Completely and utterly agree with you! I now tend to take not just the Friday before off work (for obvious reasons), but also the following Monday. Given the increased rate at which this uses up my Annual Leave allocation, I tend to do fewer shows these days.

I've done 3 - 4 for the last few years and even that's beginning to seem like too much! As a one-man operation it is very tiring, but aside from the exhibition there's also a week or two of mucking about with the layout beforehand (fixing stuff broke last time, making little improvements, tweaking stock and running etc). I think one or two a year from now on, preferably local, and aiming for the more relaxed type of show where no one's going to object if you nip off for a few minutes to grab a coffee.

Sounds like you're doing too many shows!!

After doing 12 shows last year, the matrimonial foot has well and truly descended... I'm glad in a way as I got to the stage where I wasn't enjoying it anymore.

Clutton is a big old beastie - I can imagine that 3 is enough.

3 day shows? eek! York is pretty knackering and once every 5 years is about enough for me.