Finest Crafting Festivals in the UK

If you like working with your hands as much as I do, and the crazy road of life leads you to the UK, you will definitely enjoy yourself. If you want to find a festival that caters to your crafting needs, look no further – these are some of the best the British Isles have to offer.

The Contemporary Craft Festival

First of all, if you have a family, this could be very affordable. Persons under the age of 18 can enter the festival for free. For the rest of us, the three-day ticket costs 17 pounds, though if you want to just pop in one day and see what they’re about, you can do so for 9 pounds. The festival is usually held in June.

It is not just a craft or two that you can experience in Devon – there are artists making fine jewelry, ceramics, and unbelievable products from textile and leather. For the more exotic and luxurious feel, check out the exhibitors demonstrating their crafting processes or learn and create with Plymouth University – they have their own booth!

The Henley Country Craft Show

Some people attend crafting events in order to display their skills, sell something, or buy something. There are those, however, that go to these to relax, have fun and simply appreciate the fine art of crafting. This is where the Henley Country Craft Show comes in.

Held in late August, the Craft Show features artisan food and drinks, live music, and a relaxing and cheerful atmosphere. You can find the show in Stonor Park, and the tickets are available online, with the option of saving some money in the case of advanced booking.

Shambala

This festival is named after the mythical kingdom in Hinduism and Tibetan Buddhism. It is not strictly a crafting festival – it is a melting pot of concerts, dancing, sections for open discussions, as well as random workshops and bizarre exhibitions. Families are welcome, though I wouldn’t recommend it if you are into the traditional family-friendly crafting. Shambala is interesting, but it can be too adventurous for some.

WoodFest

Head on to Hatfield Forest in September for a casual festival where you can camp out, or use your caravan for sleeping. It is wholesome, features live music, and the food is decent. There are also several bars. You are not charged a fee per person, but rather a fixed fee of 13 pounds per vehicle. Discover fairies, go on a bat walk, and learn how to build dens in the wild.

The Scottish Quilting Show

Now, this is where things get interesting. If you are into quilting, this is the place to be. The best quilters from all over Scotland come to this event to display their skills. There will be demonstrations and workshops, as well as a contest in quilting. There are several categories, including the traditional, art, and quilts made by two or more people. If you want to experience the entire event, the four-day pass is 26 pounds.

Final Thoughts

There are many more arts and crafts festivals, conventions, and shows. I have listed my personal favorites here. If you are interested in learning more about these events, you should know that most of them have their own website, while others have at least a Facebook page. Compare prices, see where you can get to, and enjoy yourself.