Celebrate Christmas at Craft Festival Cheltenham

After the success of Craft Festival Cheltenham in March, the event returns for a special Christmas edition over the weekend of 26–27 November. Over 100 of the finest designer-makers and artists from across the UK will exhibit at Cheltenham Town Hall for a celebration of making, creativity and Christmas shopping.

“We’re excited to launch our first Christmas event in Cheltenham,” said Sarah James, Festival Director. “Visitors to Craft Festival Cheltenham value handmade craft, and we felt a Christmas event would offer a platform for the finest makers to present their work at this special time,” she added.

Typically, over 2,000 local people visit Craft Festival Cheltenham to experience the best in handmade original jewellery, ceramics, silver, glass, textiles, woodwork, prints, leatherwork, furniture and more. The event also hosts festive workshops for all ages, craft demonstrations, and free children’s activities.

Craft Festival Cheltenham is a curated, selling event, selected by an independent panel of experts. This ensures that only the best British designer-maker businesses are chosen to sell directly to the public.

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Hopewood Baskets will be exhibiting their willow wares

Exhibitors

Exhibitors will include Hopewood Baskets – a collaboration between Sarah Loughlin and Marcus Wootton – from Worcestershire. Working in English willow, they create various designs featuring subtle blends of colours, or bold contrasts.

Live demonstrations

Live craft demonstrations are a key part of every Craft Festival, and at the November event, accomplished woodcarver William Barsley will be demonstrating his work for visitors. He undertakes bespoke carving projects together with delicate restoration and conservation work, as well as hosting courses from his Dartington, Devon base.

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Woodcarver William Barsley will be giving live demonstrations

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'Hop Wreath' by William Barsley

Family friendly

Welcoming families and young people is a priority, and as such, free, creative, family drop-in workshops include those from Jim Parkyn, plasticine maestro and Aardman Ambassador. In addition, Unit Twelve Gallery and Llantarnam Grange Arts Centre will bring a range of free festive craft activities for all the family to enjoy.

Tickets for Craft Festival Cheltenham are now on sale. Workshop places will be announced shortly, and advance booking is essential. For more, visit www.craftfestival.co.uk/Cheltenham.

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