Queues out the door as first Stoke Ceramics Fair draws more than 1,340 visitors to Stoke Minster

More than 1,340 visitors packed Stoke Minster for the first Stoke Ceramics Fair, bringing together over 40 makers and prompting calls for a bigger venue next year.

Stoke-on-Trent’s first ever ceramics fair was such a success that visitors are already calling for a bigger venue, and possibly more than one day.

The doors of Stoke Minster were already open on Saturday morning, yet the queue to get in was still stretching out of the church and down the path.

More than 1,340 people passed through the doors of the historic church on Saturday 17 October for the inaugural Stoke Ceramics Fair, which brought together more than 40 ceramic artists from across the country.

Visitors travelled from across Staffordshire and well beyond, with some making the journey from as far as Liverpool and Manchester to browse, buy and meet the makers.

A ceramics fair created by makers, for makers

The free event was organised by three local potters and run as a not for profit fair, created by makers, for makers.

While Stoke-on-Trent is known around the world for its ceramic heritage, the fair set out to shine a spotlight on the people continuing that story today through contemporary work.

The venue itself could hardly have been more fitting. Stoke Minster sits in the heart of the Potteries, and its churchyard is the final resting place of Josiah Wedgwood.

Handmade ceramics, live demos and meeting the makers

Inside, stalls lined the aisles and filled every available corner of the Minster. Visitors browsed functional tableware and homeware alongside sculpture, decorative pieces and one of a kind artworks, all handmade and all sold directly by the person who made them.

Live demonstrations drew crowds several rows deep, with visitors watching pieces take shape in real time.

Established names exhibited alongside emerging artists and small independent businesses, and for some makers it was their very first fair. Many have already said they would like to return next year.

Calls for a bigger venue, and maybe more than one day

The fair’s popularity brought one recurring piece of feedback. The Minster was so busy that browsing at times became more of a gentle shuffle, and visitors have been saying the event needs a bigger venue next year, and perhaps even more than one day.

For a first event, it is a very good problem to have.

Visitors looking for a maker they met on the day can find the full list of exhibitors on the Stoke Ceramics Fair website.

Our ceramics story is far from finished

For the organisers, the turnout was more than they could have hoped for. What began as an idea between three potters became a day the team say they will never forget.

And if the day proved anything, it is that the people of Stoke-on-Trent, and well beyond, still see the value in a real person turning clay into something they want to buy. In supporting local makers, in keeping traditional skills alive, and in making the city’s heritage a part of its future.

In a city built on clay, it seems the best is still being made.

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