The Abingdon Traditional Craft Fair was held from Friday to Sunday at the picturesque medieval Abbey Buildings in Abingdon. The fair featured 68 stalls showcasing a wide array of handcrafted items by skilled artisans. The stalls were spread across the Abbey Buildings. There was a small area for refreshments, but food stalls no longer feature at the Fair.

The event was organised by the Abingdon Partnership group, which also manages the local excellence markets and the annual extravaganza. This year, the organisers introduced a new initiative to encourage advanced online bookings to better manage the flow of visitors.

From the ceramics of Emma Baldwin, who used to teach at Abingdon College, to marquetry pieces by Gabriella Blakey and wooden block prints by Art of Jaipur.

The fair provided an opportunity to talk with local artists and appreciate their work. There were more jewellery stalls than any other single artform, but lots of artwork, textiles, ceramics, candles, glasswork, photography, woodturning etc.. There were also demonstrations of pottery and weaving in the crypt.

Proceeds from the event’s entrance fees and stall rentals contribute to the upkeep of the medieval Abbey Buildings. The fair has done that since the 1970s and has been managed by different people and organisations over the years. The current organisers put a premium on craftworkers who are small producers with original quality designs.