May/June 2021

EVENTS
Now in its 13th year, Wealden
Times Midsummer Fair is
a delight for the senses as
shoppers make their way
through an avenue of handpicked
retailers set within a
16 acre formal garden.
We talk to Vivien Cotterill-
Lee about finding last
minute suppliers and
making things Covid safe.
Describe your event and how many people it attracts
The Midsummer Fair is Kent’s favourite outdoor shopping
event. Set in the beautiful gardens of Hole Park, Rolvenden,
the fair hosts more than 200 exhibitors selling vintage and
contemporary fashion, jewellery, gifts, house and garden ware,
all within four main marquees and along four outdoor avenues.
For foodies there are culinary treats from local producers, street
food from all over the world, as well as local wine makers and
the finest freshly brewed coffee.
We attract upwards of 8,000 visitors, over three days.
Explain a bit about your venue and its history
Four generations of the Barham family have created a wonderful
16-acre garden in a magical parkland setting, making Hole Park
one of the best-known and much loved gardens in Kent. It was a
worthy winner of Visit Kent’s Garden of the Year award in 2016.
What is the event’s history?
Wealden Times magazine launched the Midsummer Fair 13
years ago. We wanted to offer a great day out that championed
local designers, producers and stall-holders, together with
hand-picked independent retailers from outside the region.
How does the relationship work with the venue?
It couldn’t be better! Edward Barham is a joy to work with and
we are now in our fifth year on the site.
Hole Park house is the perfect backdrop for our event. It really
is stunning. The land that we use is remarkably flat and we have
unlimited fields for parking so there is never an issue with space.
Access to and from the site is also excellent.
How did you find applying for permission to run the event?
As the Fair is hosted on private land, we didn’t have to get any
particular permission. We did, however, have to plan the event
assuming Phase 3 Covid-19 regulations which include social
distancing, the wearing of masks in marquees and ensuring that
they don’t become crowded. With these measures in place our
shoppers, exhibitors and staff can enjoy our event safely.
How have you planned the layout of the event?
We plan the layout to feature two main shopping avenues
flanked by large 25m marquees. We also install an inside,
water-plumbed toilet block. At the end of the shopping avenues,
mid-way around the circuit of stalls, we have our food and drink
area, where customers can relax, refuel and rehydrate with a
glass of fizz before they enjoy the next raft of retailers.
How did you research and source your infrastructure?
We have used the same company for many years but this year
they retired from supplying marquees. We have therefore gone
into the market to source new suppliers. Due to Covid this
proved extremely difficult but we are delighted that we are able
to work with Signature Marquees from Staffordshire who were
referred to us by another local marquee company who couldn’t
supply on this occasion.
WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM 51