Alexandra Palace Antique & Collectors Fair Returns

It has been announced that Ally Pally antiques and collectors fairs are to return in April next year. The fairs had been popular for 25 years, the last of which was held on November 19th, 2006. The fairs were organised by Lindy Berkman of Pig and Whistle Promotions. They were discontinued last year due to the organiser not being able to agree contractual terms with the former management of the venue, Alexandra Palace Trading Ltd.

Ms Berkman and Firoka Ltd, the new managament of Alexandra Palace, were unable to come to an agreement this year so there was no hope of a re-launch.

We have recently become aware that a new organiser, Peter Barrows of Norfolk-based Nelson Fairs, has come forward with a proposal to hold three fairs at the venue next year on April 13, September 7 and November 23.

He will continue the same format as the fairs organised by Ms Berkman and will allocate the exhibitors with their same stands they had under the previous organiser. It is said that he is confident that there will be around 700 exhibitors at the first fair.

In the future he intends to have an antiques valuation roadshow and bring in some antique restoration experts but for the time being, things will pretty much be the same as the old event.

By Dominic Adam