Eid al-Adha, the "Festival of Sacrifice," is one of the most sacred dates in the Islamic calendar, marking the culmination of the annual Hajj pilgrimage. It commemorates the devotion of the Prophet Ibrahim and is defined by the beautiful tradition of Qurbani, where the spirit of the holiday is expressed through selfless charity and sharing...
Progressive Greetings Live is the UK’s only trade show dedicated exclusively to greeting cards, held each June at London’s Business Design Centre. GCA members enjoy a special discounted stand rate, plus all-inclusive perks: lighting, hot lunch, unlimited teas/coffees, and entry to the show party. New publishers can enquire about the Springboard area for smaller stand...
Father’s Day is a special moment in the calendar dedicated to celebrating the men who provide strength, guidance, and a fair share of "dad jokes" throughout our lives. Observed on the third Sunday of June, it is a day to honour fathers, grandads, stepfathers, and father figures for their steady support and the quiet sacrifices...
Home and Gift is held each July in Harrogate in a combination of hotels, exhibition halls and marquees all within walking distance of the town centre and each other. Over 775 exhibitors showcase ranges of products including general giftware, design-led products, home and decorative accessories, stationery, greeting cards, pictures and prints, jewellery, collectibles, china and...
Autumn Fair is the sister event to Spring Fair, and largely follows the same format but is a smaller show. It takes place over four days from the first Sunday in September, again at the NEC Birmingham. There is a reduced rate Debut area in the greetings hall, operated in association with the GCA, to give first time...
Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, is a time of profound reflection, repentance, and renewal. Marking the beginning of the "High Holy Days," this festival celebrates the creation of the world and invites individuals to look back on the past year while setting intentions for the one ahead. It is a holiday defined by beautiful...
Thinking of You Week is a special week that harnesses the emotional power of greeting cards to create a wave of love, caring and happiness. Sending and receiving handwritten notes and cards can have a positive impact on our well-being and mental health. Connect with your loved ones, friends, and acquaintances by sending a card, handmade or...
Sending Halloween cards is a spook-tacular way to connect with friends and family. It's like casting a happy little spell that delivers smiles right to their postboxes. Plus, it's a boo-tiful tradition that can make your loved ones feel gourd-geous inside and out. And let's be honest, who wouldn't want to receive a card with...
Diwali, or Deepavali, is one of the most significant festivals in Indian culture, celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and some Buddhists worldwide. Known as the "Festival of Lights," it symbolises the spiritual victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. Lasting five days, the festival is a sensory marvel of glowing...
Sending a card for St Andrew’s Day on the 30th of November is a beautiful way to usher in the winter season with a sense of kinship and "auld acquaintance." As Scotland’s patron saint is celebrated, a physical card serves as a stirring tribute to heritage, whether it features the bold Saltire, a sprig of...
Hanukkah, the Jewish "Festival of Lights," is a vibrant eight-day celebration of resilience, miracles, and the triumph of light over darkness. Commemorating the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, the holiday centers on the miracle of the oil—where a single day's supply lasted for eight. Today, families gather to light the Menorah (or Hanukkiah),...
Sending Christmas cards each year is like the annual roll call for your social circle; it's a festive way to say, "Hey, I haven't forgotten you... yet!" It's a tradition that combines the joy of getting something in the mail that isn't a bill with the thrill of a yearly pop quiz: "Do I remember...
There is a profound sense of renewal and shared hope in sending a card for Chinese New Year. As we bid farewell to the old and welcome the new, a physical card—often adorned in vibrant reds and shimmering golds—serves as a powerful symbol of luck and prosperity. Whether it features the elegant calligraphy of the...
Ramadan is the holiest month in the Islamic calendar, a sacred time of fasting, prayer, and deep spiritual reflection for nearly two billion people worldwide. From dawn until sunset, the fast is an act of discipline that fosters heightened empathy for the less fortunate and a meaningful renewal of faith. It is a month defined...
Valentine's Day cards are the unsung heroes of February, bravely bearing the weight of our romantic aspirations on their papery shoulders. They're like love's little messengers, fluttering through letterboxes and into hearts with all the subtlety of Cupid's arrow (minus the risk of accidental injury). Historically, these cards have been the go-to method for expressing...
There is a quiet, beautiful joy in sending a card for St David’s Day on the 1st of March. As the first official celebration of spring, it’s the perfect moment to send a "burst of sunshine" through the letterbox. Whether it features a vibrant yellow daffodil, a proud leek, or a stunning Welsh landscape, a...
Mother’s Day, or Mothering Sunday, is a cherished tradition dedicated to celebrating the incredible women who shape our lives. Falling on the fourth Sunday of Lent, it is a day of profound gratitude - not just for mums, but for grandmothers, step-mums, and maternal figures who provide unwavering support and love. It’s a time for...