Newark Antiques Fair - IACF — Attraction in Newark and Sherwood

Very disappointing experience today at Newark. Firstly it’s not an easy place to get in and out of with zero signage. The supplied postcode takes you to a gate which wasn’t in use for visitors. Given all the vehicles having to do u turns it seems a common problem. After locating the actual entrance ( still no signs) I drove forward to be told I was in the wrong lane as that one was for exhibitors ( still no signs). After travelling along a track which was a series of huge potholes I finally got parked. Exiting was a nightmare and took 30 mins to just get down the side road to the A46.

The fair itself had one virtually empty hall and the others were occupied to varying degrees. The outside was about half occupied so I’d say less than half the advertised stands, not an issue really as it’s still massive. The quality was an issue though as this fair is far more brocante, decorators, bric a brac and repro than it used to be. This is fine for many visitors but it does mean the number of antiques are much diminished. Personally, I found a dearth of serious ceramics with tea services and West German vases predominating. The real problem as others have pointed out is that stall holders start packing up as early as 1pm and by 2pm some areas were very sparse. The ones I spoke with said they were done and wouldn’t be back for the Friday so I can’t imagine how few stands will be present on the second day. This wasn’t previously allowed and repeat offenders would be banned from standing future fairs. This is a fair that is crying out to be a single day and requires more proactive management and control. I fear it’s on a downward trajectory and I won’t be...

In two minds about giving this 2 stars or 3. In short: id have rather spent the £40 (not Including the 2h each way petrol cost too) at a local antique store but, it was ‘okay’ looking around seeing what was on offer (but not for £40)

As a longer review I’d say it’s not worth paying £20 (£40 if you are going with someone) to get in on the Thursday unless you perhaps get there at 9 exact but even then… read on. We got there at 10 due to traffic and a lot of items were already marked sold and/or being loaded onto other vendors vans or taken back to parked cars to take away. There’s a mix of reasonably priced actual antiques and really overpriced items that are not necessarily antiques, and being a frequent visitor to antique stores, I can with confidence say many items were overpriced. Also, some people do start clearing up (by slowly loading items back into their vans) after 1. Another thing to note is that the grounds are probably only 50-60% full (in terms of vendors on site). A suggestion I would make is to reduce to the price to later entries (perhaps £10 after 10 for those that just want to browse but aren’t ultra keen/‘professional’ traders). Was it worth going just so I don’t wonder ‘what if’ and to know and see what it’s like? Yeah perhaps…Would I go again? Probably not, I’ll stick to the decent selection of antique stores within the hour travel time...

Absolutely disgusting! The loos are from a 3rd world ! I’m recovering from a broken neck so I had a carrier change in which I’m enjoying and have met some wonderful people! However NEWARK has really disappointed me , the security are rude (very rude) maybe not all as I didn’t speak to all … They charged me £235 for a single table no room to move as I had folk behind me and next to me ! As I can’t carry heavy items my wife helps , she was arriving a hour behind me they charged her to get inn they wouldn’t let her car drive to where my van was , I would totally understand if it was busy but as the traders know it wasn’t busy up the top end with plenty of space and safe. They need to understand that a lot of the stall holders with no disrespect are the older generation or and with disability’s like myself .. not once did any members of staff popped by to ask if all is fine as you do get that elsewhere? Just seems to me that there’s no compassion or nothing it’s like “we’ve got your money so tuff luck” I spoken with some wonderful people over the last 2 days and I can honestly say that they also felt very let down this year ? The loos I’m afraid I wouldn’t want to explain what I witnessed “shocking” Was worth a try I certainly enjoyed meeting some fabulous people. But sadly shall not return…….. Not worth...