WOOLdn’t it Be Nice
The annual British Wool Festival is set to celebrate nature’s finest fibres.
The annual festival of all things woollen, will return to Cockermouth this June. The event will take over Mitchell’s Lakeland Livestock Centre for two days on Friday 23 and Saturday 24 June, when more than 130 stallholders, over 5000 visitors and flocks of sheep and alpacas will descend on the town for Woolfest 2017.
The original British Wool Festival was established in 2005 to showcase and celebrate the very best of wool and wool crafts; and where better to do that than in the heart of the Lake District? Today, the event is still organised by members of The Wool Clip, a Cumbrian cooperative, whose aim is to celebrate all aspects of wool, from hill farming and rare breed fleece animals to the latest craft techniques and creations.
Woolfest is all about creativity and design; the weekend will be filled with beautiful quality, amazing colours and skilled craftsmanship.
With a full programme of events, demonstrations and exhibitions lined up, the event is also a great day out for everyone. In 2012, Woolfest was recognised with the Cumbrian Tourism Event of the Year Award and it continues to grow in popularity.
After last year’s emphasis on tweed and weaving, the different felting techniques and approaches are a recurring theme to Woolfest 2017. This year’s Carolyn Rawlinson Memorial Stallholder will be Hellen Edwards, a textile artist from Stockton-on-Tees in County Durham. Hellen’s work combines wet felting techniques with creative embroidery and 3D needle felting and her subjects range from glorious floral arrangements to the industrial structures of the northeast of England.
Also at Woolfest, the International Feltmakers Association will be showcasing some of the best work of its UK members; as well as running demonstrations and opportunities for Woolfest visitors to have a go at wet felting.
There will be rare breed livestock on show, shearing demonstrations and fascinating talks in the main ring. The shepherdess Alison O’Neil will give cover Cumbria’s native sheep breeds, the Herdwick, Swaledale and Rough Fell, while Peter Titley, former President of the Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST) will again give his fascinating talk about rare and endangered sheep breeds.
While many locals enjoy the festival – whether wool enthusiasts themselves, or just looking for an unusual day out – Woolfest also attracts visitors to the area from all over the UK. In previous years, many have taken the time to explore Cockermouth and West Cumbria, where their experiences have earned Woolfest it’s welcoming recognition.
Jean Wildish of The Wool Clip, is one of the organisers, she said: “Woolfest has always enjoyed a reputation as the friendly wool festival.
“The team at Mitchells and everyone that visitors meet locally really add to this. Thanks to those who welcome our visitors and contribute to a great atmosphere and we hope that the success of the event is a good support to local businesses too.”
Entry is £10 per day (including full programme) with free entry for accompanied children and free parking.
More details can be found at www.woolfest.co.uk or on the event’s Facebook page, Twitter channel (@WoolfestGB) or by calling The Wool Clip shop at Caldbeck on 016974 78707.
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