Craft Festival Cheltenham: Tickets Available Now!
This March, Craft Festival Cheltenham returns, bringing a spectacular showcase of contemporary craftsmanship to the heart of the Cotswolds. From the 21st to the 23rd of March 2025, Cheltenham Town Hall will be transformed into a vibrant hub of creativity, featuring 100 makers presenting their unique work in glass, wood, jewellery, and, of course, textiles. Whether you are a dedicated craft enthusiast or simply curious about the world of handmade excellence, this festival offers an inspiring weekend filled with workshops, demonstrations, and engaging talks.
Carole Waller, Hand-painted silk blouse: ‘Container’.
Textile lovers are in for a treat, with an array of exhibitors showcasing remarkable works that blend heritage techniques with contemporary design. Anna Lisa Smith presents striking woven textiles for the home and knitted accessories, while Cambrian Wool highlights 100% Welsh wool products from the Cambrian Mountains region. Carole Waller brings hand-painted clothing to the event, while Ruby Kite’s silk and cashmere art scarves explore rich textures and original mark-making. Louise Goult’s conceptual textile artwork delves into hidden stories and memories through stitch, making each piece a testament to time-honoured skills and modern narratives.
Anna-Lisa Smith, Flora blanket in Navy, Apple, Cobble and Smoke.
One of the festival’s must-see events is a talk on Connecting Threads: A Tactile Social History by textile artist Lynn Setterington. On Friday, 21st March, at 1 pm, Katy Bevan, editor and Quickthorn publisher, will explore Setterington’s research into the intersection of craft, community, and activism. Known for her hand-stitched quilts and embroideries, Setterington’s work transforms textiles into powerful social documents, offering an alternative to rigid, traditional memorials.
Portrait of Katy Bevan
For those eager to get hands-on, the Demo Room will be alive with skilful makers demonstrating printmaking, basket making, brush making, and ink marbling. Whether you are an aspiring artist or just fascinated by the craftsmanship behind these skills, these sessions provide an intimate look at the creative process.
Workshops in action: Suminagashi Ink Marbling with Rocworx
The Craft Festival’s roots trace back to Bovey Tracey, Devon, where it was founded in 2003. What began as a small gathering of craftspeople has since grown into one of Europe’s most prestigious craft events, attracting over 10,000 visitors annually. The Cheltenham edition, established in 2018, continues this legacy by bringing together some of the UK’s finest artisans, supported by partnerships with QEST, Llantarnam Grange Arts Centre, Find a Maker, and Unit Twelve Gallery.
Ruby Kite, Rockpool, large Silk Scarf.
Don’t miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in a world of craftsmanship. With drop-in and bookable workshops for all ages, live demonstrations, and a vibrant marketplace of artisan creations, Cheltenham Craft Festival is the perfect place to experience the magic of handmade artistry firsthand.
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Further Information:
Cheltenham Craft Festival is on from 21st March to 23rd March 2025 at Cheltenham Town Hall.
Book your tickets in advance here.
It is advised to book workshop places in advance.
On Saturday and Sunday, there is a range of free workshops for children and young people from ages 2-18 years. Details of Family Workshops can be found here.
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Image Credits:
Lead Image: Handprinted silk shirt dress by Carole Waller. Photo credit: Egle Vasi.
3: Katy Bevan
4: Rocworx
5: Ruby Kite