The intricate work of master craftspeople will take the focus in Kyneton this March when the Lost Trades Fair takes place.
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Now in its seventh year, the Lost Trades Fair is expected to attract 20,000 interested onlookers as master craftsmen and women show off their talents.
Organiser Lisa Rundell said the skill showcase was established because artisans and tradespeople didn’t have a dedicated event.
She said a number of design fairs and makers markets didn’t give artisans the space to demonstrate their skills.
“There was a lack of events that were totally focused on master craftsmen,” she said.
“So we decided to create one that was artisan led that could give tradespeople as much space as they want. We also said anyone showing must do a demonstration.
Their first Kyneton event saw 7500 people visit with each year growing to beyond 20,000 people last year.
They have also set up partnering fairs in Toowoomba in Queensland and, for the first time, Hawkesbury in New South Wales.
“We are limiting tickets to 10,000 day this year so people can still have a great experience, not be too crowded and always have an opportunity to see things happening,” Ms Rundell said.
“We have also found there is an increase in tourism from Queensland and that’s why there has a real push from New South Wales (to set up an event).
“The artisans are also really loyal, which is brilliant. A lot have been part of the fair right from start and then done Toowoomba as well. They have found it is worth their while.”
Ms Rundell said the popularity of hand-crafted, unique items had returned in the last few years.
(People) want something entirely unique and hand crafted. There is something special about meeting the person that has made something for you.
- Lisa Rundell
“There has been a shift in the last decade. We have seen with some of the workshops we host that people are a bit over the mass-produced, cookie-cutter items,” she said.
“They want something entirely unique and hand crafted. There is something special about meeting the person that has made something for you.”
The Lost Trades Fair is on the weekend of March 9 and 10 in Kyneton.