News Story
Farnham Maltings’ Festival of Crafts celebrated its 30th anniversary. The much-loved festival filled Farnham Maltings with a vibrant showcase of the UK’s best contemporary craft and design, bringing together over 110 talented makers from across the UK.
The festival offered a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere where visitors could browse the curated marketplace and purchase directly from independent makers of high-end handcrafted work. Alongside the marketplace, visitors took part in hands-on skill-based workshops exploring a range of craft skills, from ink marbling to willow weaving, copper embossing and broom making.
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“Thank you so much for all of the hard work that you and your team have put into Festival of Crafts. As a first-time exhibitor, I was blown away by the quality and diversity of what was produced and on show. I felt so proud to be able to be a part of this event. At so many events you feel almost packed in like sardines and that the organisers care more about making money off pitch fees than curating a really positive energised fair. I think you nailed it, I certainly felt valued and seen as an artist rather than treated as a pitch fee. So thank you so much for that!”Festival Exhibitor
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To celebrate its 30th anniversary, the festival offered a unique line-up of free demonstrations celebrating endangered and heritage crafts. Visitors had the chance to discover and try their hand at unique skills such as pine needle weaving, silk ribbon weaving, wood pyrography, gilding, hand embroidery and more.
The festival also included a showcase of twenty Design Nation makers. Design Nation is a UK-wide network representing some of the country’s most talented designer-makers, showcasing innovation and exceptional craftsmanship.
We welcomed just under 2,000 visitors which is a 39% increase from 2025. 128 people attended a workshop gaining a new craft skill. We look forward to welcoming even more visitors and our spectacular exhibitors.
