Free. Have a go at weaving, printing, painting, knitting, sketching, crochet, crafting, spinning, sculpting, embroidery and more.
Norfolk Makers Festival offers people the chance to try their hand at weaving, printing, knitting, spinning, embroidery and much more. The free annual event, now in its fifth year, organised by and held at The Forum, Norwich celebrates the county’s local crafts people, artists and heritage.
Visitors can engage and learn with the help of experienced makers, hobbyists, small businesses and organisations whose interests and expertise cover a variety of skills, making it the perfect time to try a new craft or develop existing skills.
A centerpiece of the festival will be a knitted version of Sandringham, the country retreat of Her Majesty The Queen. The work has been created by Margaret Seaman who is known for her magnificent displays raising money for charity. In 2019 Margaret’s knitted homage to the seaside town of Great Yarmouth in its heyday attracted thousands of visitors and national media coverage. Visitors will have the chance to see the work in progress and talk to Margaret throughout the festival.
The festival showcases some fantastic exhibitions created by Norfolk based makers. A highlight will be the makings of a giant tapestry which tells the story of two East Anglian rebellions against William the Conqueror. Created by a team of volunteer embroiderers and textile enthusiasts who have been meeting regularly at Norwich Castle, examples of the work in progress will be on display, showing medieval style stitch work and the history behind the artwork.
Something slightly cheeky will be the Nudinits, created by artist Sarah Simi. The latest releases of Sarah’s stop-frame animations recounting adventures of the residents of the village of Woolly Bush will be shown in a discreet Nudinit cinema for adults to enjoy. Showing just how rude knitting can be, have a chuckle at Barbara the baker’s firm buns and Robert the builder’s tools.
The festival programme of free events changes every day, with the full list and details on how to book at www.norfolkmakersfestival.co.uk.