Frock Around The Clock Vintage Fair @ Belfast Castle

On Sunday the 7th of April I dragged myself out of bed and to the 'Frock Around The Clock Vintage Fair' at Belfast Castle (Belfast Castle, Antrim Road, Belfast) . This vintage fair was established in Ireland in 2008 and has been growing in popularity ever since. This was the first time I had been to this vintage fair and was looking forward to it.

The 'Frock Around The Clock Vintage Fair' is organised by Decadence Vintage. Decadence Vintage was created by vintage lover Becky Moore, who was inspired by vintage fairs in London and wanted to bring the experience to Ireland and Northern Ireland. Which is a great thing, as vintage fashion is growing in popularity over here. Decadence Vintage also organises events such as: Totally Bazaar, The Retro Rooms Show and the Decadence Vintage Bridal Fair. The 'Frock Around The Clock' remains the flagship event after many years.Exhibitors from Decadence events are all local - who either source their items from across the world or are local businesses from Ireland and Northern Ireland.

This vintage fair is not a clothes only event - there are many other attractions. Such examples include: recycled, handmade and vintage jewellery, ceramics and ornaments, locally made chocolate, photographic prints, home-ware and much more! In other words, it was my ideal event.

It was a good event, with over 45 exhibitors at the fair. There was a variety of exhibits, but I'll mention my favourite ones below! Due to my notorious sweet tooth, I'll begin with the Chocolatier first!


This exhibitor was a local chocolatier from County Fermanagh. They are manufactured by Sean Altemeyer and he can be contacted at altemeyer@btinternet.com


All his products are gluten-free and taste delicious! He offers: fine chocolate truffles, coconut macaroons, oat and seed cookies, almond biscuits and fine milk, plain and white chocolate.




When we talked to him we found out that he also caters for weddings, so I'd recommend as they were delicious. They are reasonably priced too, for being handmade.

An exhibit which grabbed my interest was 'Strombolitwo' which exclusively creates accessories from upcycled kimono silks. They had quirky designs with a concept I'd never seen before. Some pieces can be made to order. You can contact Helen Perry at strombolitwo@gmail.com  - you can also search Strombolitwo on Facebook.

Another sweet treat exhibitor caught my attention - 'Little Niceties'. This exhibitor is a business which caters for parties (such as childrens parties) where you can make your own sweet tree. Prices start at £8 per person.

It was a shame that I hadn't my student loan in - so I was unable to buy anything at this event unfortunately! The joys of being an adult isn't all it's cracked up to be at times... There was some items I was really interested in. Aren't they lovely! I've always wanted a vintage mirror and hairbrush set...














             


I enjoyed the event and there was some real nice pieces to be had. In particular, the vintage and up-cycled jewellery really caught my eye - they'd make great presents and pieces that could be worn with many different outfits. The woman playing the harp at the entrance was a real nice touch to this vintage fair. Here are some of my favourite snaps from the event and outside Belfast Castle, in the Cat Garden.

The next 'Frock Around The Clock' is only a few short weeks away, at Castle House, Castle Street, Lisburn  on Saturday 27th April from 11 am-5pm. See you there!