Craft Festival Wales Returns to Cardigan Castle
The medieval towers of Cardigan Castle will once again thrum with the rhythm of shuttles and the snap of looms as Craft Festival Wales returns September 5-7th, 2025. Last year's inaugural event proved Wales has a serious appetite for exceptional craft, drawing over 3,500 visitors and snatching Ceredigion's Event of the Year award in its first outing.
Cambrian Gilet by Carpenter and Cloth. Image credit: Carpenter and Cloth.
This year brings 100 rigorously selected professional makers, and there is certainly no shortage of textiles. Expect to discover Cambrian Wool's luxurious local fibres by Suzi Park, the architectural precision of tailoring with Carpenter and Cloth, Llio James's innovative handwoven approaches, and Sophie Snow's distinctive quilt work — just the beginning of the Craft Wales textile lineup. Beyond fibre arts, the castle grounds will showcase handmade jewellery, ceramics, glass, and furniture that spans everything from time-honoured Welsh techniques to cutting-edge contemporary work.
Llio James at her loom. Image Credit: Craft Festival Wales
But this isn't just about browsing and buying. The real magic happens when makers roll up their sleeves for live demonstrations. Laura Thomas from Bridgend will work her loom in full view, while Rosie Lake reveals contemporary textile art techniques that challenge traditional boundaries. Ruth Packham transforms raw Cambrian wool into felt before your eyes, and Michelle Griffiths creates patterns through natural resist dyeing. Makers welcome questions, share trade secrets, and offer insights you won't find in any textbook. Want to get hands on? Pre-bookable workshops through 'Make it in Wales' let you master printing, marbling, and macrame techniques. These intimate sessions fill quickly — spaces are limited and booking online is essential.
The festival's DNA comes from Sarah James MBE, who's been curating acclaimed craft events across the UK since 2003. Her hometown vision for Cardigan goes beyond a weekend fair: she's building sustainable markets for contemporary craft while injecting serious economic energy into the local area.
Tom Hare Willow sculptures, being exhibited as part of Woven at Oriel Canfas. Image courtesy of Craft festival Wales.
The festival extends beyond the castle through Cardigan's Craft Trail, featuring six venues with commissioned work. These installations, inspired by Welsh folklore, showcase emerging talent at locations including Mwldan, Awen Teifi, and Studio 3. Oriel Canfas Gallery hosts "Woven," a dedicated exhibition of fine textiles and willow work.
Inside the crafts tents at Craft Festival Wales. Image credit: Heather Birnie
Music programming includes Mari Mathias, Bwca, and Dewin, while Hijinx theatre company performs on Sunday. Street entertainers and storytelling in Welsh and English add to the weekend's activities - ideal for keeping for adults and children entertained. And if the little ones want to get involved, then the children's craft tent returns with supervised activities throughout the weekend.
For textile enthusiasts, this festival delivers what many online galleries cannot: direct access to craftspeople, unfiltered conversations about technique and inspiration, and the chance to handle work before purchasing. With Cardigan Castle as a dramatic backdrop, the atmosphere is one of centuries of Welsh history and craft traditions creating a dialogue between past and present makers.
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Further Information:
Craft Festival Wales runs September 5-7th, 2025 at Cardigan Castle. Workshop booking and full program details available online.
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Image Credits:
Lead: Cambrian Wool Blanket by Suzi Park, Cambrian Wool UK. Image courtesy of Cambrian Wool.