Calling all artists, crafters, designers and makers! Ilkley Manor House is delighted to invite applications for its Christmas Makers’ Fair 2026.

Now in its ninth year, the fair showcases original work by local and regional makers and offers an excellent opportunity to sell directly to new and existing customers, meet fellow creatives and present your work within the beautiful surroundings of the Grade I-listed Ilkley Manor House.

Following an outstanding turnoutof 758 visitors in 2025, the Ilkley Manor House Christmas Makers’ Fair is an event not to be missed.

We welcome applications from professional artists, crafters, designers and makers selling original, handmade products, including ceramics, jewellery, textiles, prints, artwork, cards, homeware and other handcrafted gifts.

Fair dates and opening times:

• Saturday 21 November 2026
  10 am–5 pm
• Sunday 22 November 2026
  10 am–5 pm

Please note that the fair will take place inside Ilkley Manor House.

A festive weekend in Ilkley!

The fair will take place during the same weekend as Ilkley’s Christmas celebrations on The Grove, creating a lively and festive atmosphere throughout the town centre. Ilkley Manor House volunteers will be on The Grove distributing flyers and encouraging visitors to discover the Christmas Makers’ Fair.

We are also partnering with local arts organisation Ilkley Arts, which will present its own exhibition with sales in the Courtyard Cottage, adding even more creativity and activity to the site.

Visitors will also be able to enjoy mulled wine, mince pies and Christmas carols, making the Manor House a warm and welcoming destination during Ilkley’s festive weekend.

What our stallholders said last year

A maker who took part in the fair for the first time in 2025 said:

“I was extremely impressed by the help that you and your colleagues gave me with setting up. It made the process stress-free and helped me show my work to its best advantage. Having time on Friday to set up was great, as it avoided a rush on Saturday.

“Throughout the event, I found all the staff helpful, from checking that we were warm enough and offering to bring us drinks to helping with a poor phone connection and carrying things out at the end. My sales were good on both days, and I was pleased to see a steady footfall throughout.”

Set-up arrangements

Successful applicants may set up their stall or drop off their stock and equipment on:

• Friday 20 November 2026, between 5 pm and 8 pm

This optional Friday set-up period is intended to make the process easier and avoid a rushed set-up before the fair opens.

Further information about access, setting up and packing down will be provided to successful applicants.

Applications

Applications are FREE and must be submitted by:

• 15 September 2026

All applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application by the end of September 2026.

Please include high-quality photographs showing examples of the work you intend to sell. Photographs of previous stall displays are also helpful. Videos are also welcome.

Selection process

Applications will be considered according to the quality, originality, pricing and presentation of the work.

We will also aim to offer visitors a varied selection of products and avoid unnecessary duplication between stalls.

Submitting an application does not guarantee a place at the fair. Ilkley Manor House is not obliged to accept every application received.

We will make every effort to take applicants’ preferences and requirements into consideration, but we cannot guarantee that all preferences can be accommodated.

Stall fees

Fees apply only to successful applicants.

Standard table

Approximately 5ft or 6ft in length:

• £105 for Saturday
• £105 for Sunday
• £200 for both days

Large table

Approximately 10ft in length:

• £115 for Saturday
• £115 for Sunday
• £215 for both days

The fee includes the hire of a table, up to 3 chairs, a small space around the table (as long as it is not a trip hazard) and promotion of the event through Ilkley Manor House’s marketing channels, including an article in the local paper.

Fees must be paid in advance by the deadline stated on the invoice. Stall fees are non-refundable once a place has been confirmed.

Information for successful applicants

Successful applicants will receive a stallholder information pack containing:

• directions and access information
• parking information
• set-up and packing-down times
• marketing materials
• payment information
• contact details for the Ilkley Manor House team

Applicants should ensure that the email address and telephone number used in their application is correct and regularly checked.

Insurance and liability

Successful applicants must provide evidence of adequate and current public liability insurance before attending the fair.

Each exhibitor is responsible for the safe operation of their stall and for their own products, stock, equipment and activities during the event.

Ilkley Manor House cannot accept responsibility for the loss, theft or damage of exhibitors’ stock, equipment or personal belongings.

Further information

For any questions, please contact us through the Contact Curator tab.

We look forward to receiving your application and welcoming you to the Ilkley Manor House Christmas Makers’ Fair 2026.

Ilkley Manor House Team