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doodlebears Celebration AmbassadorDec 14, 2006

I have just received a letter from Warners the Teddy bear Scene magazine people to inform me that they will no longer be running the Alexandra Palace bear fair. I feel so sorry that this has happened as I looked forwards to this show each year. I would love to hear what others think of them closing the well established show, I for one will really miss it.

Hugs Jane.

DebbieD Dec 14, 2006

I'd not heard of the Ally Pally show til this year, but I think its such a blow to the teddy bear world to have the shows closing.   

clare14 Dec 14, 2006

Awwww Jane, I just heard that too from Paula on BBN, it's such a shame, especially when the big shows like these are dying out......what does the future hold......??

Marion Dec 14, 2006

Oh nooo... I was hoping exhibiting next year again ! 
That's really sad news...   

kerrenmorris Dec 14, 2006

I exhibited at Ally Pally when it was a two-day fair; the first year I had nine bears adopted the year after about six bears. But when it went to a one day fair I gave it a go and didn’t have a lot of joy. It seemed to have lost its sparkle it was in a different room, very dark and cold. Before it was in a lovely big room with a glass roof I think? I decided then not to go again. Although I really did enjoy the fair.
Hugs Kerren

fredbear Dec 14, 2006

Well I suppose that if it is not making money, then the bottom line is out it goes.

One thing I have found with shows, is that over the years the same thing comes up time and time, that artists are not selling like they did. With so many other avenues open to bear makers/artists  to sell their work, the days of the show are dying out.
Collectors and others can sit at home and have the pick of the market at their fingertips, artists have regular customers therefore buyers do not need to visit a show.

Yet, the "good shows" will still draw in the collector , it just means that everyone is going to have to work that bit harder at promoting themselves and the shows will have to be well organised.

Lynette

Shelli Retired Help Advisor, Banner SponsorDec 14, 2006

Wow, that's both disappointing and surprising after the wonderful write ups and reports and pictures we saw here not long ago about the most recent Ally Pally event.  I had the distinct impression that this one would survive, not just due to a long history of successful (if declining) attendence, but also due to the popularity of this fair with artists and collectors.

So sorry to hear this.

samanthapotter Dec 14, 2006

Oh no!!
I'm so disappointed!  Does anyone know if the miniature fair will continue?  I'll have to ring my Mum and ask her if she received a letter about the miniature fair.
I've been looking into the possibility of organising some sort of event/show/fair which takes into account many of the views that have been expressed here on teddy talk.  This news about ally pally gives me mixed feelings about this - does it mean that another large event/fair/show is unwanted, or does it leave a gap in the market for a new event?  I'd certainly be interested in your thoughts.  As I say, I am only at the very early stages of research and I'm yet to find out how feasiable it is for me to organise such an event.
I'll really miss Ally Pally.  I first went when I was still a child and always looked forward to it each year - what a shame!

Yvonne Dec 14, 2006

I also got a letter this morning from Warners......and I feel so sad about this...I've already

said this in another post in Show/Travel section...but I read a few weeks ago in The Times

that Alexandra Palace was in the process of being sold, and going to be re-developed as a

upmarket leisure centre. So maybe this was going to happen anyway.....but I so loved Ally

Pally....I'm just so pleased I had the chance to exhibit there!

I would be really interested to know  Samantha if your Mum has heard anything about the

Dolls House Fair........Oh dear..what now?

It would be wonderful if you where able to try and organise an event Samantha....I for one

would certainly help in anyway I could......I think we really need a new venue!!!!

Yvonne. 

bearsbyTracey Dec 14, 2006

Hi
I am soo sad that the Ally Pally show will no longer be held.    I was planning to go to it next year.  As you all know I am planning my big overseas trip and was hoping to attend as many shows as I could. :dance:
Samantha could you let me know about the miniature show :pray:

hugs
Tracey

Delartful Bears Dec 14, 2006

Ohhhhh, that was my dream show !!!!!!!  Sorry for all the people who used to attend.

What a bummer!
Danni

karenaus Dec 14, 2006

How sad to see another big show bite the dust....

beary_clairey Dec 14, 2006

It is really sad, but I'm not surprised.

I went last year as a visitor and the room that the show was held in was quite dark and small, not what I thought it would be at all !!! I did enjoy myself but there were not that many people.

I think Huggletts is still doing well and attracting the well known artists aswell as the newbies!!! Thats where I will be going next year to see all you lovely bear artists!!!

Hugs

Claire

fredbear Dec 15, 2006

All is not lost thou, someone else might step in and take over, one can never tell. Maybe Warners just feel that it is something that they do not want to continue with.

And if that does happen maybe it will be a bigger and better show !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Lynette

Jodi Falk Dec 15, 2006

Its always sad when the big shows have to throw in the towel.Shows just don't make the money like they used to years ago. But there is an up side................Those people who need a teddy fix will seek us out on the net, e bay, Bear Pile, or where ever we sell , our Web sights. And we won't have the expense of traveling and room fees and table fees. So then we can offer a little lower price for our art and it may just turn out ok for every one, so hold on to your Hats every one till we see how the dust settles.