fair in 2010 suggest that, on at least two of the six stagings, it may prove difficult to hold Swallow’s Lincolnshire Antiques and Home Show back-to-back.
The list of Newark dates for 2010, shown to ATG by IACF chairman Keith Harris last week, includes a fair on Thursday-Friday, April 8-9.
The Monday to Wednesday slot that Arthur Swallow Fairs would typically wish to assume would therefore include Easter Monday on April 5. A Bank Holiday date could prove unpopular with both exhibitors and buyers.
IACF are also proposing to hold the following Newark fair on Thursday-Friday, June 10-11, just two weeks before the county show at the Lincolnshire Showground.
The 126th annual agricultural show is the biggest event on the Lincolnshire Showground calendar and it requires a lengthy set-up period.
However, Mark Farmer, chief executive of the Lincolnshire Events Centre, told ATG he was confident that, with some logistical planning, the dates could be met should Arthur Swallow Fairs wish to hold their event from Monday to Wednesday, June 7-9.
Richard Burgoin, director of Arthur Swallow Fairs, told ATG he was disappointed by the proposed dates. He said they were not chosen with the interests of the antiques trade in mind.
Meanwhile, there have been mixed reactions to IACF’s plans to revive the fair at RAF Swinderby just days after the site – slated for redevelopment by owners Cemex – was vacated by Arthur Swallow Fairs in favour of the Lincoln Showground.
IACF have an agreement with the site owners to run an antiques fair at Swinderby for at least two years without fear that the disused airfield will be redeveloped.
Keith Harris, who acquired the Newark, Ardingly, Shepton Mallet and Detling fairs from DMG Antiques Fairs under the revived IACF brand in May, told ATG over 150 stands and a number of marquees were booked for the October event within three days of the announcement.
Initially a two-day fair was proposed with set up on Monday, October 5 and a single buying day on Tuesday, October 6.
However, following requests from standholders, and in an effort to make the new Swinderby “as close to the old fair as we can make it”, it will now be a three-day event closing on Wednesday when admission will be free. Newark then follows on October 8-9.
By Roland Arkell
