Ardingly Market

Ardingly antiques fair also known as Ardingly market is one of the most established antiques fairs in the world. The fair was started in 1972 and has been a must do fair for antique dealers from all over the UK for decades. Ardingly holds the title of being the largest antiques fair in the South of England with up to 1800 stalls. Only smaller than its big brother Newark antiques fair in Nottinghamshire which can have up to 4000 stalls in the summer monthsWith its close proximity to both London and Gatwick Airport, Ardingly fair attracts trade buyers from the USA, Canada, South Korea, Japan, China, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and indeed all over the world. The international buyers who make the journey to the fair/market are usually trade buyers. This means they are purchasing large numbers of items to sell in a retail environment abroad. However many private collectors also make the journey for Ardingly antiques fair and Newark fair which to me proves that the UK is still the international home of the antiques industry.

Ardingly antiques fair is also popular with residents of London looking for a high quality Antiques and collectibles at a fraction of the price of some of the Antique stores in the area.

The fair has everything from fine antique furniture, stunning vintage fabrics, home ware, unique antique garden ornaments and much much more.

The event takes place 6 times per year at the South of England Showground, West Sussex. Entry ranges from £5 - £20 depending on date, day and times.

There was a huge increase in the number of visitors to the fair in 2010. This may be down to the national campaign "Antiques Are Green" which pushes the message that antique furniture is good for the environment. Or maybe the whole industry is on the up! Either way let's all hope the fair continues to thrive under its new owners IACF Ltd.