Amid a renewed interest in adults buying vintage toys, a toy fair in Crayford has seen increased demand for people wanting to ‘buy memories’.
On September 13, the Crayford Toy Fair was held at Nova Magnus Hall in Crayford, with the small hall filled with stalls containing toys and collectors’ items that a room full of eager buyers looked through.
Toys and action figures from the 1980s and 1990s were popular among attendees, the majority of whom were over 30 and had come to see and buy items from their childhood.
@londonersnews Vintage toys have had a resurgence with nostalgia leaving Londoners wanting to buy memories from their past ✨ Come and see how Crawford Toy Fair is contributing to the trend with our reporter Sydney Conteh 📹 #Crayford #VintageToys #CollectorsFair #LondonersNews #London ♬ original sound – LondonersNews
Vintage toy and action figure collector and Crayford Toy Fair organiser Jason Whitbread, 51, from Orpington, started the event because he wanted to give back to the toy community.
He said: “They are buying memories. People are buying back what they had as kids.”
Sci-fi-based items such as Doctor Who, Star Trek and Star Wars proved particularly popular, while superheroes, cars and Lego were also favoured among collectors at the event.
Among the younger attendees were children accompanied by their parents, who showed an interest in modern popular trends such as superheroes.
When asked if he had any advice for young collectors, vendor John Smith, 26 said: “Spend your pocket money wisely.”
Since its introduction on 1st February 2026, the event has averaged 120 attendees, with five events having taken place so far and a waiting list currently in place for vendors wishing to participate.
The toy fair is running in an environment where traditional toy stores have been experiencing difficulties.
Toys “R” Us’ UK arm faced bankruptcy in 2017 and, as of last year, had reopened stores within existing WH Smith and TG Jones stores.
Feature image courtesy of Sydney Conteh
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