News

Craft Festival Bovey Tracey will return from 10–12 September for its 18th year at Mill Marsh Park, Bovey Tracey, Devon. Set in idyllic parkland surroundings on the edge of Dartmoor, the multi-award winning festival is recognised as one of the finest craft events in the UK. Over 200 exhibitors are confirmed to exhibit with many demonstrating their craft. 

“After the rollercoaster that was 2020, we’re delighted to say that Craft Festival Bovey Tracey is back,” said Sarah James, Festival Director. “Over 200 of the UK’s finest designer-makers are confirmed to exhibit. As ever we’ll showcase the best in British craft, celebrate making, and small business from across the country. We can’t wait to welcome visitors back to meet the makers, to shop, take part in workshops, and enjoy the wider festival atmosphere we know visitors love,” she added.

This year tickets are limited each day, and available to purchase in advance here.
  
Craft Festival is a not-for-profit organisation based in Devon, which creates and produces a vibrant programme of the best designer-maker live events hosted in Bovey Tracey, Cheltenham and Bath. In 2020, it launched Digital Craft Festival, which now draws an international audience of over 30,000 online, plus Find a Maker, a curated online makers' directory and business advice service.

As well as meeting and buying from over 200 makers, Craft Festival is a hand-picked collection of skilled craftspeople demonstrating throughout the weekend. StartUP, is also a dedicated showcase nurturing new talent from emerging makers in the first two years of business.
Other festival favourites returning include The Forge, with an extravaganza of blacksmithing. Potters, willow sculptors and printmakers will also demonstrate their unique skills.
The very special Out of the Woods showcase, curated by internationally respected basket maker Hilary Burns, will host makers working in willow, hazel, oak and ash, demonstrating spoon carving, basket making and ash pounding.

Popular craft workshops return

According to a recent BBC Arts Great British Creativity Test1 survey of almost 50,000 people, three quarters of respondents said creativity could help block out stress and anxiety, with almost a quarter naming making or craft practice as their favourite activity.
Craft Festival Bovey Tracey is the ideal opportunity to try a new craft and give yourself time to make, reflect and relax. Participating in making has always been an important part of Craft Festival. Hundreds of visitors get involved each year making jewellery, throwing pots, binding books, weaving baskets and creating lithographic prints.
Choose from over 20, two-hour workshops being hosted at this year’s event. Workshop places are in short supply and should be booked in advance. Full details are available here. 

For younger visitors, The Craft Den returns where families can come together to enjoy free craft activities, along with live outdoor street theatre and puppet shows. To top it all, the packed Feasting Arena will be filled with creative food selections to satisfy the most demanding foodie. Music will drift from The Bar by Margoux, which presents exciting live performers drawn from throughout Devon.

Your safety is a priority

Safety measures planned for the event include socially distanced queuing, crowd management and a one-way system in each marquee to spread out visitors comfortably, enhanced cleaning and waste disposal, cashless transactions where possible, monitoring to ensure safe distancing, masks indoors and track and trace check-ins. All measures are subject to change following Government and local guidelines and advice from the Association of Independent Festivals.

Craft Festival Bovey Tracey will be open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 9am-5.30pm. Tickets for each day are priced at £10 for adults; concessions – £9; and accompanied children under 18 years enjoy free entry. A weekend Three-Day ticket costs £19, or £17 for concessions.

This year's event includes a limited number of advance tickets, so early booking is advised. For full details, click here.