Potfest South West Brings Ceramics to Shaftesbury

If you are looking for a creative weekend plan, Potfest South West is currently taking place just up the road from Bournemouth. Running from Friday, 3 July 2026 to Sunday, 5 July 2026, this ceramics festival is hosted at the Motcombe Turnpike Showground. The venue sits just off the B3081, which connects Shaftesbury and Gillingham on the border of Wiltshire, Somerset, and Dorset. It is the same show field used for the Gillingham and Shaftesbury country fair, and the event runs daily from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm.

This particular festival is designed to be a down-to-earth gathering that strips away the typical gallery glitz. Over 90 selected exhibitors are showcasing a wide variety of functional and decorative ceramic pieces, making it easy to find something that fits different tastes and budgets. Because the artists are present at their stalls, you can chat directly with them about their processes and buy their work on the spot. The entire event is held outdoors in large, open-sided marquees, which lets in plenty of natural light and offers views of the surrounding countryside.

There are several activities to check out while walking around the showground. In the dedicated Demo Tent, selected potters run 45-minute demonstrations showing how they shape their pieces. There is also an exhibitor competition focused on the theme "Penguin Books – 100 Must Read Classics." You can vote for your favourite themed piece, which enters you into a draw to win a "Potfest Passport" for lifetime free entry to all Potfest events. For those interested in the making side, the trade stand Cromartie Hobbycraft is also present at the venue.

If you decide to make the trip from Bournemouth, entry is £7 for adults, while accompanied children under 16 get in for free. Tickets are available to buy at the gate each day. Parking at the showground is free, and well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome. Keep in mind that the event is held on grass and potentially uneven ground, which might make moving around a bit challenging. It is also highly recommended to bring cash or a cheque book, as some of the individual ceramicists cannot process card payments on-site. Refreshments are available on the field to keep you going throughout the day.