Ardingly antiques fair - any tips for the day?Anyone been?

[linspins]

Hello! I'm hoping to go to the Ardingly Antiques fair this Tuesday, and have heard that it's huge. I wondered if anyone had been and had any tips for how to best look round! I'm after a wooden fire surround, a chest of drawers, a mirror and some bits and pieces.
Any thoughts on best place to park, where to start, haggling, or other tips?

Check out Kirsty Allsops "home made home" on facebook, or try to see some of the episodes of the series with the same name. It ran on Channel 4 so the series may be possible to view through there or at least read some of her tips. I think her main points were:

a) go early - you want to be there when they open.
b) take someone knowlegeable if you can
c) take a large car if you can, saying that you will take something away at once may sway the seller to sell to you, particularly if you are haggling
d) bring lots of cash

Not sure of places to park etc but hopefully someone else will come along and tell you more! Hope the above helped.

Watching Kirstie's homemade home on 4OD was where I got the idea in the first place! But yes, I should probably check out to see if there is a corresponding facebook page or website. The actual antiques fair website is less than informative...
I don't have anyone knowlegeable to take, but will have husband to hand, who at least will be able to discuss with me what we like. Cash...will have as much as I can lay hands on which isn't much these days (I think my kids eat it.) Thanks snuppeline. Anyone else?

Hopeful bump?

Don't pay what they ask-think of the price as a starting point.Also,if you hold the cash in your hand,and say,'oh,what a shame,I've only got £xxx',vendors are far more likely to accept a lower offer.If you see anything you want to go back later to have a look at,write down the stand number,or you may not find it again.Take a tape measure [having first measured your doors to be sure your purchases will go through them when you get them home],drinks and snacks.If you can take a camera/phone with camera,you can take a photo to compare with other items.

Have fun.

Thanks, Mirage, they sound like good tips. I wouldn't have thought to write down stand numbers, and probably would never find the thing I'd liked again! It's gonna be cold there tomorrow - planning on putting on ski thermals...

I'm jealous linspins.I've never been to Ardingly,as it is too far away,but am a veteran of sales and auctions.I don't like to pay the asking price if I can help it.