CRAFT FEATURES

Enjoy the fascinating art of glassblowing with commentary from our glassblower as you watch him at work - and then have the opportunity to buy that special gift to take home with you to remember your day. The glass blowing demonstrations take place every hour throughout the day. This is a free activity, however, space is limited and the sessions are often full, so don’t be afraid to turn up early and grab a chair near the front.

See how our resident Chainsaw carver creates wonderful sculptures from just a basic block of wood using only a chainsaw and an angle grinder! Watch him work and be amazed at the results he can achieve and have the opportunity to buy one of his carvings too. The display takes place for 20 minutes every hour and is not to be missed. This really is "boys with their toys"! (a word of warning though, don’t try this at home!) This activity is free for the public and is fascinating for the young and old alike.

This enormously popular area offers children a wonderful opportunity to take part in at the show. Children from the ages of three to sixteen can come along to this area and spend quality time enjoying making craft items specific to each event, and have the pleasure of then taking it home with them. An excellent opportunity for children to spend time enjoying and learning how to make a vast array of craft that ranges from badges to hand painted figurines. In the meantime, Mum and Dad can have a cup of coffee or a drink from the bar nearby whilst keeping a watchful eye on their child. The Make’n’Take area is open from 10am -1pm and 2pm-5pm. A small surcharge applies that ranges from 50p - £2.00. Larger groups may need to pre book or return at a pre-arranged time. Please note: children must not be left unsupervised without the agreement of the area supervisor.

Be thrilled by the skill and patience of our pottery demonstrator as shapes and sizes evolve creating a wonderful ornament from a simple piece of clay. The potter will often spend several hours working on just one piece and will be available for discussion on tips and techniques to offer a greater understanding of the skill and effort that is involved in the production of these masterpieces. Naturally, you have the opportunity to purchase one of these unique gifts for your friends and family or even treat yourselves.

Watch our resident wood turner at work in this wonderful world of woodturning and see how the wood turner works with the natural features of wood. Each one is totally different and unique, making these ideal gifts to buy, from clocks and vases, to key-rings and coaster sets to name but a few. The displays and demonstrations tend to run continuously throughout the day. The methods are fascinating as they embrace both traditional and contemporary measures.

Ever wanted to make your own cards? Adults and Children (over the age of 14) have this wonderful opportunity to learn from the experts. Under the watchful eye of the professionals they will discover some of the tips and skills required to create handcrafted cards and ideas for all those personal finishing touches to make it look professional. The workshop is run twice daily and must be pre booked. Announcements are made on a regular basis to advise the public when and where the sessions take place. A small surcharge applies (approximately £1 per person).