CategoryArts & Crafts
Crafting Live Doncaster Racecourse
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About this event
Crafting Live Doncaster 2026 – Event Description
Crafting Live is the award-winning craft show that returns to Doncaster Racecourse for a creativity-filled weekend on Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th July 2026. Taking place at Doncaster Racecourse, the event runs from 10:00 to 16:00 each day, delivering an easy-to-enjoy mix of inspiration, product discovery, and hands-on making for crafters of all levels.
Whether visitors are looking to restock their crafting essentials or explore exciting new materials and techniques, Crafting Live offers a jam-packed experience built around browsing, learning, and taking projects home. The show is positioned as a go-to destination for anyone passionate about making things—featuring a wide range of craft categories and brands, plus live demonstrations and free make-and-take sessions in a dedicated area.
What visitors can expect
- Over 80 exhibitors presenting an incredible selection of crafting supplies, including stamps, dies, fabric, ribbons, beads, decoupage, and much more.
- Live craft demonstrations showcasing top crafters in action, with the opportunity to pick up practical techniques, tips, and fresh ideas during the day.
- FREE make-and-take sessions led by expert crafters, held in a dedicated make-and-take area. These sessions are designed for attendees to create a project they can take home. While sessions are free, space is limited, and booking is essential. The booking point opens at 10am daily, and VIP ticket holders get priority access to pre-book these sessions ahead of the show.
- Exhibitor-led make-and-take options—many exhibitors may also run their own make-and-take sessions directly at their stands. These may carry a small fee and are bookable directly with the exhibitor.
- Brand new workshops for 2026, newly introduced for Doncaster. These are longer, in-depth sessions created for crafters who want to develop their skills, learn new techniques, and enjoy a more immersive experience with expert tutors.
Perfect for crafters at every skill level
Crafting Live Doncaster is designed to be approachable and inspiring for both first-time visitors and experienced makers. The combination of demonstrations, free make-and-takes, and extended workshops creates multiple ways to learn—whether someone wants quick creative momentum during the day or deeper time with an expert tutor during a workshop session.
A highlight during the show includes the Highlight Crafts Academy Taster Workshop, where attendees are guided through 2 papercraft projects and 2 mixed media projects, making it a great option for all skill levels.
Tickets and timing
Visitors can attend with flexible ticket options. A Day Ticket is priced at £8. There is also an Early Bird Offer allowing attendees to save £2, bringing the day ticket price to £6 for the early bird period.
Additionally, a Workshop Ticket is available for £89 and includes entry to the full weekend show. Workshops run on Friday 10th July 2026, with the main weekend show taking place on Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th July 2026.
The event opens each day between 10:00 and 16:00, offering a full window for browsing exhibitors, attending demos, booking free make-and-takes, and joining workshop sessions where available.
Crafting Live Doncaster is ideal for anyone who loves crafting supplies, hands-on creativity, and learning new techniques—set in a welcoming, immersive show environment at Doncaster Racecourse in the United Kingdom.
Data sheet
Crafting Live Doncaster Racecourse – Event Attendee & Buyer Profile Analysis
Event Date: 11–12 July 2026 |
Location: Doncaster Racecourse, Doncaster, South Yorkshire, United Kingdom |
Event Status: Upcoming |
Research Date: 6 July 2026
Event Overview
| Event Name | Crafting Live Doncaster 2026 |
| Event Date | Saturday 11 July 2026 to Sunday 12 July 2026 |
| Event Status | Upcoming |
| Venue | Doncaster Racecourse |
| City | Doncaster |
| State / Region | South Yorkshire |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Organizer | ICHF Events / International Craft & Hobby Fair Ltd. |
| Official Event Website | craftinglive.co.uk |
| Event Type | Consumer craft show / hobby fair with exhibitor marketplace, live demos, workshops, and make-and-take sessions |
| Primary Category | Arts & Crafts |
| Secondary Applicable Categories | Apparel & Clothing; Home & Office; Business Services |
| Audience Reach | Primarily regional with national buyer and enthusiast reach across the UK |
| Estimated Attendance / Expected Footfall | Attendance figure not publicly confirmed by the organizer. |
| Attendance Data Reliability | Medium. Official event page confirms over 80 exhibitors, but no public attendance count was provided. |
| Main Purpose of Event | To help crafters browse and buy supplies, discover new products, watch demonstrations, and participate in hands-on workshops and make-and-take sessions. |
About the Event
Crafting Live Doncaster is an established UK craft show focused on creative retail, inspiration, and practical learning. The 2026 edition returns to Doncaster Racecourse for a weekend format that combines an exhibitor marketplace with live demonstrations, make-and-take sessions, and new workshops. The official event page confirms over 80 exhibitors and a strong product mix spanning stamps, dies, fabric, ribbons, beads, decoupage, and related craft supplies.
This event matters because it concentrates highly engaged crafting consumers and hobby buyers in one venue, making it useful for product discovery, direct selling, brand awareness, and category education. For suppliers in arts and crafts, hobby products, and adjacent retail categories, the show offers a clear opportunity to reach active buyers, demonstrate products in use, and convert interest into immediate sales and follow-on trade relationships.
1. Who Attends: Buyers / Attendees
| Buyer / Attendee Segment | Typical Organizations | Buying Role or Influence | Relevance to Exhibitors / Suppliers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Independent crafters and hobbyists | Individual consumers, club members, hobby groups | Direct buyer | Primary on-site purchase audience for craft supplies, kits, tools, and consumables |
| Small craft businesses | Etsy sellers, makers, home-based businesses, boutique studios | Owner-operator buyer | High relevance for bulk materials, resale-ready stock, and new product sourcing |
| Craft retail buyers | Independent shops, hobby stores, online retailers | Category buyer / purchasing lead | Potential stockists for new ranges, tools, consumables, and seasonal product lines |
| Workshop and class organizers | Craft schools, hobby instructors, community learning centers | Program and materials buyer | Relevant for educational kits, teaching packs, and multi-user supply bundles |
| Gift and homeware retailers | Boutique retailers, seasonal stores, museum shops | Merchandising and sourcing buyer | Useful for handmade, craft-adjacent, and giftable product sourcing |
| Demonstrators and instructors | Brand ambassadors, tutors, designers, content creators | Influencer / recommender | Important for product trust, tutorials, and repeat sales through demonstration-led marketing |
| Associations and community leaders | Craft clubs, regional guilds, membership organizations | Advocacy and referral influence | Supports group sales, event promotion, and repeat attendance |
| Media and content creators | Craft magazines, bloggers, YouTubers, social media publishers | Promotion and audience amplification | Useful for launches, demos, and brand exposure, especially for new craft products |
2. Event Location and Attendee Geographic Origin
| Geographic Area | Likely Attendee Origin | Buyer Concentration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Host city: Doncaster | Local consumers, regional crafters, hobby groups | High | Core walk-up and repeat audience likely to come from the immediate area |
| Host region: South Yorkshire | Regional retail buyers, hobbyists, craft instructors | High | Likely strong attendance from surrounding towns and cities in South Yorkshire |
| Nearby business hubs | Leeds, Sheffield, Nottingham, Hull, Lincoln | Medium | Accessible day-trip markets for trade and consumer visitors |
| National UK reach | Dedicated crafters, specialist buyers, craft retailers | Medium | The event is part of a broader UK craft show circuit and may attract enthusiasts traveling for specific brands or workshops |
| International reach | Limited; mostly UK-based audience | Low | Official material emphasizes UK show locations; no strong international attendance evidence was public in the source text |
| Trade corridor relevance | Suppliers and buyers traveling along the M18 / A1(M) / M62 corridors | Medium | Practical accessibility supports regional attendance and supplier logistics |
3. Audience Reach
| Reach Level | Assessment | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Primary: Regional | Best-fit classification | Doncaster is a regional draw for hobby buyers, craft clubs, and small trade buyers from South Yorkshire and nearby counties. |
| Secondary: National | Meaningful but not dominant | The show has a UK-wide craft-show brand and may attract repeat visitors and specialist buyers traveling for workshops or key suppliers. |
4. Sample Buyer Companies and Websites
| Buyer Company / Organization | Buyer Type | Why It Is Relevant | Website | Best Job Titles to Target | Evidence Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Highlight Crafts | Craft brand / retailer | Named in the official event description as part of the workshop experience and craft product ecosystem. | highlightcrafts.com | Brand Manager, Product Manager, Marketing Director, Sales Manager | Confirmed Speaker Organization |
| ICHF Events | Organizer / event buyer | Organizer controls exhibitor relationships, show operations, and promotional partnerships. | ichfevents.co.uk | Event Director, Sponsorship Manager, Exhibitor Sales Manager, Operations Manager | Confirmed Government / Procurement Organization |
| Crafting Live exhibitor network | Craft suppliers / makers | Official page confirms over 80 exhibitors; relevant for sourcing and partnership mapping. | craftinglive.co.uk | Owner, Managing Director, Sales Lead, Wholesale Manager | Confirmed Current-Year Participant |
| Doncaster Racecourse | Venue / event host | Venue stakeholders influence on-site services, catering, logistics, and event operations. | doncaster-racecourse.co.uk | Venue Manager, Sales Manager, Operations Manager, Catering Manager | Confirmed Speaker Organization |
| Craft & hobby retailers in the UK | Retail buyer | Primary potential stockists for new craft ranges and demonstrations. | various | Buyer, Category Manager, Merchandising Manager, Store Owner | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| Independent sewing and textile shops | Specialty retailer | Relevant for fabric, ribbon, embellishment, and mixed-media sourcing. | various | Owner, Purchasing Manager, Product Buyer, Retail Manager | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| Online craft marketplaces | E-commerce buyer | Look for new craft lines, content-led products, and bundles with high conversion potential. | various | E-commerce Manager, Marketplace Manager, Sourcing Manager | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| Craft club organizers | Community buyer / influencer | Can drive group attendance, class signups, and recurring orders for kits and consumables. | various | Club Chair, Workshop Coordinator, Group Leader | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| Craft teachers and tutors | Education buyer / recommender | Relevant for workshop kits, teaching packs, and instructional supplies. | various | Tutor, Course Leader, Training Coordinator | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| Gift shops and museum shops | Retail buyer | Potential buyers for handmade, locally themed, and creative merchandise. | various | Shop Buyer, Retail Manager, Merchandiser | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| Craft influencers / creators | Media / content partner | Strong amplification channel for launches, demonstrations, and affiliate sales. | various | Content Creator, Editor, Social Media Manager | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
5. Job Profiles, Industries and Event Type
| Priority | Job Title / Function | Department | Seniority Level | Why This Role Matters |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Owner / Managing Director | Executive Office | Owner / C-level | Often the final buying authority for small craft retailers, studios, and independent brands. |
| 2 | Buyer / Category Manager | Merchandising / Purchasing | Manager | Key decision-maker for product assortment, stock replenishment, and supplier selection. |
| 3 | Purchasing Manager | Procurement / Supply Chain | Manager | Relevant for wholesale, bulk supply, and trading terms discussions. |
| 4 | Merchandising Director / Retail Director | Merchandising | Director | Influences assortment strategy for multi-site or larger retail businesses. |
| 5 | E-commerce Manager | Digital Commerce | Manager | Useful for suppliers seeking online retail listings and marketplace visibility. |
| 6 | Product Manager / Brand Manager | Product / Marketing | Manager | Important for launch planning, packaging, and range development. |
| 7 | Workshop Coordinator / Tutor | Education / Training | Coordinator / Instructor | Purchases teaching materials, kits, and demonstration products. |
| 8 | Sales Manager / Wholesale Manager | Sales | Manager | Drives trade accounts, stockist relationships, and event conversion. |
| 9 | Marketing Manager / Social Media Manager | Marketing | Manager | Relevant for content partnerships, influencer collaborations, and product storytelling. |
| 10 | Operations Manager | Operations | Manager | Handles event logistics, stock handling, staffing, and on-site execution. |
| Priority | Apollo Industry | Why It Fits the Event | Best Buyer Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arts & Crafts | Directly aligned with the show’s core product categories and audience. | Craft suppliers, retailers, teaching kits, creative consumables |
| 2 | Retail | Many attendees and exhibitors are retail-oriented or sell through stores. | Independent stores, category buyers, merchandising leads |
| 3 | Consumer Goods | Craft products are consumer-facing goods with repeat purchase potential. | Brands, bundled products, retail-ready ranges |
| 4 | Wholesale | Exhibitor-to-retailer selling and distributor relationships are relevant. | Stockist acquisition and bulk order generation |
| 5 | Apparel & Fashion | Fabric, sewing, and embellishment categories overlap strongly. | Sewing notions, textiles, embellishments |
| 6 | Textiles | Textile-related craft products are common in the show’s offer. | Fabric suppliers, textile accessories, sewing kits |
| 7 | Design | Creative design and papercraft demo content are central to the event. | Pattern-led products, templates, creative tools |
| 8 | Events Services | Event production, workshops, and exhibitor services are part of the ecosystem. | Show services, sponsorship, activation partners |
| 9 | Marketing & Advertising | Brand storytelling and creator partnerships matter for product launches. | Content, influencer, and retail promotion campaigns |
| 10 | Business Supplies & Equipment | Useful for B2B packaging, display, and merchandising support products. | Displays, fixtures, packaging, and shop supplies |
| 11 | Import & Export | Many craft goods are sourced internationally and sold locally. | Sourcing, importing, and distribution relationships |
| 12 | Consumer Services | Workshop and experience-led buying behavior is central to the show. | Classes, memberships, and subscription-style offers |
6. Estimated Attendance
| Metric | Figure | Status | Source / Basis | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Estimated total footfall | Not publicly confirmed | Unconfirmed | Organizer did not publish an attendance count on the official event page provided | Use as a consumer lead-gen event with active purchase intent |
| Exhibitor count | Over 80 | Confirmed | Official event page | Strong indicator of product breadth and selling opportunity |
| Buyer count | Not publicly confirmed | Unconfirmed | No official buyer list published in the provided source text | Buyer audience is inferred from show format and audience profile |
| Speaker / demonstrator count | Not publicly confirmed | Unconfirmed | Official page mentions live demonstrations and workshops, but no total count | Relevant for content-led outreach and product demos |
| Historical attendance | Not publicly confirmed | Unavailable | No verified historical attendance figure was provided in the supplied official content | Attendance figure not publicly confirmed by the organizer. |
7. Key Focus Areas and Buyer Engagement
| Focus Area | Typical Buyer Need | Buyer Engagement Opportunity | Relevant Supplier Offering |
|---|---|---|---|
| Product discovery | New materials, tools, and craft trends | Demonstrations, samples, show specials, and bundle offers | Craft kits, tools, consumables, and novelty products |
| Hands-on education | Technique improvement and project-based learning | Workshops, tutorials, and make-and-take sessions | Instructional kits, class packs, and demonstration-ready products |
| Retail sourcing | Fresh ranges and sell-through products | Wholesale meetings and buyer conversations | Retail-ready craft ranges, packaging, and merchandising support |
| Brand awareness | Visibility among engaged hobby buyers | Live demonstrations and influencer-style content | Launch campaigns, samples, and branded educational content |
| Repeat purchase / replenishment | Consumables and core supplies | Stock-up behavior and volume promotions | Paper, adhesives, embellishments, inks, dies, stamps, fabric |
Lead Quality Assessment
| Factor | Assessment | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Buyer relevance | Very High | Attendees are highly likely to be active craft product buyers, retailers, or influencers. |
| Decision-maker availability | High | Many likely attendees are owners, operators, or small-business buyers. |
| Data collection potential | Medium | Useful prospecting value, but public attendee data is limited and no confirmed attendee list was provided. |
| Apollo targeting potential | High | Strong fit for retail, wholesale, consumer goods, arts & crafts, and e-commerce segments. |
| Geographic targeting potential | High | Targeting can be concentrated across Yorkshire, the Midlands, and the wider UK craft retail market. |
| Best outreach approach | High-touch, product-led | Lead with samples, demos, show offers, and workshop relevance. |
| Overall lead quality | High | Strong commercial intent among attendees and high product affinity for suppliers. |
| Best use case | B2B prospecting and exhibitor targeting | Useful for lead list building, supplier outreach, and retail account development. |
| Limitations / risks | Moderate | This is primarily a consumer-facing craft show, so confirmed B2B buyer lists may be limited. |
Apollo.io Targeting Recommendation
| Filter Type | Recommended Filters | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Apollo industries | Arts & Crafts; Retail; Consumer Goods; Wholesale; Textiles; Apparel & Fashion; Design; Events Services; Marketing & Advertising; Business Supplies & Equipment | Capture the most relevant buyer and supplier ecosystem. |
| Departments | Purchasing; Merchandising; Sales; Marketing; Operations; Product; E-commerce; Executive | Reach decision-makers and commercial influencers. |
| Seniority | Owner; Founder; CXO; VP; Director; Manager | Prioritize people with buying authority and supplier selection influence. |
| Job titles | Buyer, Category Manager, Purchasing Manager, Owner, Managing Director, Retail Manager, E-commerce Manager, Product Manager, Brand Manager, Wholesale Manager, Marketing Manager | Align outreach to commercial and retail procurement roles. |
| Geography | United Kingdom; Yorkshire and the Humber; North East; North West; Midlands; Greater London | Focus on reachable UK buyer markets most likely to travel or engage. |
| Employee size | 1–10; 11–50; 51–200; 201–500 | Best match for craft retailers, small brands, and independent wholesalers. |
| Keywords | craft, hobby, handmade, sewing, textiles, papercraft, retail, wholesale, gifting, workshop, supplier, product development | Refine searches for niche buyers and suppliers with craft relevance. |
| Company type | Privately held; small business; multi-location retail; e-commerce; wholesaler | Matches the most likely commercial attendee profile. |
Suggested Apollo Search Logic: ("craft" OR "hobby" OR "sewing" OR "textiles" OR "papercraft") AND ("buyer" OR "category manager" OR "purchasing manager" OR "owner" OR "managing director" OR "retail manager" OR "e-commerce manager" OR "product manager" OR "wholesale manager").
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Sources & Verification Notes
| Source | Type | What It Verified | Reliability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crafting Live Doncaster official event page | Official organizer source | Event name, dates, venue, hours, exhibitor count, show features, organizer identity | High |
| Crafting Live main website | Official organizer website | Show brand context, UK event series, and related event listings | High |
| ICHF Events | Organizer website | Organizer identity and broader event portfolio positioning | High |
| Doncaster Racecourse | Venue website | Venue identification and location confirmation | High |
| Official event page text provided in brief | Primary source excerpt | Confirmed over 80 exhibitors, workshops, make-and-take sessions, demo programming, ticket details | High |
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