CALL OUT FOR TRADERS

Following the success of last year’s inaugural event, we are delighted to confirm that Cockington Makers CIC will once again be delivering the Big Christmas Weekend at Cockington Court on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th November 2026.

Last year’s event brought exceptional visitor numbers to the estate, with hundreds of people attending across the weekend to experience the Christmas market, artisan studios and festive activities. The atmosphere across the Court was magical, and we are excited to build on that success for Year Two.

We are now inviting applications from high-quality artisan makers and specialist food producers to be part of this carefully curated market.

Cockington Court is home to a community of professional craftspeople, and our aim is to ensure that the market reflects the same level of craftsmanship, originality and quality.

For that reason, this is a juried market and applications will be reviewed and approved by Marissa Wakefield.

Event Details

Cockington Makers CIC – Big Christmas Weekend

Saturday 28th November 2026

Sunday 29th November 2026

Cockington Court Craft Centre

Cockington Village, Torquay

Pitch Fees

Due to the success and high visitor numbers achieved last year, pitch fees for 2026 are:

Craft Artisan Pitch – £70

Food Producer Pitch – £250

These fees cover both days of trading.

Single day bookings are not available.

Pitch Locations

Pitch locations will include a mixture of:

• Outdoor gazebo pitches within the Court

• Indoor trading spaces within the estate buildings

Final allocation will be confirmed closer to the event.

While we will do our best to accommodate requests, locations cannot be guaranteed.

If you do not have your own gazebo, please clearly state this on your application.

Pitch Allocation Policy

To maintain fairness and consistency:

• One business per pitch

• Pitch sharing will not be permitted

• Businesses must be the maker or producer of the goods sold

Craft Standard

Cockington Court is known for its community of skilled artisans and craftspeople. We are therefore seeking traders whose work reflects exceptional craftsmanship and originality.

Applications must include:

• Images of your products

• Images of your stall setup (if available)

• A short description of your craft

• A brief explanation of your creative process

Products should be handmade or handcrafted wherever possible.

Compliance Requirements

All successful applicants will be required to provide:

• Public Liability Insurance – £5 million minimum cover

• Food businesses must be registered with their local authority

• Compliance with all relevant food safety and trading regulations

Application Deadline

Applications must be received by:

Friday 3rd April

Successful applicants will then be invited to confirm their pitch with a 50% deposit payable by 1st May.

Due to the high level of interest expected, pitches cannot be held without deposit.

Festive Attractions

Alongside the artisan market, the weekend will include:

• Festive entertainment across the Court

• Seasonal food and drink

• Late-autumn shopping in the resident craft studios

• Family-friendly activities throughout the estate

We are currently exploring options for a Santa Experience in 2026, with further details to be announced.

Why Trade at Cockington?

Cockington Court is one of Devon’s most beautiful heritage craft centres, attracting visitors throughout the year.

The Big Christmas Weekend provides an opportunity to trade in a setting that celebrates craft, creativity and festive atmosphere, while benefiting from the strong visitor numbers the event generates.

We look forward to discovering your work and building an even bigger and better event this year.

For an application pack please email your interest to cockingtonchristmas@icloud.com