There are events and businesses in Melton that I straight up wouldn’t visit if I didn’t do My Melton. Potfest was originally one of those events as I never really understood the appeal. In 2023 I was very pleasantly surprised and thus, went back this year. So was it worth the money? Here are my thoughts.

Firstly entry fee. It’s £4 per adult and kids get in free when supervised.  A weekend ticket is also available for £7 per adult. I liked the fact that there is a weekend ticket option and wish other festivals in Melton did this (cough, Matthew give us weekend food festival tickets, cough cough). Tickets are the same price online or on the gate but online does come with a booking fee so I’d advise paying on the gate. Also they accept both cash and card on the gate which after yesterday’s gaff, I appreciate even more writing this review. 

Next up location.  Potfest is unique in that it’s one of if not the only event at @stockyardmeltonmowbray that takes place in the actual animal pens. It’s a very cool concept and works alot better than I thought it would on paper. Having it in the pens also means that you’re better off entering from either Sainsbury’s (if on foot and it’s open) or Scalford Road Car Park (if driving). Scalford Road Car also gets you “in the action” quicker than the Sainsbury’s entrance does and it would be nice if there was something tied to Potfest between that entrance and the pens in future years. Oh and please remember when planning your outfits that animals are in the pens the rest of the year. This is not the time for your designer heels folks.

Of course Potfest is one of those events that if everyone that comes produces the same thing, it falls very flat. You’ll be pleased to know that the variety of artists this year was excellent. From minimalist neutral pieces to brightly coloured showstoppers, there are going to be plenty of things that leave you speechless. Those of you who saw my tour on TT yesterday can attest to that.

So where do I think Potfest could grow in future years? Firstly, outside of a pottery demonstration, there isn’t much on the entertainment side so it would be amazing to a similar programme of informative talks to that of the food festivals. As someone who is not a pottery expert but wanted to learn more, I wished this was something I could check out. Also more stuff for the kids, this isn’t a festival that is going to amuse little ones unless they have a very vested interest in ceramics so a couple of clay stations could potentially reduce the annoying moans of “I’m bored”.

Overall if you have an interest in ceramics and want to meet some of the best makers in the country, definitely pay it a visit. It is very much a jewel in the Melton Mowbray crown.

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