15 Aug 2025
by Jade Watson

Local crafts

Canal art, calligraphy and even puppeteering are just a few of the amazing skills to discover at this heritage fair.

Poynton Heritage Fair (Cheshire)

A century of scissors

In the centre of Sheffield lies one of the last remaining hand-made scissor manufacturers in the UK. In this talk, discover the city’s renowned scissor making history, and the evolution of manufacturing practices that strike a balance between heritage and innovation.

Bellfoundry brilliance

Discover the UK’s last working bell foundry on a guided tour with the Foundry Foreman. See the casting pit, moulds, and furnaces as well as an up-close demonstration of the mould-making and inscription process.

Taylor's Bellfoundry Museum (Leicestershire)

Medieval builders

Have you ever wondered how old buildings were constructed and who built them? See how this Medieval masterpiece was made with our team of expert craftspeople, demonstrating skills such as hand slate making and laying, hot lime mixing, wattle and daub, plastering and stonemasonry. You can even have a go at making a ‘roofing marking stick’ – once you’ve found out what it is!

Victorian blacksmithing

Experience the glow of traditional ironwork! Discover the skill behind the magic of metalsmithing as you watch an authentic Victorian forge in action.

Navigation House (Lincolnshire)

ImPRESSive prints

See how printing was done in the middle of the last century and have a go at traditional printing, creating your own mementos at Bannock Farm Press, a 1960s traditional style jobbing printer.

Traditional tiles

Unchanged for over 400 years, discover the tile making methods of the Keymer tile. Go on a full factory tour and see how bricks are made both by hand and machine – plus be inspired by this traditional process and have a go making your own Keymer tile.

Keymer Tiles (Surrey)

Sustainable skills

Explore the crafts of the past that helped fuel a small town's economy. Watch demonstrations then, using local materials, have a go yourself at making paper or a bisom (brush) to sweep your yard!

Creating colour

Inside a beautiful 17th century house magicians are at work! Discover how they transform waste from the lead industry into beautiful paint colours that are used to decorate other homes.

Alchemy in Appleby (Cumbria)

Endangered skills

From stained glass to letterpress, basket weaving to Vardo, meet some of the county's leading heritage skill practitioners as they demonstrate their (sometimes endangered) skills.

Open Arms Kington (Herefordshire)


PLEASE NOTE - These events were accurate at the time of publication but details are subject to change. Check the individual entries for more - including any booking details needed.


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