Markets and Fairs 2022; getting back to normality!
Markets and fairs
This year has been the first that we’ve returned to attending markets and fairs with our illustrated pet product range since the Covid-19 pandemic began in March 2020. We did take part in the Colony of Artists event in both September 2020 and 2021 as we could run this from our garden. But beyond this, we’d held back from attending other markets due to Graeme being on immunosuppression until recently.
It's been such a buzz to get back to markets this summer, meeting so many friendly folk out to support small businesses, and of course often getting to meet their furry friends too, who we always hope to see 😊 So, where have we exhibited this year? And where can you catch us between now and Christmas along with other independent retailers for all your festive shopping? Read on to find out!
Doghailes – 31st July
What do you get when you mix a National Trust for Scotland property, dozens of small local businesses, and hundreds of dogs (oh, and their owners too)?! Doghailes Market! We had an absolute blast at this event at Newhailes House & Gardens at the end of July; the weather was kind to us, we spoke to so many doggos we lost count, and we had a really busy day. (We’ll be back at Newhailes Market in October and December – read more on that below).
West End Fair 12th – 14th August
This year saw us take part in an official Edinburgh Festival Fringe event for the first time, and it won’t be our last! From Friday 12th to Sunday 14th August, we hired a stall in the marquee area of the West End Fair in the grounds of St John’s Church. The fair was organised by 3D2D Events and was an opportunity for us to reach out to a broader audience, including of course the massive influx of tourists visiting our city for the festival, which was lovely.
Colony of Artists – 17th and 18th September
2022 was our 8th year taking part in the Colony of Artists event in the Abbeyhill Colonies. We bought our house here in 2014 without knowing that an artist’s event runs across one weekend every September – it was meant to be 😊 The Colony of Artists began 17 years ago, to support the creatives living in the area and promote the history and heritage of the Colonies. We’ve loved taking part every year since 2015 – it’s such a busy, buzzing, cheerful and hectic weekend for us!
Since September 2020 (when our amazing parents and my sister ran the event for us while Graeme was still immunosuppressed and we didn’t yet have our Covid-19 vaccines), we’ve set up our stall in our garden under a borrowed marquee (thanks to Graeme’s parents…) and on borrowed tables (thanks to my parents…have I mentioned we have amazing families?!) and we make sure to do a sun dance for a few days in advance!
Where can you find us between now and Christmas?
If you’re based in Edinburgh and would like to see our smiley faces in person and pick up a product or two for Christmas (or why not treat yourself?) you can find us at the following markets between now and the end of 2022:
Newhailes Halloween Market – Sunday 30th October
9.30am to 3pm – Newhailes House & GardensChristmas Arts Market – Saturday 3rd December
11am to 5pm – Out Of The Blue Drill HallEdinburgh Dog & Cat Home Christmas Market – Sunday 4th December
11am to 3pm – The Biscuit FactoryNewhailes Market – Saturday 17th December
9.30am to 3pm – Newhailes House & Gardens
These markets are an amazing opportunity to find unique and beautiful items and support the talented independent creatives who are working really hard to make their small business a success. Amazon won’t care if you spend your Christmas budget with them but trust me when I say we all do a happy dance when you choose to spend your hard-earned cash with us at local markets and fairs.
And remember, if you’re not in Edinburgh or if you can’t make it to these events, all of our pet themed products are also available to order 24/7from our Etsy shop😊
