Our second great annual multi-period bring and buy sale for re-enactors and historical enthusiasts* at Rufford! Set up a stall, browse or just visit (preferably in period clothing, although not compulsory!) Plus Viking era living and medieval music history to enjoy. All set within Rufford's extremely picturesque grounds with restaurant, cafe, shop, loos and stall holders' overnight camping (1)

Rufford Abbey Country Park, Nottinghamshire NG22 9DF  

  Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 April 2010, 11am to 4.30pm  

Bazaar enquiries: 07779 340108   Rufford general enquiries: 01623 822944

Organised in conjunction with Nottinghamshire County Council.   Supported by Skirmish Magazine.  

Free visitor admission (£3 per car parking charge) (2) All re-enactors welcome, particularly if in period uniform or clothing (3).

On-line-booking for stall holders available soon, or click for a "paper" form, or simply book in on the day (please check set up times, below).

Following the resounding success of our 2009 bazaars at Wimpole Hall and Rufford, we'll be running both again in April 2010. Why not take advantage of these great opportunities to take part in a bring and buy sale for individual re-enactor, historical enthusiasts* and groups - pre-season social weekend -  a chance to sell, swap, barter or give away all that "spare stuff" (pre 1970 vintage or so themed) and/or accumulate more! - historical traders* and living history displays. If you would like to be kept informed, please drop us an email and we'll add you to our mailing list.

A fantastic chance for re-enactors and living history enthusiasts of all eras to empty out those cupboards full of spare no longer needed uniforms, weaponry, equipment, antiques, model soldiers & figures, militaria, pictures & prints, postcards, books, CDs, DVDs, videos, games and the like - indeed, anything historical (3) or historically themed (3) and sell or swap them with fellow re-enactors (and around 4,000 other visitors) at this picturesque venue with excellent facilities. Come in period kit (in fact, everyone is welcome in kit, whether selling or visiting), set up your stall (preferably with period tent, no car boots - see below!), enjoy this start of season social, and browse all the other stalls. Professional historical traders also welcome.

Beating out the winter cobwebs: Re-enactment and living history groups are invited to come and set up camp for a recruitment and training weekend.(4). A PA system and arena area will be available.  Please contact us to book or for more details. Pre-booked participants will be sent appropriate pre-event information before the weekend. If you are interested in taking part, please see our terms and conditions for participation.

Enjoy Viking era living history and displays by members of Regia Anglorum  and medival music by Trouvere.

*Please note if you are a market trader or car booter (as we have received enquiries from both): This is not a traditional militaria, antiques, bric-a brac market or car boot sale. It is primarily orientated towards re-enactors and living history enthusiasts (mainly those who wear period clothing as part of their hobby). Whilst historical traders ie those who professionally or semi-professionally trade in re-enactor and living history-orientated items are warmly invited, general car booters and antique/general professional dealers are not, so as to keep the event within its remit and objectives. Relatively high standards of presentation are required (second nature for most re-enactors) and for instance vehicles will not be permitted to be parked behind stalls. We reserve the right to decline participation by those who we deem inappropriate, and emphasise this here as we do not wish to disappoint anybody on arrival. Thank you. Please see our terms and conditions for participation.

Pitch details

Grass pitches are square, size plus guy lines for a tent. 1 tent per pitch.  Tables (these can be modern style), rugs/cloths and period tents or modern gazebos (5) only, no modern tentage or vehicles (to be located in the modern camp or parking area) - the idea is for an attractive looking event.  Stall holders should wear period clothing or uniform (2). Maximum of two adults per stall on a 12 foot stall, 3 on a 20 foot stall. Please bring your own tables and chairs.

Grass pitches will be located on the main abbey lawn (5) and/or Long Meadow.  Marquee places will be in the double marquee adjacent to the hard standing main turning circle.

We invite stall holders to set up a period tent as part of/behind their pitch/stall. Please note that modern tents or non-period vehicles are not permitted on a pitch (non-period vehicles allowed for unloading/loading only). Modern gazebos are permitted (5)

We define Traders as the professional or semi-professional stall holders that regularly sell historical or historic-themed goods at historical events. We will not accept bookings from other traders (or caterers) for this event, for example general or antiques dealers.

Pitch fees (including VAT). Discounts apply for advance booking and also when booking a pitch for both days.

Pre-booked prices (for bookings/payments received by EventPlan prior to 31 March 2010)

Bookings and payments received on or after 1 April 2010 or at the bazaar

If you require more room you may book an additional pitch.  Pitches in the marquee may be limited so are available on a first come, first served basis.

It's easy to book! Secure on line booking available soon, please revisit! Or download a "paper" booking form to send in. Or send an SAE for a paper booking form to EventPlan Limited (RB), 1 King Street, Seagrave, Leicestershire LE12 7LY.

Please note that pitch fees are non-refundable, as they form part of the event expenditure budget.

Overnight camping (Friday to Sunday)

Available to registered stall holders and living history groups (only), free of charge. Passes will be issued.

Security

Stall holders are responsible for the security of their stall and possessions. However, Wimpole Hall and EventPlan staff will be patrolling daytime. Rufford is open at all times so dog walkers and a few others may walk through out of hours. Although problems are extremely rare, we recommend that you lock up valuable items and put away items for sale overnight.

Event times

Arrival: Follow the signed roadway towards the main buildings, then just before the buildings, sharp left to the main vehicle turning circle in front of the abbey to check in. Don't attempt to set up until you have checked in. (6)

Friday arrival/set up Noon to 8pm. Do not set up any later than this or you may well be required to move. (6)

Saturday and Sunday arrival/set up 8am to 9.30am. (6) Do not set up any earlier than this or you may well be required to move. Park staff require all vehicles to move to the designated parking area by 10.00am. Late arrivals must park in the visitor car park & carry items for sale to their pitch (the visitor parking fee applies). (1)

Event times 11am to 5pm Saturday and Sunday.

Vehicles allowed back at stalls from 5pm Saturday and Sunday. (6)

A £3 parking fee (payable to Rufford Abbey Country Park) applies to visitor vehicles at all times, and stall holders arriving after 10am. (1)

Notes

(1) Overnight camping and parking is for registered stall holders and for pre-registered living history displays only (sorry, we don't have room for everyone, its not Kirby Hall!). Passes will be issued.  Sorry, no visitor camping.

(2) 2009 parking rate. Does not apply to stall holders or pre-registered living history groups who arrive prior to 9.30am.

(3) Certain exceptions apply eg Nazi party or SS related kit/items, or re-enactors. No non-historical items for sale.

(4) Participants staging living history and/or combat displays must as usual be suitably covered by public liability insurance. Bring proof of this if you do not belong to a group booked by EventPlan during 2008 (for which we already have the info required). Arena times can be booked in advance or on the day subject to prior bookings. Please note that there are no overnight black powder storage arrangements in place so if you want to bring/use powder, it must be on a daily basis only.

(5) These may be positioned in a separate area for presentation reasons.

(6) Exact locations may depend on ground conditions. In extremis (ie heaven forbid if the ground is very wet) you may be required to carry your items too/from your pitch on certain lawned areas, so bringing a small trolley if you can might not be a bad idea.

Other conditions:

Please ensure that you read, note and adhere to our conditions of participation in our bazaars.

How to get there

Rufford's main entrance is on the A614 Nottingham to Doncaster Road, 17 miles north of Nottingham and 2 miles south of Ollerton.  Don’t try to enter via the other end of the extensive park at Rufford Mill, you can’t drive through! For a map and more site details visit  http://www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/home/leisure/countryparks/ruffordcp.htm

Also at Rufford in 2010

Medieval outlaws, knights and combat - Enjoy colourful  encampments, living history, armoured knights and soldiers, camp followers, music, song, dance, drama, tournament and combat, archery, other re-enactments and entertainments. This year's event is staged in association with the new Ridley Scott Robin Hood film, due to be premiered on 14th May.

On the Home Front 1939-45, 25-26 September - Fantastic forties fun! Our fourth great year with military and civilian displays, living history, fashion, music and song. Visitors are invited to join in with the spirit of the event by coming in period dress (completely optional, of course!). Re-enactors: Allied personnel, civilians and vehicles warmly welcome!

Free daytime admission (modest car parking fee applies). Plus Saturday evening 40s dance.

Re-enactment groups and other performers interested in taking part in our 2010 events are invited to contact us for further details; please click the link for our Standard terms and conditions for participation. 

Visiting picturesque Rufford Country Park

The main entrance to Rufford is situated on the A614 Nottingham-Doncaster road, 2 miles south of Ollerton and 17 miles north of Nottingham. The park offers lots for visitors to see and enjoy:

- the remains of the 12th century Cistercian abbey with an exhibition on the life of the monks who once lived there

- craft centre and gallery with changing exhibits

- craft shop

- coach house, offering a variety of snacks and drinks

- Savile Restaurant, serving home-cooked lunches and traditional cream teas

- restored former orangery and bath house

- formal gardens, including a herb garden and the Rufford Sculpture collection

- Reg Hookway memorial Arboretum with a range of trees

- lake with a variety of wildfowl

- lakeside garden shop at Rufford Mill

- outdoor living store

- teddy bear shop

- woodland walks

- remains of two ice houses

- animal graves including the famous Derby winner, Cremorne

- picnic area and children's playground

Other events 2010

Click here for details of many other historical events organised by EventPlan this year.

Updated 5 March 2010