Potfest in the Pens – Melton Mowbray
30, 31 & 1 of October & November 2026
Potfest in the Pens – Melton Mowbray is held in the agricultural market within a 5-minute walk of the town centre.
Just like the Penrith Pens events, exhibiting space is a large metal barred cattle pen, the front gates of which will have been removed. This is quite a new market so the lighting is good and the site is relatively (it is a cattle market after all) clean and tidy. There will be free on-site overnight car parking and van camping for those that want it and there are obviously a number of hotels and B&B’s within easy walking distance of the site.
The 2025 Potfest in the Pens – Melton Mowbray had a footfall of just under 3,500 with an average exhibitor take of just under £1,850. The average spend per head was just under £55. This was a hugely enjoyable event and the shows continues to grow.
2026 Dates
Setting up day Friday from 9am
Open to the public Friday (3pm until 7pm), Saturday & Sunday from 10am until 4:30pm each day
Deadline for receipt of applications is 10th January, with the ballot for spaces being drawn the following week and successful applicants being notified before the 1st February.
Upon completing this form we will email you to acknowledge safe receipt of your application. If you dopnt receive an email notification, 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 Saturday 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