Spring Gathering 13-15 March 2026

Plans for the SPA Spring Gathering in Millport (13–15 March 2026) are shaping up brilliantly! The committee has been working hard to keep the weekend as affordable and inspiring as possible, and bookings are now open!

There’s plenty more excitement to come, and further information will be shared as the event approaches. Keep an eye on upcoming e-bulletins and the website for updates.

We’re especially thrilled to welcome three fantastic experts – Tom Knowles Jackson, Susan O’Byrne, and Joseph Morgan – who will be with us all weekend, sharing their skills, discussing their creative processes, and, of course, fielding all our enthusiastic questions!

Demonstrations are just one highlight of the Spring Gathering – there’s so much more to enjoy! Alongside our guest experts, you can look forward to all your favourite activities:

Mug Swap
Anne Lightwood Award
Members’ Display Area
Raffle
Saturday Night Ceilidh (with optional fancy dress!)
Supplier Shops

One of the very best parts of the Spring Gathering is the chance to relax, chat, and connect – whether you’re catching up with old friends, meeting new faces, or talking yourself hoarse about all things pottery. It’s a warm, welcoming weekend full of inspiration and community.

To help you get ready, here’s what to bring and how each activity works:

Mug Swap

Bring along a handmade mug to join the fun! When you arrive, place your mug on the table in the main communal room and pick up a pair of matching raffle tickets. Pop one ticket into your mug and keep the other. Over the weekend the tickets will be shuffled between mugs, and after the AGM you’ll get to collect the mug containing your number – a mystery surprise to take home!

Anne Lightwood Award

We invite everyone to bring their best pot to display. Before the AGM, our three demonstrators will select the winner, who will receive a certificate and prize. There will also be a Members’ Choice Award, so be sure to vote for the piece that inspires you most.

Members’ Display Area

If you’d like to showcase or sell your work, feel free to bring a small selection along with business cards or flyers. If items are for sale, please include clear contact details so members can arrange payment directly with you.

Raffle

We encourage each member to donate a piece of pottery or a pottery-related item to the raffle. Tickets will be available from Friday onwards, with the draw taking place after the AGM.

Home Bakes

Please remember that Millport Field Centre has a strict no nuts policy, including for home baking. We welcome a selection of gluten-free, lactose-free, dairy-free, and vegan treats, alongside any other bakes you'd like to share. Please label everything clearly.

Ceilidh

Our wonderful ceilidh band will be hosting an informal music session on Friday evening – feel free to bring along your instrument and join the jam! Saturday’s ceilidh fancy dress theme is “The Wild West”, so dust off your cowboy boots (or your most creative interpretation!) and get ready for a lively night.

Suppliers

This year we’re delighted to welcome Kettles Pottery Supplies and Sedgefield Pottery Supplies.

Shannon Tofts will also be returning to offer professional ceramic photography.

More details – including how to order supplies for delivery to Millport, booking forms for photography sessions, and accommodation information – can be found on the Spring Gathering page of the SPA website.