Taking over the town centre on Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th July, this year’s festival promises more than 50 amazing things to see and do, from hands-on workshops and art installations to live performances and quirky pop-ups – most of it totally free.
And with so much happening in just two days, the organisers have put together a handy Family Fun Guide to help you plan your visit. Check it out here.
So what’s in store?
There’s something for every age and interest – whether your little ones want to build their own cardboard cars, get messy with crafts, or join in a musical performance. Some of the highlights include:
🛠️ Tinkertown – Help build a mini town using real tools and wooden pallets
🎨 Split Pin Puppets, flower mask making, and embroidery workshops
📸 Obscura Photo Wall – Create your own larger-than-life self-portrait
🌺 Paper Flower Workshop – Say hello to HELLO PETAL!
🎭 Live theatre and music performances from local and national talent
🎉 Interactive installations, including a sound-powered Light Organ
The Making Rooms on Exchange Street will also be open all weekend with tech-inspired creativity for all ages.
Special Sunday events…
Sunday’s schedule includes a few exclusives like:
🍦 Scrumptious, a magical live show about friendship and ice cream
💩 Pipes and Poo, a hilarious science-meets-theatre adventure from One Tenth Human
🕺 High-energy Bhangra dancing and Dhol drumming
🚐 A retro workshop inside a classic caravan!
More to explore…
Beyond the family fun, the festival is also packed with incredible exhibits from its celebrated Art in Manufacturing series, featuring artists working with local companies like Crown Paints, Darwen Terracotta, and Herbert Parkinson.
And don’t miss these headline appearances:
- 🎤 George Clarke, from Channel 4’s Amazing Spaces
- 👕 Patrick Grant, of Great British Sewing Bee fame, at his Community Clothing pop-up
The full programme is now live at festivalofmaking.co.uk – so get browsing, get planning, and get ready to make your weekend magic.
And don’t forget to follow @festivalofmaking on Instagram and Facebook to stay up to date with the latest announcements.
