The first Earth and Fire took place on the last weekend of June in 1994 with just a handful of potters who had attended ceramic fairs in Europe and wanted to be part of a home grown event. The County Council, who run the site and Craft Centre, have developed the event, with the support of potters, to make it what it is today.
In 2012 we welcomed over 100 potters from across the UK and mainland Europe to Nottinghamshire. In addition to individual potters stalls there are also a number of trade stands plus university stands showing the work of recent graduates. To complement the selling stalls there is also a full programme of demonstrations and illustrated talks throughout the three days.
Our Visitors
Earth and Fire is primarily a selling event and our visitors tell us that meeting the potter who made the piece they are buying is what makes it special. They enjoy finding out about both the process and the person and since many of them come back year after year they are very knowledgeable. The event attracts in excess of 7,000 people over the three days and they range from collectors, gallery and shop owners to amateur potters, enthusiasts and the general public looking for unique homeware.
Earth and Fire differs from other ceramic fairs across the country in that there is no individual entrance fee - we only charge a small car parking fee.
Marketing
We promote the event widely including print distribution together with advertising and press. The event is also featured in the Rufford Craft Centre Brochure and promoted via our extensive e-marketing system. The exhibitors also distribute eflyers to their own mailing lists. For the actual event we also produce a full colour catalogue which features all the exhibitors with a photograph and contact details.
