The fair will take place at Bowood House and Gardens (between Calne and Chippenham) from June 22 to 24, where guests can enjoy an array of expert talks and hands-on workshops as they indulge in the perfect day out for craft lovers.
The fair programme will include live ‘craft-offs’ from the experts, Q&As and demonstrations from some of the country’s best-known makers, as well as a series of creative workshops where visitors can learn new skills, and share tips and tricks with like-minded creatives. Workshops will include needle felting, calligraphy, wirework and Indian block printing, to name just a few.
Visitors will also have the chance to purchase some of the finest tools, materials, and beautiful handmade products from a range of handpicked sellers, while sampling delicious artisan food.
TV presenter, Kirstie Allsopp, will top the bill on Friday, followed by Liz Earle, skincare specialist and founder of the multi-award winning Fairtrade jewellery range, and gardening expert, Sarah Raven.
Kirstie said: “The Handmade Fair at Bowood is a fabulous way for craft enthusiasts and lovers of all things handmade to get a little taste of everything. So come along, meet like-minded people, and get inspired to build on an existing skill or ignite a brand new passion – we can’t wait to see what you create!”
Freya Kingsley, sales and show manager at Brand Events, added: “We are thrilled to be taking The Handmade Fair to Wiltshire for the very first time this summer, and Bowood is the perfect setting to share the weekend with guests looking to celebrate the beauty of handmade.
“So, whether you’re looking to learn how to become a maker, upcycle a piece of furniture you already own, or purchase one from our fabulous sellers, we know The Handmade Fair will help you to make your lives and homes even more beautiful.”
Lady Lansdowne said: “The Handmade Fair and Bowood are such a natural fit with a shared intuition for the timelessness of English country lifestyle and a knack for blending the old and the new. As an interior designer and a passionate cook, I am particularly excited that the show has selected Bowood House and Gardens as its Wiltshire venue. The three-day event’s very nature completely plays to my own creative zest. It’s so important to share arts-and-crafts pursuits, and their traditions, between generations and encourage each other towards modernising twists. Spending time doing so with my grandchildren is a tremendous joy and I know that The Handmade Fair will capture this spirit beautifully.
“It will be marvellous to welcome both Kirstie Allsopp and Sarah Raven back to Bowood too. Our family has known Kirstie since she was a child while Sarah set out the original picking garden for us in our walled garden and just last year gave a wonderful master class on ‘Creative Containers’ at Bowood. It will be the perfect occasion to introduce Liz Earle to what makes Bowood so special and learn more about what inspires her creatively. Equally, everyone at Bowood is looking forward to offering all other returning and new visitors a brand new summer attraction with the arrival of The Handmade Fair.”
For more information or to book tickets, please visit www.thehandmadefair.com/bowood
