Potfest in the Park

The Park, now in its 8th year, is a show of excellence. Exhibitors selected for this show are mostly well established with national and international reputations. The event takes place in open sided marquees in front of the castle, and we ask exhibitors to make a special piece to a given theme for the competition, displayed on the lawns, which has become an important aspect of the show. The Park is in a tranquil landscape setting, giving the opportunity to show much larger pieces in a more open environment. The show is always oversubscribed, but we have a policy of changing at least 20% of the exhibitors each year.
Social aspects at this show include wine with the competition judging, followed by a potters meal on the Friday night, and a live band / dance night on Saturday. The meal and the dance are held at the campsite, half a mile away from the show.

Download 2008 Park application form.

UK potters can exhibit at either the Park or the Pens - selected overseas potters can exhibit at both.

Selection for the Park is made in late December but the Pens fills on a first come first served basis so could be full by Christmas.

Potters wanting to exhibit at the Pens, if unsuccessful at the Park, should submit forms for both shows - clearly stating their first and second choice.

Potfest in the Pens



The Pens, now in its 15th year, is the longest established potters market in the UK. Held in the auction mart in Penrith, cattle pens become individual gallery spaces. This show is open to any working potter, there is no selection procedure and spaces are allocated on a first come, first served basis. The Pens has the buzz and bustle of a market, plus a major interactive section with free workshops for the public. As with the Park, exhibitors are asked to make a special piece to a given theme, for a competition sponsored by the "Craftsman - Craft & Design" magazine.
Social aspects at this show include wine with the competition judging, followed by a potters meal on site on the Friday night, and a live band / dance night on Saturday, held at the Park campsite ten minutes drive away.

Download Pens application form

Potfest Scotland, Potfest Shropshire & Potfest South-West


These three shows are all held in cattle markets - the spaces being easily adaptable to individual display areas.
Free camping on site, Travel-lodge type accommodation, bar and restaurant on site at Scotland. Town centre 10 mins drive.
Travel-lodge type accommodation, bar and restaurant on site at Shrewsbury. Town centre 10 mins drive.
Camping 5 mins away from Frome site. Accommodation in Frome 10 minutes drive.
Wine get-together after each show, and potters meal on the Friday nights.

Download Scotland form

Download Shropshire form 000000000These forms available from Nov. 1st

Download South-West form