The Festival of Quilts
The Leading Quilt Show in Europe
Dates for 2009: 20th to 23rd August
Opening Hours: 10.00am to 5.30pm (closes 5.00pm Sunday)The Festival of Quilts (organised with the support of the Quilters Guild of the British Isles) has earned a reputation over the past five years as the largest, most inspiring quilting event in Europe - with good reason!
Download the list of winning quilts from the Festival 2008 by clicking here!
We are pleased to welcome Ricky Tims and Susan Brandeis from the USA and Dorothy Caldwell from Canada who will each have their own gallery at the show. Many additional galleries from leading artists and groups in Europe and the UK can be found on the "features" page, and don't forget to keep your eye out for the workshops as many of these gallery artists will be sharing their expertise with you. The
Quilt Academy boasts a stunning programme of over 75 masterclasses, workshops and lectures, and the
Quick & Easy workshops provide another 160 plus sessions aimed at beginners.
We have more companies than ever from whom to buy those hard-to-find patchwork and quilting supplies, over 200 are booked at the moment but we expect this figure to grow, so you won't go home empty-handed!
We've had 1,300 quilts registered for the various competitions, and with a prize pool of over £30,000 it's no surprise! It's too late to enter now, but make sure you come and see all the quilts on display.
PLUS: Linda and Laura Quilt Live! with Robison Anton Threads
Ever wondered how an imaginative idea becomes a quilt? Linda and Laura Kemshall transport their design studio to the Festival (stand number B36 / D36) to let you see how. They will be working from inspirational sources to develop exciting new work as you watch. Over the course of four days you'll see their ideas become reality from starting point to completed quilt. Watch them piece, quilt and embroider and then find out more and ask any questions you may want to during the regular, FREE, show and tell sessions on the stand each day at 11am, 1.30pm and 4pm.
Last but not least, we're staging lots of extra-curricular activities to keep you occupied when the show is closed! The Gala Dinner takes place as usual, and we also welcome an evening with Ricky Tims, the Soup Supper, and a Salsa Evening. The full list will be available soon.
An action packed weekend awaits you! We look forward to seeing you at the Festival.
We would also like to say a special thank you to our sponsors, whose continued support is vital to the show.