Apply

Please click on the headings below for some FAQ’s about making an application.

TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL IMAGES

Quality of images is often a reason why good makers don't get selected. Is your image sharp and in focus? Can you clearly see the object? Avoid distracting backgrounds. Make sure the image isn't too dark or too light. Please think about what your selected images say about your work. Don’t be tempted to send in contrasting pictures of different ranges. Selectors prefer to see a coherent body of work. The selection of images you choose will also be used for promotional purposes and all images will need to be good quality and clear. The 72dpi images will be used for presentation to the Selection Panel. All six images will be projected to the selection panel at the same time. The 300dpi images will be used for promotional purposes.

IMAGE FORMAT

To make an application you will need to upload Six jpg or JPEG images in 72dpi, and the same Six images in high resolution (300dpi) onto our online application form. Please label your images with your business name: For example: Jane Smith 72.jpg and Jane Smith 300.jpg. Its very helpful if you can reduce the resolution to 72dpi for the first 6 images. If you cant do this you will probably still need to reduce the file size to under 600KB to get them to upload.

Try resizing them to around 1200 x 900 pixels. This is the optimum size used on our website and will usually bring the file size under 600KB and a good working size for applications. Please be assured we will always use your high res images for selection if the first 6 are too small or look a bit soft.

Why do we need 2 resolutions? We ask for them in two resolutions because we have thousands of images to download and store at any one time. The high res images versions slow down our operating systems and take up more computer memory. However we use the best high res versions for print and publicity to promote the shows and we start working on PR immediately after selection.

I CAN'T CHANGE THE DPI

If you cant change the DPI dont worry! Most cameras are set up to take images in 300dpi. Chances are your original images are 300 dpi. Photoshop is still the most commonly used software for reducing the dpi, but if you dont use it, please just resize your images to a file size that will upload (under 600KB). You can reduce the file size in any Mac or Microsoft picture editor programme using either an edit or resize function.

MY IMAGES DO NOT WORK IN YOUR DIMENSIONS

Landscape shaped images are preferable, If successful your images will be used on our website in a 4 x 3 ratio. If you prefer to submit portrait or square images these will be fine for application but we'll need to crop them to fit the website later if you are succesful.

I HAVE CHANGED THE IMAGES TO JPGS BUT THEY ARE STILL UNACCEPTABLE

Check they have really converted to jpg - Open in properties and check there are no words or spaces after the file extension .jpg In most cases this can be solved by renaming the image.

We are sometimes told images dont upload when using Safari as a browser. Try opening the application form in another browser eg, Chrome, Firefox or Microsoft Edge and you should find that makes all the difference.

MY IMAGES HAVE UPLOADED BUT THE FORM WILL NOT SUBMIT/ THE FORM FREEZES ON A CERTAIN BOX

Another application is being uploaded at the same time or your internet connection is slow. Try again in a few minutes. If you are really struggling you may supply all 12 images in the low resolution. If you are selected we will contact you for high res versions later.

DO YOU HAVE A STARTUP SECTION AT ALL THE FESTIVALS

Sadly budget constaints mean it isnt always possible to offer reduced rates for new business' at all our shows.

StartUP at Cheltenham 2025 is under review.

There are no plans for StartUp at Cardigan this year.

WHY IS THERE AN APPLICATION FEE?

Your application fee is non-refundable and helps us cover the cost of administration and expenses for a selection day with an invited expert panel.

Should I apply for StartUp and the Main Section?

Short answer: Yes, if you are eligible.

We can only take a maximum of 20 places in StartUp, across a good spread of mediums, so a back up application in the main section is a good idea.

We allow a longer time lead time for StartUP (January deadline) to give new graduates some time to get their business, photographs and products further developed over the Autumn and Winter.

If you are selected in the main section in November, and then also selected for StartUP in January, we will assume you would prefer the StartUP stand.

There is no bias, it will be a different selection panel and the outcome of your application in the main section will have no bearing on the decision in January.

Is there a Waiting List?

Yes - But you must apply and go through the selection process to get on the Waiting List. We have a reserve list drawn from the selection.

Am I eligible for StartUP?

You must be in the first 2 years of your business to apply for StartUp.

If you have taken a break for a number of years and restarted, rebranded or changed your chosen medium this is not eligible as a 'new' business.

You do not have to have formal qualifications - for example you may have come through an apprenticeship or be self taught, but if you are still in further education for your chosen medium please do not apply until you have finished your degree.

You can only take part in StartUP once at each show once. If you have already taken part in StartUp in the previous year please apply in the main section.

APPLICATIONS FOR CRAFT FESTIVAL CRAFT FESTIVAL BOVEY TRACEY JUNE 6-8 2025 are OPEN

Use the Signup opposite and we'll send you reminders when applications are open for all our Festivals.

Thank you for your interest in applying for our Festivals, which have become some of the largest, friendliest and most prestigious shows to be part of in the UK. The process and criteria are the same for all our events. Applications for Craft Festival Bovey Tracey 2025 are OPEN. Cheltenham March 2025 are now CLOSED. Applications for Craft Festival Wales 2025 will open in the New Year. All exhibitors are selected for quality by a panel of industry professionals. Full details about stand sizes and fees are within the individual application forms. There is a non-refundable administration fee of £15 to apply. Stand sharing is not permitted.

StartUP: At Craft Festival, Bovey Tracey, we have a dedicated area for makers who have been in business for 2 years or less. Our aim is to support fledgling careers and to encourage and promote the wealth of creative talent we have in the UK. Stands in the StartUp section are offered at much reduced rate and create an outstanding opportunity for businesses of two years or less. You may be a graduate or self taught, but you are not eligible if you are still in higher education (for your chosen medium) at the application deadline. The StartUp application fee is £5. StartUP is currently only available at Craft Festival Bovey Tracey.

Who is eligible to apply?

Your work shows a dedication to quality of making, presentation and originality.

You make any of the following: Ceramics, Glass, Textiles, Jewellery, Metal, Wood/Furniture, Plastics, Mixed Media, Leather, Recycled Materials and Paper or Prints. No painting, photography, graphic design, musical instruments, candles or beauty products. Greetings cards are accepted as part of the range but not the sole product.

You can live anywhere in the world.

StartUp Application Criteria: You are resident anywhere in the world. You are a graduate or may be self-taught (students still in education at the deadline may not apply). Your work is in any of the above mediums and you are in the first 2 years of business which commenced after January 1st 2023. You may only exhibit in the StartUP section once. If you have already exhibited in the StartUP section please apply in the main section.

Our Digital Craft Festivals represent the finest makers from across the world with an exceptional programme of events and activities, presented online. Digital Craft Festival is now closed indefinitely.

Craft Festival Bovey Tracey

Our flagship Festival in June has built up a loyal following of over 10,000 visitors representing over 200 of the UK’s finest designer-makers from across Britain & Ireland and we are warmly welcome makers from the European Union. The event is set in a marquee village in idyllic parkland on the edge of Dartmoor in South Devon with excellent transport links via road, train and air. Applications for Craft Festival, Bovey Tracey are now open. Click on the links below for application forms.

Craft Festival Bovey Tracey, Devon 6-8 June 2025 APPLICATIONS OPEN. Closing date 6pm Friday November 29th 2024. Applicants will be notified before Christmas.

StartUp at Bovey Tracey, Devon 6- 8 June 2025 APPLICATIONS OPEN. Closing Date 6pm Friday January 24th 2025.

Craft Festival Cheltenham

Craft Festival, Cheltenham was founded in 2018 and is presented in partnership with Llantarnam Grange Arts Centre and Find a Maker. Hosted in the stunning Town Hall in the centre of Cheltenham, Craft Festival presents 100 of some of the countries finest makers plus craft workshops, demonstrations, live music and food. 3000+ visitors.

Craft Festival Cheltenham March 21-23, 2025 are Closed. Thank you to everyone who applied, notifications have been emailed out.

Craft Festival Wales

Our newest event at Cardigan Castle 6 - 8 September 2024 . Dates for 2025 to be confirmed.

Craft Festival Wales is a collaborative celebration of making supported by leading arts organisations from Wales and beyond. The event will feature 80 makers at Cardigan Castle in addition to The Capital of Craft LIVE, Out of the Woods, demonstrations, exhibitions, workshops, children’s activities, live music, theatre & storytelling and satellite events hosted across the town.

Applications CLOSED on Friday 5th April

CLICK ON THE LINKS BELOW FOR THE ONLINE APPLICATION FORMS when open:

Craft Festival Cheltenham March 21-23, 2025 are now closed

Craft Festival Bovey Tracey June 6-8 June 2025 APPLICATIONS OPEN DEADLINE 6pm Friday November 29th 2024

StartUp 2025 at Bovey Tracey, Devon APPLICATIONS OPEN DEADLINE 6pm Friday January 24th 2025

Craft Festival, Cardigan 6-8 September 2024 APPLICATIONS CLOSED Dates for 2025 to be confirmed. Applications will open in the New Year

Find a Maker

Applications OPEN for Find a Maker in the New Year.

Preparing to Sell Online

If you missed any workshops from before, you can buy a copy of the recording.

How to Grab Attention on Social Media with Laura Jane

How to Use the Power of AI to Improve Your Marketing with Stacey Sheppard

Recording of How to Prepare for Craft Fairs with Sarah James MBE

Recording of How to Apply for Funding with Laura Thomas

Recording of How To Build Your Reputation with Sarah James MBE (updated April 2024)

Recording of Instagram Stories Masterclass with Louisa Chudley, Spark Social

Recording of How to Sell Online with Camilla Westergaard, Folksy

Duration: Approximately 1-1.5hours each

Price: £15 per workshop

Preparing to Sell (In Person)

We offer exhibitors and the maker community at large, the opportunity to attend Preparing to Sell. We host days in various locations around the UK, designed to prepare you for all aspects of the selling to the public including marketing ideas, how to approach the press, stand presentation and social media tactics. Our next Preparing to Sells will be in Bovey Tracey, Devon, Hereford and Cardigan, West Wales. Next Dates will be announced soon.