Autumnal Potfest in the Pens – Penrith
23, 24 & 25 Oct 2026
The late autumn version of our original market but at a time of year when visitors are beginning to think about buying for Christmas. Held in the agricultural market on the outskirts of Penrith, this is an indoor/undercover venue but the building can become cold. Exhibiting space is a large metal barred cattle pen, the front gates of which will have been removed.
The second of the 2025 Penrith Potfest in the Pens events had a footfall of over 3,300 with an average exhibitor take of £1,600. The average spend per head of the visitors was just over £55.
2026 Dates
Setting up day Thursday from 5pm
Open to the public Friday, Saturday & Sunday from 10am until 4:30pm each day
Deadline for receipt of applications is midnight 10th Jan, with the ballot for spaces being drawn the following week and successful applicants being notified before 1st Feb.
Upon completing this form we will email you to acknowledge safe receipt of your application. If you don’t receive an email notification then I haven’t received your form.
Applications must be accompanied by five images of your work, ideally including a profile picture of you, either at work or exhibiting.
Image 1 should be the picture you’d like to be your thumbnail on the website. This image should be in landscape with an aspect ratio of 4:3 (take a look at the website to get the idea). The image should be a good representation of your work, with a clear background and of a high enough resolution (minimum 150dpi) to be clear when displayed (large) on the site. Quality images will be considered for use in show publicity material.
Potters’ Competition
The competitions have become a very important part of the shows and a favourite with the public. It’s hoped that all exhibitors will take part although it’s not compulsory. This years title for ALL of the Potfests will be announced in Spring. As well as potters’ prizes, we award a free space to our chosen winner for the following year.
Pot swap
On Friday evening after the show we have wine and nibbles. At this time, it’s become a bit of a tradition to have a drinking vessel swap between the potters though no one should feel that they have to take part, it’s just a bit of fun. During the day the public will have been voting for their favourite piece in the competition on the lawns but this is when the exhibitors make their choice.
Potters’ Dinner/Social
After the Pot Swap, for those who want to join us, we have a meal together, give out prizes and spend the rest of the evening enjoying each other’s company.
Accommodation
Details of exhibitors camping or accommodation will be sent out closer to the show dates