The popular Sunday events were held five times a year at the North London venue but ended in November after a new contract could not be agreed. However, the organisers Pig & Whistle Promotions had hinted that an agreement could be reached with Ally Pally’s new management Firoka Ltd sometime this year.
“These discussions have been going on since last January,” said Lindy Berkman, who ran the fairs for 25 years. “Yet when I recently spoke with Firoka they had still not completed on the purchase.
“Although we were offered more favourable financial terms than the previous management, I do not feel confident to relaunch the event in a climate of such uncertainty. The antiques trade is not going through the best time.
“The risk isn’t just financial; there are too many unknowns. No guarantees have been given when the extensive building programme will begin which includes the building of a leisure centre and a hotel and refurbishing the Great Hall, where the antiques fair is held.”
No restoration for Ally Pally fair
THE antiques and collectors fairs at Alexandra Palace will not be returning following a breaking off in negotiations between the organisers and the venue’s new owners.
