Your first Doll Show? What to expect at The Peterborough Doll Show

The Peterborough Doll Show is coming up, and I’m getting that familiar mix of excitement and “how am I going to get everything ready?” feeling!

If you’ve never been to a doll show before, you might be wondering what to expect. Maybe you’ve seen photos from previous shows and wondered what it’s actually like to walk through those doors.

So, as I’m getting ready for my own table at the Peterborough show, I thought I’d share a little look at what you can expect — especially if this will be your first doll show.

Where and when is the Peterborough Doll Show?

The show takes place on Sunday 11th October 2026 at the Holiday Inn, Thorpe Wood, Peterborough, PE3 6SG.

Peterborough is a special venue for The Doll Show. It was the home of the very first show and has grown into one of its largest venues, with lots of space for artists, makers and visitors.

I’ll be there with Willow Tree Reborns, and I’d love for you to come and find me.

What is a doll show actually like?

If you’ve never been to one, it can be hard to picture.

For me, the best way to describe it is a room full of dolls, artists, collectors and people who all share a love of this hobby.

There are reborn babies, other dolls, clothing, accessories and handmade items to browse. You can wander around the tables, stop for a chat, ask questions and take your time looking at all the little details.

And there really are lots of little details to look at!

One of my favourite things about doing shows is watching people see a reborn baby in person for the first time.

Online photos are lovely, but they don't quite capture the experience of holding a reborn. You can see the painting up close, feel the weight, look at the tiny details and get a much better idea of the size and feel of a baby.

That’s something I just can’t recreate through a website photo.

Can I hold the babies?

This is one of the questions I’m often asked.

At my table, I’m always happy for visitors to see my babies up close and, where appropriate, have a cuddle.

If you’re thinking about buying your first reborn, this can be really useful.

You can see how a baby feels in your arms rather than trying to imagine it from a photograph. You can compare different sizes and styles, and you can ask me questions about how each baby has been made.

And if you’re already a collector, you’ll know exactly what I mean when I say there is something lovely about spotting a baby across the room and thinking, “Oh, I need to go and have a closer look at that one!”

What about VIP tickets?

The Doll Show offers VIP early entry for people who want to get into the show before general admission.

For Peterborough, VIP entry starts at 9.30am, while general admission starts at 10.30am. VIP visitors also receive a goodie bag with gifts and vouchers.

One of the biggest benefits, in my opinion, is simply having that extra hour to look around before the main crowd comes in.

If you have your eye on a particular baby or artist, early entry can be useful because some babies can find their forever homes very quickly at a show.

At the moment, the Peterborough VIP tickets are showing as sold out, so if you were hoping to get one, it’s worth checking The Doll Show website for any updates or returned tickets.

Do I need to know anything about reborns?

Absolutely not!

This is something I really want to say because I know that coming to a doll show for the first time can feel a little daunting.

You don't need to know the difference between a limited edition and an open edition.

You don't need to know what a sculpt is.

You don't need to know anything about rooting, painting or weighting.

And you certainly don't need to be an experienced collector.

You can simply come along because you’re curious.

If you have questions, ask me. I’m always happy to explain things in plain English, especially if you're thinking about buying your first reborn.

Do I have to buy anything?

Nope!

You can come along, look around and enjoy the day without buying a thing.

I know that buying a reborn is a big decision for many people. I would much rather someone took their time, asked questions and found the right baby for them than felt they had to make a quick decision.

You might come looking for your first reborn.

You might already have a collection.

You might be looking for clothes or accessories.

Or you might simply want to see what a reborn is really like in person.

All of those are perfectly good reasons to come along.

What will I be bringing?

I’ll be bringing a selection of Willow Tree Reborns babies with me, including some of my Nines d’Onil babies.

I’m also keeping an eye on which babies are still available as we get closer to the show.

Some of the babies I’m bringing may already be available to buy through my website, so if there’s one you’ve spotted online that you’d love to meet in person, please let me know.

I can't promise that a particular baby will still be available on show day, though. My babies can find their forever homes before the show, so I’ll keep the website and my show page updated as things change.

I’ll also have some of my accessories with me, so there will be plenty to have a little look at even if you aren't searching for a whole new baby.

Where will you find Willow Tree Reborns?

I'll be in the main hall, and I’ll share the table number and updated floor plan on my website and social media as we get closer to the day.

My show page will also have the latest information about the babies I’m planning to bring.

So if you’re coming along, keep an eye on the Willow Tree Reborns Facebook page too.

My biggest tip if this is your first show

Take your time.

There is a lot to see.

It can be tempting to rush around because you don't want to miss anything, but give yourself time to stop at the tables that catch your eye.

Have a chat.

Ask questions.

Look closely at the babies.

And if you see something you love, don't be afraid to tell the artist.

I love chatting to people about my babies, and I know many of the other artists feel the same.

Some of the nicest parts of a doll show aren't the buying and selling at all. It's meeting people, putting faces to names and chatting with people who understand why you can become completely attached to a little vinyl baby!

Come and say hello

I’m really looking forward to Peterborough.

I’ve been to shows before, but there is still something special about setting up my table, putting the babies out and then waiting for the doors to open.

I get to meet people who have followed Willow Tree Reborns online for years, people who are discovering me for the first time and people who simply want to stop and have a cuddle.

So if you're coming to The Doll Show in Peterborough on Sunday 11th October, please come and find me.

Whether you’re a long-time collector, thinking about your first reborn or just curious, I’d love to meet you.

Come and have a look.

Come and have a chat.

And if you spot a little Willow Tree baby that makes your heart skip a beat...

well, come and say hello. 

I’ll see you in Peterborough!

Nicole x