Clare Priory Craft Fair, now in its 30th year, continues to attract 150-plus exhibitors and thousands of visitors

Thousands of visitors once again attended the two-day Clare Priary Craft Fair when it was held last weekend.

The annual event – held for 30 years – raises thousands of pounds for charities and had 160 exhibitors displaying 150 different artisan crafts of high quality in the 14th century priory and its eight acres of grounds.

Crafts on display included wood craft, leatherwork, stick-making, textiles, ceramics, high-quality wooden furniture, metalwork, jewellery, lacemaking, artists, plants and flowers, wool-spinning, artisan food and drink, glassware, pyrography, photography, decoupage, cards & stationery, clothing & accessories, candles, aromatherapy, beauty products.

Refreshments available included artisan breads and cheeses, locally produced spirits and ales, cakes and a superb traditional English breakfast, burgers and sausages. The family entertainment included Punch and Judy a magician and popular live music.

“Some of the exhibitors and visitors have been attending for over 25 years since the craft fair was started,” said Father George Donaghy.

“The Craft Fair weekend is a special time in Clare Priory's year. As a retreat house and a parish, we have visitors all the time but never in such numbers.

“The Craft Fair is always a tremendous draw because of the range and quality of exhibits, and the friendly family atmosphere and the fun. It is such a happy weekend.”

In addition to raising valuable funds to support the ongoing needs of Clare Priory, the charities benefitting this year will include:

REACH Community Projects, St Nicholas Hospice Care, East Anglia Children’s Hospice, Cavendish Care, Clare Playing Fields Association, CLASP, East Anglian Air Ambulance, Cancer Treatment, Mary's Meals.

On behalf of the entire Clare Priory community, Steven Cubitt added a special thanks to everyone who supports the event, including parishioners and volunteers.

“We can’t hold the Craft Fair without their essential support,” he said.

Mr Cubit added: “We would welcome individua

“We look forward to welcoming back all our friends on July 13 and 14.”