19 December 2025
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On the 16th of November 2025, I, alongside my boyfriend, attended the J & J Fairs toy fair in Spalding, Lincolnshire. It was both of our first times attending a toy fair, and I’m pleased to say I was genuinely, pleasantly surprised by the whole experience.
Before going, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. I had imagined something quite niche and quiet, perhaps full of very serious collectors poring over items I knew little about, but instead, I found the atmosphere welcoming, lively, and much more engaging than I had anticipated.
The Event
The fair officially opened at 10am, but we didn’t arrive until around 1pm. I had been a little worried that arriving later in the day would mean we had missed the peak excitement and that the venue would be nearly empty as the event edged towards closing time.
To my surprise there were still around 70 to 100 guests wandering around when we arrived. That number gave the fair a comfortably busy atmosphere—not overcrowded, but far from quiet.
Still, I’m fairly sure there must have been a significantly larger crowd at the opening time, especially among the more experienced or dedicated buyers who likely wanted first pick of any rare finds.
Before attending, I had expected the fair to be heavily focused on older toys, especially classic diecast brands like Dinky and Corgi. These were the kinds of toys I associated with traditional collectors’ fairs, and indeed, there were plenty of them on display.
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What surprised me most, though, was just how many toys from the nineties and the early noughties were also represented. It gave the event a nostalgic twist I hadn’t anticipated. There were stands featuring Barbie dolls from various eras, boxes of Pokémon figures and cards, a selection of Star Wars items spanning multiple generations, and a particularly impressive setup of Scalextric pieces.
One of the things that stood out most was the sheer number of Hot Wheels tables. There were far more than I expected, but considering the continued popularity of Hot Wheels, it made perfect sense.
In addition to the diecast vehicles, there was a large and varied selection of model trains and accessories for train sets. I found it fascinating to look at the tiny details on the carriages, the miniature landscapes, and the beautifully crafted buildings that accompany the trains.
The admission fee was £3.50, and I honestly think that is more than reasonable given the number of stands, the variety of toys and models, and the time you can easily spend browsing. Plus, the presence of a little café inside was a lovely bonus.
After wandering the stalls for a while, it was really nice to be able to sit down, rest our feet, and take a little break before having one last look around. The café made the whole event feel more relaxed and community-oriented, which I appreciated.
My Thoughts
The only thing that gave me a moment’s pause was the pricing. Some of the models were priced so high that I felt a bit intimidated, and it certainly deterred me from making any impulse purchases.
However, I’m fully aware that my lack of knowledge probably plays a huge role in this. Many of these models are likely special editions, rare pieces, or items with significant historical or collector value, so while the prices seemed steep to me, they were probably quite reasonable within the context of the hobby.
Overall, I really enjoyed myself, and the fact that my boyfriend enjoyed it too made it even better. It was something different from our usual weekend activities, yet simple, engaging, and genuinely fun.
It will definitely be something we do again, as it made for a lovely, low-pressure activity for a Sunday afternoon—something that gives you a reason to get out, explore, reminisce, and maybe even pick up a new interest along the way.
To see my extended review of the toy fair, subscribe to Diecast Collector (which now includes Collectors Gazette) and see the full piece in February's copy - on sale 2nd January 2026.