Potfest Rules 2026

All shows 

Public Liability
Each show has its own public liability insurance but all exhibitors must also have their own. As a professional potter selling direct to the public either at Potfest, craft fairs, or from the studio, everyone is expected to carry public and product liability insurance. In an age of litigation, any freak accident could result in a major claim against a potter. Potfest carries public liability for the fabric of the show but has no culpability over individuals stalls. 

Exhibitors will not be allowed to set up without proof of public liability insurance, this must be brought to the show. 

Probably the most cost-effective way is to subscribe to AN (Artists Newsletter), become a member of AIR (Artists Interaction and Representation) and get a monthly email newsletter and £5 million public and product liability cover for £36 a year www.a-n.co.uk 

Only ceramic work can be sold at Potfest 

Potfest – it says it in the name. Non-ceramic sculptures, bronzes, prints and paintings etc. cannot be shown. 

The actual maker must be present at all times 

All the work displayed must be produced by the potter on the stand and whose name is on the application form, and the work must be made in its entirety by the person on the stand. No bought in blanks etc and no sub-letting of space or alternative “cover” is allowed. 

Behaviour  – Antisocial, discriminatory, harassing or inappropriate behaviour will not be tolerated and any exhibitor deemed to be behaving in this manor will initially be warned and then asked to leave the event if their behaviour is not moderated.

Stands – Potters must work with, and be sensitive to, their neighbours’ displays on all sides. Stands must be made presentable when viewed from all sides including when seen from the back. Please let me know at the time of application if your stand is higher than 5ft. 

No application can be accepted without images of the work to be displayed. 

Images are used for the website, fliers, posters and banners. Send between 5 and 8 high quality images of your work and 1 profile picture to a minimum of 150dpi resolution, maximum size 5Mb, each labelled with your name (e.g. C Cox 1). Please send new images, with plenty of space around the pot so that magazines etc. can crop down to the size and shape they require. 

There is no power available at the outdoor shows and potters cannot bring their own generators. Small battery packs for electronics are permitted. Electricity is limited at the (indoor) Pens events and is limited to powering ceramic products rather than stand lighting. Power may be requested for the Pens events but cannot be guaranteed. 

Payment/cancellations/refunds – Notifications will be sent out early in the New Year. Invoices for an initial £100 deposit for each place awarded will be issued shortly after the notifications have been sent. 

Final invoices for the balance due will be sent out circa 3 months (90 days) before each show.

Cancellation of the show between the point of paying your deposit and 21 days before the setting up date will result in that £100 deposit being lost. Cancellation with less than 21 days to the set up date will result in all monies being lost.