Bristol-based antiques dealerBrian Ashbee, in conjunction with the centre, is starting a new biannual antiques fair to be held in the Upper Deck, a contemporary and light exhibition space in the Quays outlet, a few minutes from the 100-dealer antiques centre.
Possible standholders should know that the average weekend footfall through the outlet is around 20,000.
Before the Gloucester Antiques Centre moved to its present spot on the docks next to the Gloucester Quays outlet in 2009, it had traded from the Lock Warehouse on the other side of the river for more than 30 years.
Brian is well known on the fairs circuit as a long-time exhibitor at all the Cooper fairs, selling as his mainstay 18th and 19th century furniture, pictures, decorative ceramics and glass.
Standholders
The first fair is on Saturday and Sunday, April 27-28, and Brian is drawing in plenty of standholder colleagues he has "recruited through the fairs he organises at Bradford on Avon and Thornbury, Cooper Events and regional dealers who have stood at Shepton Mallet, Ludlow, Cirencester and Malvern, selling the usual range of antiques and collectables including stamps, coins, jewellery, silver, ceramics, glass and small furniture".
"Absolutely delighted," was how Stephen Zacaroli, the centre's general manager, described the launch of this event.
It will be called the Gloucester Quays Antiques Fair.
The event has 100 tables, which will cost £95 for a six-footer.
For further information contact Brian on 0117 960 5946 or visit www.gloucesterquaysantiquesfair.co.uk
