THE BIGGEST event of its kind in the county, Carmarthen Antiques and Flea Market, will put a spring into your step as it returns to the town.
Wales’ favourite flea market, which is loved by antique dealers and vintage collectors alike, is held most months at the town’s showground, attracting visitors from as far away as Bath and Bristol.
Fair organisers Robert and Carol Pugh are thrilled to be attracting new exhibitors and visitors to every antiques fair each time it is held.
Robert says that their success is largely down to the scale of the event: “It’s quite possible to spend hours sifting through books, militaria and ceramics before turning a corner to see some really good examples of Welsh country furniture.”
Carol echoes her husband’s sentiments: “There are lots of smaller events but Robert and I feel that the event we put on in Carmarthen really does offer something for everyone.
“If you’re looking for beautiful vintage clothing, jewellery or decorative items, you’ll find a great selection. At the same time, the fair is also the best place to head if you’re looking for furniture to up-cycle or an original piece of Welsh art.”
Lots of fascinating snapshots of history can be found at the market. During the last fair, a newspaper from the day after The Titanic sank was snapped up for just a few pounds from one of the dealers on the outside stands.
A host of more unusual items will be available for sale at the May event with a fascinating story behind them.
Items such as an unusual seaside souvenir from Edwardian times will be available for purchase. The souvenir tells the tale of a time when Swansea thought of itself as Wales’ equivalent to Brighton. The bathing beauty carrying Swansea’s crest personifies how the town tried to portray a different side to its heavy industry and huge docks.
Featured at the last event on Sunday April 10 was Carmarthenshire artist John Petts, who is perhaps best known for his stained glass. In particular, he has a notable work which appears in the Royal Ivy Bush Hotel in Carmarthen, but he was also a great print maker.
At the fair was a sample print by Petts which was produced for a book printed by the highly regarded ‘Golden Cockerel Press’ that turned a few heads at the Antiques and Flea Market. Market organisers said that the illustration for ‘Against Women’ was quite striking.
The next Carmarthen Antiques and Flea Market will take place on Sunday May 22, running between 10am and 4pm.
The market, which takes place at the Carmarthen Showground, will provide entertainment for all weathers, with hundreds of stands being found both indoors and out. Admission is £4 for adults, and any accompanied children are admitted free of charge.
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