The Hepworth Wakefield Festive Market 2026

Overview

The Hepworth Wakefield Festive Market returns on 20–22 and 28–29 November 2026. Applications are now open for artists, designers, makers, food and drink producers and specialist retailers. The popular market is expanding into the new event space on the upper floor of Tileyard North, enabling the venue to welcome up to 100 stallholders to the market each weekend. The Festive Market is a vibrant and well-attended event featuring family-friendly activities, live music and street food, alongside special offers in The Hepworth Wakefield shop and café and discounted exhibition entry. In 2025 over 13,000 visitors attended across the two weekends.

Who Can Apply

UK-based independent artists, designers, makers and producers are welcome. We welcome and encourage applications from all candidates, especially those under-represented within the arts sector. Emerging and established makers, and those new to The Hepworth Wakefield's fairs and markets, are particularly encouraged to apply.

Disciplines and Media

We are particularly interested in a wide range of disciplines, including ceramics, cosmetics and aromatics, food and drink, gifts for children, homeware, jewellery, plants and floristry, prints, stationery and textiles.

Key Dates

• Application deadline: Midday on Tuesday, 14 July 2026
• Weekend 1: Friday 20 November (7–10 pm), Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 November (10 am–4 pm)
• Weekend 2: Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 November (10 am–4 pm)

Stall Details

Stalls are priced at £250 for one weekend, including VAT, with an optional trestle table provided. The standard-size stall (220 x 150cm) offers ideal space to showcase designs using display techniques such as tabletop racks or rails. Each stall includes a trestle table (H760 W755 L1800) and a chair. Setup takes place the day before the market opens. Fees must be paid in advance to secure your place; selected makers will be informed of payment deadlines. The space is indoors with access to toilets, WiFi and electricity. Full set-up and take-down details will be sent in advance.

Accessibility

Stalls will be set up in two locations at Tileyard North: the Carding Shed at ground floor level (accessible for those with mobility requirements) and the upper floor Mill space (accessible via lift). If you have access requirements or questions about your stall, please contact the curator.

Requirements

All stallholders must hold Public Liability Insurance to the value of £5 million. For the first weekend (20–22 November), applicants must be available to attend the Friday evening opening party (7–10 pm). For the second weekend, applications are open for Saturday and Sunday only.

Application and Promotion

To apply, complete the CuratorSpace form and include five images showcasing your work and stall setup. All participating stallholders will be featured on The Hepworth Wakefield's website, social media channels and newsletters. The event will be widely promoted through digital platforms (targeted Facebook and Instagram reaching approximately 750,000 people), organic social media, print adverts in regional magazines, outdoor poster campaigns in West and South Yorkshire, and flyer distribution across West, South and North Yorkshire. Previous Festive Markets have received coverage on BBC Radio Leeds, BBC Radio Sheffield, BBC Sounds, Wakefield Express, Waitrose Weekend and the Yorkshire Post.