Newark Antiques Fair - IACF

Nice if you like a walk round looking for oddities but prices from dealers are full retail and most seem reluctant to barter.

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 revisiting again.

We visited the IACF Antique Fair at Newark in June 2023, having paid £20.00 entry fee each person. Although the tickets did allow access to both the first day and also to the second day of trading. The site was not opened to the public until 0900h. By 1300h, it was clear that the majority of the stall holders were packing goods away and leaving the site. This effectively allowed 4h of buying on the show ground. Which considering the size of the area was not sufficient time for effective viewing.Come on IACF, Please either reduce the entrance fee to accommodate this exodus or take steps to retain the dealers on site until the advertised fair closure time of around 5pm. this being fair to all your paying customers.

Today 6th Oct. Stallholders packing up early. No restaurant open. Travelled a fair way. Disappointing day.

Ideal for smaller organised events up to 150 people, such as business meetings or weddings where participation is important. We went to a 3 day wedding there. Beautiful setting.

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 the money………..

Paid the increased entrance fee of £6.00 each at 10.00 am, only to find less than half the traders that are usually there and some were already packing up. This antiques fair is advertised as being open until 16.00, I'd be surprised if there were any stalls beyond lunch time. Very disappointed, please update your opening times and number of stalls to a more realistic expectation.

5 stars due to the public buyers and the atmosphere they bring.Iacf need to stop being so stringent on the sellers.A pitch is a pitch, regardless of how many are capable of standing it.Extra money for help on a pitch is ridiculous.

Firstly, Signage going in on the roundabouts is really bad for such a big showground then the signs are so small when going in., two of us had trouble spotting them. Then going in on the Friday, we were there and loads of people still arriving at 10.30am and stall holders were already packing up with 1000’s if people still walking around. It made me feel I had to rush around the place and then didn’t look properly and missed out a whole area even when it’s not supposed to finish until 4.30pm. This is the second time I’ve been and both times people were packing up even before lunch.. crazy when it was such a lovely day and kinda rude.. I could spend the whole day looking and buying but left early as felt unwelcome by some sellers packing up early. I’m debating going again..

Great day out. This place attracts dealers and buyers from all over the world. It even appears on tv programs regularly.