Art & Antiques for Everyone (AAfE) is the UK’s largest vetted antiques and fine art fair to date and for good reason. The exhibition dates back to 1986, marking the show as 36 years old as of 2022. Now, it is labelled as an Iconic staple piece within the art and antique communities.
What can you expect to see at the show?
Attending the event, you can expect to see and experience a wide array of unique and rare items at prices from as little as £10 to £100,000. To ensure all the products are legitimate and of the highest quality, a leading team of experts are on site to examine to allow buyer confidence.
The antiques and art on display are dated from the 20th century to the 18th century. Hundreds and hundreds of art and antiques will be up for grabs over the exhibition, as there are many leading dealers from across the UK. Expect hustle and bustle, as over 10,000 visitors are lured to each event.
Approximately, over 150 exhibitors are displaying their collections, so there will be plenty to do the entire time. BBC presenters from the ‘Antique Road Show’, Judith Miller and Will Farmer, both are regulars in making guest appearances. So if you are looking for top tips or even just a celebrity, you’d be in the right place.
Where and when is the exhibition?
Typically, AAfE takes place three times a year, showcasing in spring, summer and winter. All indoors, this exhibition show is consistently held in the NEC Birmingham, one of the UK’s biggest and well-renowned venues.
The trade fair is set to welcome everyone back to the NEC this winter, the dates are the 24th-27th of November.
The NEC is a highly accessible location, situated east on the outskirts of Birmingham. Whether you travel by road, train or plane, the city has all the necessary infrastructure to ensure a smooth arrival.
As the NEC is such a regular of hosting large exhibitions, catering options can accommodate a variety of dietary needs. Market-leading exhibition stand contractors,
Quadrant2Design, have written a perfectly detailed article on everything the NEC has to offer if you seek
additional information.
What is the ticket price?
The entry fee for the event is completely free! This is of rare circumstances in this day and age, so if you’re interested, be quick to get one before they all go. You will only need to accommodate money for travel, food/drink, and a hotel if required.
Is it worth attending?
Art, decorative, art deco, period furniture, stunning pottery, and so much more are on display at the fair. If this is where your passion lies, then yes, this exhibition is definitely for you. From an educational experience to a purchasing experience, you can get entranced by everything on display.
If you are simply looking to attend for the purpose of sourcing antiques and art for your house decorating project, then also go! This event holds a variety of items you may never come across again, so do not miss out on a golden opportunity. Remember, it is free of course.