FAQ

This year’s Members’ Gathering will be held at the Apex Hotel in Dundee, on 11 – 12 September 2026

Special Members’ Discounted Multi-2–Day Ticket: £110
Friday Day & Evening Ticket: Members: £70
Saturday Day Ticket: Members: £60
Non-member rates:
Multi-2-day ticket: £150
Friday 11th Sept: £120
Saturday 12th Sept: £100
Non-Event Attendees: Vaughan Nash Exhibition Viewing Only – Saturday (time-limited slot): £10 per person BOOK HERE

In the spirit of transparency, the venue charges a daily rate equal to 85% of your ticket price. To keep tickets as affordable as possible while paying our speakers and covering essential costs, we rely on competition entries, raffle ticket sales, sponsor support, partners, donations, exhibitors, and the generosity of members who share their skills by running workshops.

Book your place

To book a ticket you will need, your membership number, email address and to complete payment online.

Multi-2-day ticket:
A full two-day ticket to the whole event
Two days of guest speakers with Q&A’s
Workshop or Oot an’ aboot on each day
Lunch on both days
Craft experts panel with Q&A
Refreshments throughout the event
‘Saturday Live’ – cooking demonstration
Official opening of Vaughan Nash Exhibition
Drinks Reception
Evening Entertainment

Friday ticket:
One-day Friday day and evening ticket
Guest speakers with Q&A’s
Workshop or Oot an’ aboot
Lunch on Friday
Refreshments throughout the day
Official opening of Vaughan Nash Exhibition
Drinks Reception
Evening Entertainment

Saturday ticket:
One-day Saturday ticket
Vaughan Nash Exhibition viewing
Guest speakers with Q&A’s
Lunch on Saturday
Craft experts panel with Q&A
Workshop or Oot an’ aboot
‘Saturday Live’ – cooking demonstration
Refreshments throughout the day

Book your place

Thanks to Dundee City Council we have a dedicated booking portal for members which shows a selection of available accommodation in Dundee.
Visit the booking portal

We have a dedicated webpage set up with competition details including the Vaughan Nash Competition, Anne Wallace Sugar Sifter Dundee Cake Competition, Mary Aitken Trophy Marmalade Competition, and our fun members talent show, SWI’s Got Talent.
Visit the page

Day one – Friday 11th September: 9:00am – 4.30pm | Evening activities: 6.30pm – 11pm
Day two – Saturday 12th September: 9:00am – 4:30pm

We’ve set up a dedicated webpage giving you a programme of what to expect over the weekend. Please note: In the run up to the event, there could be slight tweaking or amends.
Visit the page

There a variety of travel options available including, public transportation and parking spaces, you can find out more information via the Accommodation Booking portal.
Visit the page

Yes this event is open to all members and non-members.

Unfortunately, we are not taking separate bookings for the Evening activities as its included in the Friday one-day pass. We expect a good attendance and have lots planned with an official opening on the Vaughan Nash Exhibition with the Lord Provost, a sponsored drinks reception and the SWI’s Got Talent hosted by the fabulous Susan Morrison.

We’re pleased to share that the venue has kindly offered a dedicated two-hour viewing slot on Saturday, from 11:15am to 1:15pm, exclusively for visitors wishing to view the Vaughan Nash Exhibition. Exhibition-only tickets may be purchased at the door for £10 by cash or card; however, access will be limited to this allocated time. Please note that no refreshments will be available, as a Members’ Gathering will be taking place during this period. You can RSVP to view the exhibition-only here.

All Federations will be acting as hubs to collect and transport competition entries. We encourage you to get in touch with your Federation to find out who will be attending and how they can best support you with your entry. They’ll be happy to help coordinate and make the process as smooth as possible for you. Please don’t send any entries to the SWI Central Office in Edinburgh.

You are able to purchase raffle tickets on the Friday 11th before the draw on the Friday evening – please find a member of SWI staff to help.

What must my entry contain?
All entries to the Vaughan Nash must contain five handmade items displayed as one exhibit.

Who can enter the Vaughan Nash Competition?
Entries must be from a team of at least two members from the same or different Institutes/Federations.

What is this year’s theme?
Festivals

How big is the display area for my exhibit?
A maximum display area of 30×30″ will be provided, covered with a white tablecloth. Please ensure your items fit within this space. Please include a photo of your exhibit during when submitting your entry.

How much does it cost to enter?
The cost of entry to the competition is £10.

When is the deadline for submission?
The entry is June 26th, 2026, no late entries will be accepted.