The story of Heartisan Events
Hello, I’m Sarah, the founder of Heartisan Events. I organised my first event in 2014 after becoming jaded with the epidemic of poor quality local craft and vintage fairs. I knew there was so much talent and originality here in ‘the north’ but there just didn’t seem to be the right platform to make this accessible to the wider public, so I set out to create an event I would want to both trade at as a small business and visit for a lovely day out. I had lots of organisational experience from my previous profession, and experience as a stall holder from my own little ‘kitchen table’ enterprise, so why not? My first event - a Christmas fair - was almost overwhelmingly successful, but I was heartened that I had hit the right note for traders and visitors alike.
As my confidence and belief grew following consistently good feedback, my events evolved along with my experience. Moving from small community centres and church halls I set my sights on venues that would add another aspect to the enjoyment of the event. In 2016 I reached that goal, having the pleasure of organising ‘A Country House Christmas Fair’ at Judges Hotel at Kirklevington Hall - one of the best country house hotels in the UK. 2018 will be the third year of this event, and we have added ‘A Country House Spring Fair’ to the program this year for an extra opportunity to showcase some of the most talented artisans and independent business people of our region.
Also in 2016 I found two other venues I fell in love with - Kirkleatham Hall and Masham Town Hall - and felt would be perfect for a different type of event I had been longing to try. Inspired by the French brocante markets and my own love of this particular style it was once again my aim to create an event that was a change from what we were used to, not only in terms of quality but also style and content. In 2017 I launched the Home & Lifestyle Brocante at both of these venues, despite being told that ‘Yorkshire people won’t understand brocante’ and locals just wouldn’t ‘get it’. I strongly felt that was not the case, and if these types of events could work in other areas of the country then they could absolutely work here too. Thankfully I was proved right! I am happy to say that this year the brocante events are going from strength the strength, and are gaining a loyal following of fantastic customers who know they will find amazing and unusual goods with something suitable for every budget.
As much as certain aspects of Heartisan Events have evolved over the years, the authentic values at the core have not changed at all. As ever, these events are all about exceptional quality, supporting the local community and economy, and providing the best possible enjoyable experience for everyone involved. I am overjoyed to regularly hear event visitors talk about the quality, originality and variety of products, the professionalism and friendliness of traders, the style of the venues, and the overall great atmosphere of the events. This is the exactly what I’d hoped to achieve, and what I will continue to strive for every time.
