Day 3 of the Tasmanian Craft Fair

Director Tim Briggs said there had been a lot of great entertainment for adults and children during the first three days of the event.

Visitor numbers were steady on Friday, but up about 10 per cent on Saturday and Sunday when compared to 2015.

“It is a good number without being overcrowded,” he said. 

Families were fascinated by the University of Tasmania architecture students portal, with many stopping to grab a photo. 

“Our portal has been something a lot of people have been quite interested in because it is the first thing people see,” Mr Briggs said. 

A new breed of makers, artists, tradesmen and artisans joined the 2016 exhibitor list. 

“We have had a lot of younger exhibitors this year who have an amazing sense of presentation and product,” Mr Briggs said. 

From handmade toys to steel sculptures, the Tasmanian Craft Fair has cemented itself as an ideal event for makers and shoppers from across the nation.

The inaugural Historic Trades exhibition offers an exclusive insight into trades which have become obsolete with the introduction of mass production.

Trades such as boot making, weavers and basket makers were carefully selected by organisers to broaden the visitor demographic.

“This year it is younger and we have also noticed more males coming because we have intentionally done things to attract them,” Mr Briggs said.

Now in its 36^th year, fair organisers were determined to reinvigorate the overarching theme of handmade, handcrafted goods. 

More than 60 exhibitors demonstrated their crafty talents across the seven sheds. 

The fair will wrap up on Monday, but there is still plenty of time to stock up on some Christmas presents, watch a glassblowing demonstration or take a ride on the Thomas the Tank Engine train. 

Open from 9am to 4pm.