| Bedfordshire’s
Premier Craft Experience.
Traditional classic skills & contemporary design led crafts
at one major event in a stunning setting.
There cannot be any more idyllic place to spend a summer’s
day than the gardens of Wrest Park House at Silsoe in Bedfordshire.
Over the August Bank Holiday weekend these gardens become the venue
for one the country’s best Craft & Design shows and yet
the tranquil and serene setting is not spoilt – rather the
ambience is enhanced. The House and Gardens are the responsibility
of English Heritage and it is certainly one of their most beautiful
properties. The mansion staterooms have recently undergone a major
refurbishment and the gardens too are magnificent with acres to
explore.
This is the 21st year of the Festival, organised by Romor Exhibitions
Ltd of Bedford. The Festival is recognised as one of the few such
events in the country, dedicated to promoting our wonderful craft
heritage and celebrating the skill of the designer-maker and craft
worker. Every craft exhibitor designs and makes every item on display
so visitors are not only able to purchase unique products but can
talk to the person who made it – and even commission special
pieces. Nothing here is bought in or ‘handcrafted’ in
factories! Many of the designer-makers and craft-workers demonstrate
their skills, giving visitors an insight into the skills required
to create such quality items. However, such skilfully created work
does not need to be expensive – there is something for everyone
and every pocket. The value is found in the skill and imagination
that goes into the creation of each item. Favourite regulars will
be there but there are many new exhibitors this year. A number of local exhibitors will be taking part
As well as the designer-makers selling their work – from contemporary
gold & silver jewellery to pottery, from stained glass to turned
wood – Romor Exhibitions arrange for demonstrations of more
unusual rural and traditional craft skills. Many of these are dying
skills and as such are a very popular feature of the Festival –
older visitors reminisce on their grandparents who were familiar
with some of these skills and younger ones learn to appreciate the
use of hands and simple tools to create items – without computers,
machinery or technology! This year demonstrations will include Wheelwrighting,
Clogmaking, Lovespoon carving, Stone masonry &
many more. You can even have a go at some – ‘throw’
a pot on the wheel, try your hand at archery, croquet or spinning! .
Visitors can also discover even older skills as demonstrated by
the workers in the Saxon Village such as Chain mail making, Rune
carving, Pewter making, Calligraphy & more. Children in particular
love this feature, as there are plenty of opportunities for hands-on
history.
This year also sees the attendance of some guilds including The
Spinners, Weavers & Dyers, The Machine Knitting Guild, The Guild of Silk Painters and The International Feltmakers Association.
The Food Village is an area no one misses – Speciality Cheeses,
Olives, Chutneys, Coffee, Crepes, Sausages, Cordials and Teas
The Festival takes place on the Hunting Party Lawns and is therefore
an integral part of the gardens. Visitors can spend time enjoying
the crafts but still wander away to explore the secrets of the gardens
(and there are many!), returning to make purchases, sample the refreshments
and listen to the Beverley String Quartet’s gentle playing.
Or perhaps enjoy strawberries and cream and a glass of Pimm’s
– quintessential English accompaniments to a day out.
Wrest Park is situated midway between Bedford and Luton, on the
A6. MK45 4HR
Adults £6.50, Seniors £5.50, Children £4.50. Under
5’s free.
50% reduction for English Heritage members.
WIN TICKETS - SEE DETAILS ON THE WEBSITE www.romorexhibitions.co.uk
And, if you cannot be there this August, Romor Exhibitions are holding
a special event within the mansion later in the year –
perfect for Christmas shopping. See their website for further details
of all Romor’s events – www.romorexhibitions.co.uk
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