Join 200 designer makers for Craft Festival Bovey Tracey this June

*Guest Blog Post - Bovey Tracey Craft Festival

Over 500 professional maker businesses applied to be part in Craft Festival Bovey Tracey  this year, with 200 securing a coveted place.  This popular, friendly event is considered one of the finest in the UK for professional designer makers to showcase their work – and is certainly a firm favourite for visitors from across the Southwest.

The multi-award-winning Craft Festival Bovey Tracey returns to the idyllic parkland setting of Mill Marsh Park in the heart of Bovey Tracey from June 9^th to 11^th for its nineteenth annual celebration of the finest British crafts.

Original work by professional makers on show will include fine jewellery, ceramics, silver, glass, textiles, woodwork, prints, leatherwork, furniture and much more.

Visitors can experience craft demonstrations, visit a showcase of start-up craft business, take part in adult workshops, join a host of free children’s activities, watch heritage film screenings, enjoy talks, live music, and local artisan food. The event is certainly an action-packed creative day out.

“We welcome over 8,000 visitors of all ages to Craft Festival Bovey Tracey each June” said Sarah James, Festival Director. “We’ve created a retail platform for the finest makers to reach consumers, and a launch pad for new craft business in our showcase ‘Start-up.’

“Craft Festival also features an important education programme for both adults and children with craft workshops  lead by professional makers.  Places for adult workshops are limited, so advance booking is essential - some are already sold out, so don’t delay!” she added.

The Children’s Craft tent is always buzzing with creativity with all the family encouraged to get involved.  Entry to the entire event is free for children under 18 years with an adult ticket holder. 

Visitors enjoy meeting the makers, exploring the inspiration behind their work, and getting close-up to understand the skills, creativity and dedication required to be a professional maker today.  A wealth of live craft demonstrations creates a vibrant and animated atmosphere.  

This June the event welcomes Heritage Crafts who will present a collection of makers drawn from the ‘Red List of Endangered Craft.’  The feature will celebrate these fascinating skills and will throw a spotlight on crafts that are in decline but can be saved.  Rare heritage crafts to be demonstrated at Craft Festival Bovey Tracey include jacquard silk ribbon making, glass gilding and handmade paper making.

"Craft Festival is one of the best attended craft events in the UK with a well-informed audience, mindful of the issues of the craft industry” said Daniel Carpenter, Executive Director, Heritage Crafts.

Craft Festival is a not-for-profit organisation based in Devon which creates and produces a vibrant programme of the best designer maker live events. It hosts events in Bovey Tracey in June, and in Cheltenham in March and November.   Craft Festival also runs Find a Maker , a curated directory of new and established makers, galleries, and craft organisations, all chosen for quality and originality.

Craft Festival Bovey Tracey, June 9^th to 11^th

Buy tickets online in advance and save. 

Adults £10, concessions £9 in advance online. Adults £12 on the door, concessions £11.

Accompanied under 18s enter for free.  Weekend Super Saver ticket £19, concessions £17 in advance online.  For more, and details of workshops visit https://www.craftfestival.co.uk/Bovey-Tracey