It’s difficult to avoid sheep in Cumbria.  They meander along the road in front of you as you drive across the fells; they feature on picture postcards; local lamb is a popular choice on menus in pubs and restaurants; they graze in the centre of the city of Carlisle (in Rickerby Park, that is).

Add in the Woollen Woods – at locations as far apart as Sizergh Castle near Kendal in the south of the county or Talkin Tarn near Brampton in the north – and the fact that ‘home crafts’ such as felting and knitting seem to be on the increase, and it’s easy to see how a festival such as Woolfest could have widespread appeal.

Organised by The Woolclip, a co-operative of 15 craftspeople with a shop at Caldbeck, which has proved so popular it’s been expanded twice, Woolfest will take place at the Lakeland Livestock Centre near Cockermouth in June.  Over two days almost 150 stallholders from all over the UK and further afield will be showing items ranging from live sheep and fleeces to different types of yarn and finished woollen articles both practical and decorative.  In the main ring rare breeds will be on show, a shearing demonstration and – although not yet confirmed – it is hoped that the brilliant puppets from Theatre by the Lake’s adaptation of Shepherd’s Life will put in an appearance.

The small ring has in the past hosted pompom sheep and even a felted camel and a yak.  This year an enormous nest will be on show: a series of workshops are going to take place around Cumbria throughout May and the resultant creation will be on show at Woolfest.  Intrigued?  See http://www.andfestival.org.uk/events/nest-maud-mercier-jean-wildish/ for further details.

Whether you want to learn more about different breeds of sheep or discover which breed of sheep produces the best fibre for warm socks or ethereal shawls or felt animals, it’s all here in every hue from natural to rainbow.

Entry costs £8 per day or £14 for both days and you can either pay on the door or order in advance from the website:http://www.woolfest.co.uk/booking/.   There is on-site parking or a shuttle bus runs from Cockermouth town centre.  Doors open at 10 a.m. on both days.  For an additional small cost there is also a ‘Giant Knit and Spin In’ on Friday evening, when spinners, knitters and weavers get together to share stories while practicing their craft: it is recommended that you book in advance for this as it has proved immensely popular in previous years.