Ephemera overload at epic collectables fair

AN ephemera and collectables fair billed as the largest ever held indoors in Victoria will descend on the Bendigo Showgrounds’ six-thousand-square-metre Exhibition Centre over the weekend of 8 and 9 March.

There’ll be literally something on offer for everyone, including textiles, tobacco tins, chinaware, militaria, motoring memorabilia and “bric-a-brac.”

You’ll also find vintage vinyl, rock and roll memorabilia, trading cards including Pokemon and football player cards, plus Marvel and D.C. action figures.

If that’s not enough variety, cosplay paraphernalia, antique books, magazines, prints of old maps, movie posters, old advertising prints and diecast cars including Hot Wheels will also be on sale.

Organiser Mark Blythe said the event is “pretty revolutionary in a lot of ways compared to your average indoor collectibles or antique fair.”

“The venue is 120 metres long, where most collectables fairs are held in community halls or school gymnasiums,” he said.

“It gives it that critical mass – it means that someone living in Frankston is prepared to drive up because there’s enough there to hold their interest.”

Mr Blythe said the fair is a great day out for the family without having to empty your wallet, with tickets just $5 and kids’ entry free.

“Times are tough at the moment (so) affordability is the key,” he said.

“It might be a big investment in your time (but) we think we’re pretty exceptional value.

“Maybe you don’t know if you’re interested in collectables, but this is the way to find out.

“I never get blase about it – there’s always something that comes out and you think, ‘where in God’s name did you get that?'”

The Bendigo (indoor) Collectables Fair takes place at the Bendigo Showgrounds’ Exhibition Centre on Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 March.

Further information is available on the event’s Facebook page.