Peter Binfield is holding the line with his vintage and classic arms fairs which he has run since 2017 at Kempton Park Racecourse.
He said: “We kept the show afloat during Covid by moving it all outside. Zero profit due to reduced trader pitch fees, but it kept us on the map.”
Well-known stalwarts at the next fair – which runs on Sunday, December 11, with a planned 200 indoor tables plus 20 under cover outside – include specialist dealers Dominic Vincent of Garth Vincent, Philip Spooner of West Street Antiques, Peter Dyson & Son and Andrew Iosson of Fine Sporting Collectables.
A dealer in sporting guns and accessories for 20 years, Iosson said of these fairs: “Buying is more cautious now because of the concerns many people have over the economy and the state of the world. Lower-price pieces and really good high-price stuff sells well but the middle band is slower.”