Raku flames, wheel-throwing and sculptural centrepieces – Potfest South West is a must for collectors, creatives and curious visitors alike
From 4th to 6th July, Turnpike Showground near Shaftesbury plays host once again to Potfest South West – a major event in the UK’s ceramic calendar. More than just a marketplace, it’s a chance to explore the breadth and depth of modern ceramic artistry, meet the makers behind the work, and experience the dynamic processes that bring clay to life.
Now in its fourth year, the South West show is the youngest in the Potfest family – but has quickly become a favourite. With its spacious countryside setting, laid-back atmosphere and exceptionally high standard of exhibitors, the event draws collectors, interior designers, architects, gallerists and curious visitors alike. Whether you’re looking for the perfect mug or a sculptural centrepiece for your home or garden, this is the place to find it.
Meet the makers
One of the unique pleasures of Potfest is the opportunity to engage directly with almost 100 exhibiting potters – each selected for originality, craftsmanship and professional practice. It’s a rare chance to talk about form, glaze, technique and inspiration with the person who created the piece. The work spans everything from finely thrown domestic ware to large-scale sculpture, delicate jewellery to conceptual installations. Every item is hand made – often one of a kind – and most artists are happy to take commissions or discuss their wider body of work.
In addition to the exhibitors’ stands, live demonstrations run throughout the weekend. These free sessions offer insights into the craft: try your hand at wheel-throwing slab-building, slip decoration and glazing. Whether you’re a potter yourself or simply curious about how raw clay is transformed into functional or sculptural objects, this is a fascinating chance to learn from highly skilled, professional makers.
The drama of Raku
Adding a theatrical edge to the event is the hugely popular Raku firing display – a traditional Japanese technique that embraces unpredictability and heat. Watching the process unfold is unmissable: pots are removed from a red-hot kiln and placed in sawdust or combustible materials, where they smoke and cool to reveal iridescent, crackled or metallic finishes. It’s a fiery, smoky spectacle that never fails to draw a crowd – and a reminder of the elemental nature of ceramics.
Not just collectors
While Potfest South West is a serious event for collectors and curators, it’s also enjoyed by anyone with an interest in handmade craft or art or contemporary design. Families are welcome, there’s food and drink on site, and the open rural setting gives space for children to roam and visitors to linger. Many makers exhibit work suitable for outdoor display, and garden ceramics are a growing highlight of the show.
Why Potfest matters
Potfest South West reflects a growing appreciation for ceramics as both an artistic medium and a sustainable, tactile alternative to mass production. Buying directly from makers supports independent businesses, reduces wasteful shipping, and offers genuine transparency in how objects are made. It’s also immensely rewarding – you’ll leave with something not just beautiful, but very personal.
Whether you’re adding to a collection, hunting for a thoughtful gift, or simply looking for a day out with substance, Potfest South West delivers. It’s three days of clay, creativity and conversation – and a rare window into one of the UK’s most vibrant creative communities.
Potfest South West runs from 4th to 6th July at Turnpike Showground, near Shaftesbury. Adults £6.50, under 16s go free.
Visit potfest.co.uk for tickets and to preview the full list of exhibiting potters.
