Crafts in the Pen 2026: The Complete Guide for Visitors and Exhibitors

Name: Crafts in the Pen 2026
Start: 2026-11-21T09:00:00Z
End: 2026-11-22T16:00:00Z
Location: Skipton Auction Mart

Billy Giles

Jun 9

4 min read

Crafts in the Pen takes place each November at Skipton Auction Mart. Over the years, the event has grown into a wonderful crafts market that the whole family can enjoy. The 2026 event will mark its 11th annual year as a sprawling festive crafts market. Featuring a capped limit of 230 stalls, every single purchase you make at the event directly helps support professional artists and makers.

Whether you are planning a festive day out or looking to apply as an exhibitor, here is the complete breakdown of everything you need to know.

Winter illustration of a cat on a polar bear reaching for a star on a decorated tree, with gifts and Crafts in the Pen text.

Event Dates and Times

The event runs over a full weekend in November, with specific operating hours for visitors and setup times for stall holders:

Friday, 20th November 2026 (Exhibitor Set-Up): Exhibitor access is open from 12:00 pm to 7:00 pm.
Saturday, 21st November 2026: Open to the public from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm (Exhibitor access starts at 8:00 am).
Sunday, 22nd November 2026: Open to the public from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm (Exhibitor access starts at 9:00 am).

Visitor Tickets and Entry Details

Tickets for Crafts in the Pen 2026 go on sale starting Saturday, 25th July 2026.

Ticket Price: Tickets are priced at £7.50, which fully includes the booking fee and VAT.
What's Included: Your ticket includes an event brochure and on-site parking (exclusively for advanced ticket holders).
Children's Entry: Entry is completely free for children under the age of 16.
Ticket Delivery: Once you complete your purchase, you will receive an email containing a PDF attachment, which serves as your official event ticket.
At the Gate: You can either print out your ticket or present the digital version on your mobile phone. Alternatively, staff can find your booking using your surname, but you will need to show some ID.
Refund Policy: Tickets are strictly non-refundable, but the event team can change your specified day of entry. A full refund will only be issued if Crafts in the Pen 2026 is unable to run.

Festive Highlights and On-Site Amenities

Santa’s Grotto: Santa joins the event every single year. A free ticket to Santa's Grotto, which includes a gift, is included with entry and can be booked when you order your main tickets.
Food & Drink: There are two cafes located on site alongside a dedicated hot drinks point to keep everyone refreshed.
Special Guests: Along with the 230 regular craft stalls, the market is joined by The Art Shop Skipton.
Dog Policy for Visitors: Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome at the event. However, they must be kept on a short, non-extendable lead at all times. Visitors should keep in mind that this is a busy event for little paws and may not be the most comfortable environment for every four-legged friend.

Location, Directions, and Parking

Venue Address: Skipton Auction Mart, Gargrave Road, Skipton, North Yorkshire, BD23 1UD.

You can get exact driving directions by using Google Maps. If you are using a Sat Nav, use the postcode BD23 1UD. As you approach Skipton, follow the yellow signs pointing to "Crafts in the Pen" or the black signs for the auction mart.

Driving Routes:

From the M1 (Travelling North): Take the M1, transition to the M62 west, take the M606 to Bradford, follow the A650 to Keighley, and then take the A629 straight into Skipton.
From the M6 (Travelling North): Follow the M65 to the very end, and then take the A56 to Skipton.
From the M6 (Travelling South): Take the A65 directly into Skipton.

Parking Rules:

Skipton Auction Mart features a large car park at both the front and the rear of the site.
Advanced Ticket Holders: On-site parking is completely free. This also includes access to accessible parking spaces; please notify the car parking staff upon arrival so they can direct you to a suitable space.
General Public (No Advanced Ticket): If you do not hold an advanced ticket, you will be directed to the overflow car park, which costs £3. A free shuttle bus service is provided to bring you to and from the overflow lot to the event entrance.

Exhibitor Application and Stall Information

If you are a maker or artist looking to showcase your work, Crafts in the Pen offers an excellent platform. The event builds on massive historical success, with the 2025 market drawing over 4,700+ visitors (including under 16s).

Key Application Dates:

Applications Open: Thursday, 1st January 2026.
Applications Close: Tuesday, 30th June 2026 at 5:00 pm sharp.
Email Results Sent: Tuesday, 7th July 2026.

Stand Pricing and Hire Options:

Note: All prices listed below are strictly subject to VAT.

Single Pens (2.6m wide by 3.3m deep): £140.
Double Pens (5.2m wide by 3.3m deep): £240.
Electricity Connection: £20.
Table Hire: £15 per table.

Important Rules and Requirements for Stall Holders:

Dress Wisely: The pens are covered, but the venue layout functions similarly to an outdoor market. Exhibitors should dress warmly and make sure to completely cover up their stalls overnight.
Be Flexible: Skipton Auction Mart is a fully operational working cattle market. Exhibitors must remain completely flexible to relocate to a different pen on the day of the event if required by the staff.
Breakdown Constraints: Stall holders are strictly prohibited from breaking down or packing away their stalls before 4:00 pm on Sunday.
No Dogs for Exhibitors: While visitors are permitted to bring pets on leads, stall holders are completely banned from bringing dogs to the event.
Power Limitations: High-wattage appliances, specifically electric heaters and kettles, cannot be used under any circumstances as they cause immediate power outages across the venue.
New to the Event? If you have never exhibited here before, you can view the official Facebook photos to get a much clearer understanding of the venue layout and stall setups.