The Big Craft Event

The Big Craft Event is back at the Lincolnshire Showground on Sunday 15 November, running from 10:00 to 16:00 in the Epic Centre. It's one of the county's main winter craft fairs, and it runs on a strict rule: every stall sells only handmade items. Nothing mass-produced, nothing bought-in, and nothing vintage. That means everything you see is made by the people standing behind the table, rather than sourced from a wholesaler.

The day brings together a selection of local makers and artists showing both traditional and contemporary skills. Because they're the ones who actually made the work, you can chat with them about how they go about it, which is a good part of the day if you're into the process as much as the finished thing. It's a popular spot for sorting out Christmas gifts well before the December rush.

There's more to do than just shop, too. Free Sit & Stitch sessions let you try English Paper Piecing, a historic patchwork skill, and demonstrations of leather tooling, flower pressing, jewellery making and drawing run throughout the day. If you've never tried any of them, these are a decent way to see how they work without having to commit to a full course.

On the practical side, the Lincolnshire Showground has free on-site parking, disabled parking and toilets, wheelchair access and an upstairs café reachable by lift. Entry is £3.50, and under 16s get in free. It runs from 10:00 to 16:00 on Sunday 15 November at the Epic Centre, Lincolnshire Showground, Lincoln LN2 2NA.