FAQs for Festival of Arts & Crafts
Our annual Festival of Arts & Crafts is now a hugely popular event in the West Berkshire calendar. The opening weekend (Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 September) attracts thousands of people. Here are our FAQs that you may find helpful ahead of your visit...
market UPDATE
Please note: Due to high winds and rain forecast for Sunday 14 September, the market element of the Festival will take place just up the road from us at 101 Outdoor Arts Creation Space. So you can browse the arts and craft stalls in the comfort of this unique creative space!
Unfortunately, due to the materials used, the spray paint workshop will not be able to go ahead on either Saturday or Sunday.
How much is it to enter the Festival of Arts & Crafts opening weekend on Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 September? You will be asked by our team for a£2 suggested entry donation per person, all donations will go to The Base charity (1199188).
Can I use cash or card? We accept cash or card transactions on entry to the Festival and stallholders will take both.
Are there activities for children? Lots! FREE activities include: doodle wall, soft archery, pebble-painting, scavenger hunt challenge, art exhibition. PLEASE NOTE: Unfortunately, the spray-painting has been cancelled due to high winds.
Do I need to book anything in advance? You do not need to book for most activities before your visit; we recommend pre-booking for Taster workshops via our website here. On the opening weekend, you can join Wire Leaf Taster, Mini Autumn Wreath Taster, Inky Horizons: Watercolour Landscape Taster, Birch Tree Trio: Inky Watercolour Taster and Pots of Hope Pottery Taster. If you're a dog owner, pre-book a Dog PAWtraits session before they sell out too!
I have booked for a taster workshop, where do I need to go? Head to the Lookout Studio on the first floor of The Base. Alternatively, ask at our Information stall in the centre of the market.
Can I bring my dog? Dogs are welcome on leads throughout the site, except in our main Gallery. Please be mindful that there may be crowds, and if it is a hot day, outside it is mainly tarmac with little shade, so we would recommend they stay at home. We will provide dog drinking stations, whatever the weather. Also, head to The Berkshire Vet where Dogs by Jeff will be painting portraits of furry pals - find out more here.
Can I take photographs? Yes. Please use #BaseFest and tag @thebasegreenham to share your pictures with us!
Can I buy refreshments? Yes! Honesty café will be open and will have an outdoor mobile unit too in our car park. There will also be several food vendors outside too from pizza to Greek food, as well as an ice cream van and Botanico Bar!
Will the Festival happen if it is raining? Yes, the event will go ahead in the rain - we encourage you to come and support our stallholders, whatever the weather, with your brollies! The only time we would look to cancel is if there are high winds or lightning forecast. Keep an eye on our website and social media for updates on the day.
I’ve lost something at the Festival, what do I do? Lost property is handed in at The Base Information Stall. Please head there and speak to The Base team if you have lost or found an item.
How do I purchase a piece of artwork on display in the gallery? Please visit the welcome desk to the entrance of the Gallery and speak to a member of our team who will be able to process the sale for you. Once purchased, you can collect the artwork once the exhibition closes on Saturday 27 September.
Travel
Location The Base's Festival of Arts & Crafts takes place on Greenham Business Park, just south of Newbury. Postcode RG19 6HN.
Can we cycle? Yes, absolutely! We have a sheltered bike rack beside The Base building. We ask you to kindly dismount as soon as you get to the Festival entrance, though!
If coming by car, where do we park? All cars will need to enter Greenham Business Park via Main Street (next to the Jaguar Land Rover garage) roundabout. Carry up Main Street, following the 'Event Parking' signs; pass The Berkshire Vet, and the car park is slightly further up on the right-hand side - a volunteer steward will show you where to park. Parking is free.
Accessibility
Is there level access? Yes, the site throughout is level with ramps to access the building via automatic doors. We also have a lift to access the first floor at The Base.
Is there Blue Badge parking? Yes, The Base has Blue Badge parking throughout the year. For the Fair weekend (13 & 14 Sep), please follow the signs via Main Street, up Lindenmuth Way, where you will be greeted by a volunteer who will show you where to park behind The Base building (see map below).
Is there seating? Yes - outside, we'll have straw bales and there are some seating outside Honesty cafe. Inside, Honesty cafe have lots and there are a couple of chairs in the Gallery.
Contact Us
Visit the Contact Us page to send a message to admin@thebasegreenham.co.uk
Creative Commons
Greenham will be a hub of creative energy on Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 September as Creative Commons, a free outdoor event presented by the Corn Exchange Newbury and 101 Outdoor Arts, will take place on Greenham Common.
To attend both events, simply park in the event parking area and head to the entrance to Greenham Common near Venture West on Greenham Business Park. For FAQs relating to Creative Commons, please click here