Exeter Craft Festival

The Exeter Craft Festival is an annual 3-day celebration of unique handmade craft and art which highlights the work of artisans resident in the south-west. It is organised and run entirely by a small committee of volunteers on a not-for-profit basis, and has been going for 46 years. There are over 100 stands, featuring crafts such as ceramics, woodwork, leatherwork, textiles, jewellery, glasswork, collectible teddy bears, paper craft, felting, ironwork and much more that doesn't necessarily fit into a particular category! Art of various genres also features, with original sea and landscapes, abstracts and photography. All work has been selected for its quality and originality, and there is something to appeal to everyone's taste and pocket. The exhibitors love to talk about their work and processes, and buyers can be sure that what they purchase will provide them with items that will give them pleasure for many years. This year it is noticeable that many exhibitors are conscious of the need to produce work that is not only high quality, but is environmentally friendly, using materials that would otherwise end up in landfill or have been recycled. For example, a maker of children's and maternity clothing uses pre-loved textiles and even makes some of her items from recycled bottles. Another uses things gathered during beach cleaning and the unused paint from the palette of an artist friend to make unusual jewellery! In addition to all the wonderful craft and art available, the Festival provides free family-friendly entertainment in the form of wandering musicians, dancers and other entertainers, and there is a variety of refreshment available on site to take care of the visitor's inner man or woman. It is a great event, and it would be a crying shame to miss it!