2003 UK National Drum Fair

How do you define a successful drum show? A good range of drums and percussion? The finest selection of vintage kits and snares? A range of experts, pros, collectors and beginners sharing a good atmosphere with lots of chat and laughter? A record-breaking attendance? Visitors from all over the world? A room full of people with a genuine enthusiasm for drums and percussion?

However you define a successful drum show, the 2003 UK National Drum Fair was a huge success. Even the weather played its part providing a burst of late-summer sunshine to add warmth to the atmosphere. The Saturday attendance exceeded the total weekend attendance for the 2002 show and by the end of Sunday, last year's figure had been almost doubled. Johnny Craviotto - drum maker par excellence - was there to present a custom-built snare drum to a lucky raffle winner.

Lou Dias - builder of the biggest drum in the world - was there as was Geoff Nicholls - drum historian and author. Winnie and Tanco - architects of the first Amsterdam show to be held in October 2003 - were there to trade some drums and Len Howe (probably the nicest guy you'll ever meet buying a drum) was selling a range of Ludwig drums and spares.

Planning is already well underway for the 2004 show and a new - larger - venue has been secured to cope with the increase in numbers. The UK National Drum Fair is now firmly established on the international drum show calendar and this year's event shows why.