Art on the Prom in Felixstowe, which celebrates 20 active years this year, is open for applications from artists – including emerging artists aged 18-25. Co-Director Iona Hodgson explains more
Registrations are now open for artists and craftspeople across East Anglia to apply to Art on the Prom in Felixstowe, which celebrates its landmark 20th active year this year. The much-loved event will once again transform Felixstowe’s Promenade into a vibrant open-air gallery, welcoming more than 100 talented artists and makers to showcase and sell their work. What began as a volunteer-led community initiative back in 2002 has grown into a professionally curated art and craft fair. Each year, Art on the Prom attracts between 9,000 and 11,000 visitors, generating more than £60,000 in sales for participating artists in a single day. With traders travelling from across East Anglia, from Lowestoft to London, the event continues to champion regional creativity while bringing significant economic and cultural value to the town.
Since relaunching the event in 2022, following a three-year hiatus, Co-Directors Iona Hodgson and Nichola Adams have brought more than 50 years of combined experience to elevate Art on the Prom into a professionally managed event.
Iona says: “Art on the Prom is a wonderful celebration of the creativity and artistry of the East Anglian region, and an established visitor attraction on the yearly calendar of Felixstowe’s cultural offering. It has been a privilege to bring the event back to life after Covid and make it possible to platform such incredible talent on the sunny Suffolk seaside. It’s a unique event, full of bustle and smiles as well as a successful and promotional sales opportunity for artists and crafts people. A place for this thriving community to gather, socialise and celebrate.
“We cannot take the credit for its originators and those who ran the event voluntarily for many years, to these people we all owe an exceptional amount. But we are proud to continue to produce this event into its 20th year and we hope that more people than ever will join us to celebrate its legacy and support the future of its success.”
Despite continued support from East Suffolk Council and Felixstowe Town Council, as well as efforts to secure additional funding, organisers have made the necessary decision to increase participation fees this year.
“We explored every possible avenue, from grant applications to reconnecting with past sponsors,” says Iona. “This decision was not taken lightly, but it ensures we can continue delivering a high-quality, sustainable event for artists and visitors alike.”
While participation costs now start at £105 for a half pitch, the cost of taking part remains highly competitive compared to similar high-footfall art fair style events. To support accessibility, more half pitches will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, and the team is actively encouraging applications from artists beyond the immediate region to broaden the event’s reach and diversity.
On the day, visitors can enjoy free entry and explore a range of work from painters, potters, photographers, jewellers, textile artists and woodworkers as well as charity showcases and food stalls, on the Promenade, from the Pier to the Spa Gardens.
Art on the Prom will take place on Felixstowe Promenade on Sunday, 6th September 2026, 10am–5pm. Applications are now open for artists and makers selling original art and handmade work. Apply via artontheprom.uk. Emerging artists aged 18–25 living in Felixstowe (IP11 postcode) can apply for one of a limited number of free half-pitches. Submit images of your work along with a short statement explaining why you’d like to take part. Sponsorship opportunities are still available: contact felixstoweartontheprom@gmail.com.
Featured images – supplied
Leave a Reply