Apply to EXHIBIT at THE SPRING MAKERS FAIR

@ THE BRITISH ENGINEERIUM, HOVE

9-10 May

The British Engineerium is the perfect setting for a Makers Fair. At its heart is the stunning former Coal Shed, a large exhibition hall with a mezzanine gallery floor that can accommodate 60+ makers, artists, and creatives. With its striking industrial backdrop, the venue offers a truly memorable atmosphere for both traders and visitors.

And it doesn’t stop indoors. The beautiful outdoor grounds will be in use again this Spring, hosting a outdoor marketplace, street food, and *new for 2026* an exciting collaboration with the Sussex Distillers Festival.

The Sussex Distillers Festival will take place across the outdoor grounds overlooking the reservoir and Hove Park, showcasing some of the finest local spirits, wines, and craft beers. This specialist pop-up will include demonstrations, cocktails, tastings and samplings, talks, live music, and more.

This collaboration is designed to attract a wider audience and enhance the overall visitor experience - bringing increased footfall and more potential customers for all traders involved.

Please note: alcohol sellers must apply directly to the Sussex Distillers Festival, as they will be selecting all alcohol exhibitors.

What else to expect

  • A large indoor Makers Fair within the Coal Shed Exhibition Hall

  • An outdoor marketplace for additional makers and artists

  • Street food and small-batch food producers

  • The museum open for full guided steam-up tours

  • A separate outdoor bar (including hot drinks) and picnic areas

  • Entertainment and interactive attractions

The event will remain free to attend, with tickets only required for museum tours, queue jump access, Sauna and the skatepark.

This will be a vibrant celebration of creativity, craftsmanship, and handmade goods, featuring over 125 independent businesses - and we would love for you to be part of it.

We are on the look out for high-quality and unique makers, designers, creative small businesses and small batch food producers. If you think you’re a good fit, we’d love to hear from you!

Please do check our our FAQ’s at the bottom of this page for more exhibitor information.

PITCH options & INFO:

inside - 6ft pitch

  • The majority of pitches inside the Coal Shed are 6ft - available either with or without a table included.

    Each pitch will come with 1 chair.

    If you prefer to bring your own table or have a bespoke set-up that fits within the 6ft space, please select the 'table NOT included' option. However, if you require a bespoke set-up/larger space etc outside of these options, please message me for a quote or check the outside options.

    • 6ft pitch with a table included: £85 per day or £165 for the weekend. Approx size 182cm x 77cm

    • 6ft pitch without a table: £80 per day or £160 for the weekend

    Rail space is an additional £12 per booking. If you need space for a rail or rack, please select the '+ RAIL SPACE' option as you will not be able to add on at a later date or on the day. The rail MUST BE under 100cms in length. Rails are not provided. There will not be space to accommodate rails on the day if not already pre-agreed. Browsers are free but must be listed in your requirements and placed where shown on set up.

    Some tables will be placed against the wall (with a chair to the side), if this does not suit your set up, please express on requirements.

INSIDE - 4FT TABLE

  • If you only need a small pitch, then the 4ft table option will be ideal - but these are very limited.

    Table measures approximately 120cm x 60cm and has a weight limit of 30kg. For this reason, these tables are NOT suitable for heavy setups/products such as large ceramics.

    Each pitch comes with one chair.

    Some tables will be placed against the wall (with a chair to the side), if this does not suit your set up, please express on requirements.

    • 4ft pitch: £55 per day or £110 for the weekend. Approx size 120cm x 60cm (weight limit 30kgs) Very limited availability

    Rail space is an additional £12 per booking. If you need space for a rail, please select the '+ RAIL SPACE' option as you will not be able to add on at a later date or on the day. The rail MUST BE under 100cms in length

OUTSIDE trading options

    • 3x3m pitches - £80 per day / £160 for the weekend

    Select this option for max 3x3m pitch, with or without your own gazebo. This is ideal if you would like a larger trading area, would like to share with another exhibitor (e.g a friend) or would like to do demonstrations/workshops. Gazebos, tables & chairs are not provided. You must be fully self sufficient and all gazebo's must be fully weighted down and fit for purpose. Electricity is not available outside.

    • 6ft table under a shared gazebo - £70 per day / £140 for the weekend

    A table will be set up for you under a shared 3x3m gazebo (2-3 tables in each gazebo) and tables will be facing outwards. Please note: there will be no extra space so any extra stock etc may have to be placed outside of gazebos.

    Hot Food - £120 a day, outside only

    Please add to your notes the space you require (e.g gazebo/horse box/truck) and whether you are self-sufficient or need access to power etc (extremely limited electricity options). There is space to bring additional seating for customers but please add this to your notes. You'll also need to provide a bin for your customers waste and be responsible for removal at the end of each day. Last years footfall was over 3000 and we anticipate this year's event with the addition of the Sussex Distilleries Festival where there will be a variety of bars & live music, to be even higher.

    A few notes on outside trading:

    • There is a overnight storage room conveniently situated in the museum (different room to last year)

    • Bad weather policy: If it is too unsafe to go ahead with outside trading options, a refund will be given less £15 fee (to go towards cost already spent). Full details can be found on our T&C page.

    • Chairs are not provided.

    • If supplying your own gazebo it must be fit for purpose and securely weighted at all times.

    • Alcohol traders - distilleries, wines, craft beer & ciders - Please contact Sussex Distilleries to apply.  

READY TO APPLY?

If you need more info, please check out the FAQs below but if you’re ready to apply, click the link in this section!

APPLY HERE

Remember, you’ll need to create a free profile with Eventaly. Once completed, please come back to this link to apply!

 FAQs

  • There are a few things we look for when working our way through applications.

    • We like to see your brand identity and if we feel it will align with ours and our visitors to The British Engineerium and the demographics

    • Your social media presence

    • Any past stall set up images can be helpful when deciding if you’re a good fit

    • And of course, the main one is the quality and originality of your work/products!

    • Priority will always be given to hand made or hand designed crafted products.

    • Local Food & drink producers are welcome to apply.

    • Sorry, no charities or MLM Francise businesses accepted.

  • We welcome one day or weekend applications, however weekend applications will take priority (simply due to the volume of applications).

  • Yes, if booking an inside pitch with a table included option. Each stall inside will have one chair - if you need another, please bring it with you.

    If you’re booking an outside 3×3m pitch, you’ll have to bring your own table/s, chairs and gazebos (if using).

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  • The ground floor is fully accessible with the toilets located on this floor. The mezzanine gallery floor is accessed via stairs.

    If you have accessibility needs, please ensure you let me know / include it within your application as I’ll ensure you are located downstairs.

  • As always, I pride myself on a full marketing campaign for each event, to bring visitors to the event. This includes but not limited to posters, paid ads, digital posters, banners & print ads in local magazines/newspapers.

    Each exhibitor will be featured across our socials and website & we will provide you with numerous graphics for your own social media channels - all included in your pitch fee.

    We also expect you to advertise on your platforms for further awareness and you’re welcome to use any of our images/graphics on our socials as well as the ones we provide for you. We also welcome collaborative posts on IG when possible.

  • Yes, we’re happy for exhibitors to share 6ft pitches or outside pitches, but please let me know in advance who you’d like to share with.

    Unfortunately the 4ft tables aren’t suitable for sharing as they are too small.

  • The venue is just off Neville Road in Hove. Right next door to Waitrose, Legal & General and Hove Park.

    It’s easily accessible from A27 and Old Shoreham Road. Route 5 Buses (5B stops outside). Check out the map found at the bottom of this page.

  • Yes!

  • Yes, there is plenty of excellent opportunities at this venue, please list fully on your application form - if it does not fit in with standard pitch options I will email you back and discuss.

  • Yes if you’re booking an inside pitch -the venue will be locked and alarmed with onsite overnight security. We can’t be responsible for any loss or damages incurred. Outside traders must remove their equipment and stock unless static and pre-agreed.

  • Yes, but only at limited areas inside the building. All electrical items must meet current guidelines and be PAT tested if required. Paper Daisy are unable to supply extension leads.

  • There is extremely limited parking on site & neighbouring school car park. As there is not enough spaces for everybody, the fairest way is to pre-book a space in advanced for £5 per day.

    More details will be available closer to the event.

    Currently, all street parking is free in the area.

  • No, any outside traders will need to be self sufficient. Water is available.

  • Yes, the venue has wifi.

  • Entrance on the day will be free for those visitors who don’t mind queuing at potentially busy periods and are happy to wait.

    However, for those who have expressed an option for an alternative, there will be optional Advanced Priority entry tickets with a limited availability for £1.50. This allows visitors to get priority entry over free entry into The Coal Shed (Makers Fair) over free entry if queues form.

    The outside marketplace will be completely free for everyone and hopefully reduce any queues further.

  • We will only cancel the outside area, if it’s too unsafe to go ahead (such as very high winds).

    In this instance, we will give refunds but deduct £15 admin fee which goes on costs already spent (admin, advertising, site costs etc).

    Our full cancellation policy can be found here.

 

WE ARE HERE!

The high Victorian Gothic buildings are a prominent landmark in Hove, besides Hove Park, neighbouring Waitrose, Corals & Hove Park.