The Alexandra Palace Antiques & Collectors’ Fair in July 2023.
There are hopes for the Alexandra Palace Antiques & Collectors’ Fair to return next year but the organiser is calling for dealers to commit to ensure it will take place.
The well-loved fair started around 50 years ago and has had several owners. Last year International Antiques & Collectors’ Fairs (IACF) announced it will no longer run the event due to rising costs. Then organiser Paul Kelly, who also runs Bermondsey Antiques Market in south London and is a former director of Nelson Events which previously ran fairs at Ally Pally pre-IACF, took on the long-running event.
The relaunched Alexandra Palace Antiques & Collectors’ Fair (APACF) went ahead on July 2 this year.
Now Kelly is planning an event on Sunday, June 9, 2024 (“the best date available”) but warned that the event needs more exhibitors signed up than last year if it is to go ahead.
Venue costs
He said: “If we do not get more stallholders (than in July), due to the massive venue costs, this event will not go ahead and it is extremely unlikely that another organiser would take it on.”
Kelly is offering 5000 visitor tickets for free to give away to exhibitors’ customers and added: “This year, we had a few obstacles in our way reaching both stallholders and visitors, however, we have taken steps to overcome and mitigate these.”
Speaking directly to dealers, he said: “I cannot stress enough that the future of this fair lies in your hands and those of fellow stallholders. I promise to get buyers through the doors but need your support in giving them something to see!”
He said that although the hall rent increased slightly, the stall prices will remain unchanged from this year.
