October is Craft Month in Farnham which means a packed programme of workshops, exhibitions, craft fairs and trails, many of which are free. Dozens of crafts feature throughout the month, from glass blowing, sculpting, metal work and photography to more familiar crafts such as knitting and card making.  

Full details of all events, including booking information, is in the October Craft Month brochure which is available to pick up at local information points, such as libraries and participating art shops and cafes or to download from www.farnhamcrafttown.com.

“We have 31 days of fantastic craft and art activities and events. The month is all about supporting the creative talents and accomplishments of local people, encouraging more people to try out crafting, and celebrating Farnham’s crafting heritage,” says Councillor Pat Evans, Lead Member for Tourism and Events at Farnham Town Council.

“We have carefully planned the content of this year’s Craft Month to make sure there is plenty to interest ardent art lovers and experienced crafters but also lots of fun and easy events to make trying out crafting really accessible for complete beginners. Pick up one of our brochures and see what appeals to you.”

Among the nine exhibitions taking place during October Craft Month is the topical Say it with Plastic exhibition. 2019 Surrey Artist of the Year Pippa Ward will present artworks created through community workshops, reusing discarded plastic, at the New Ashgate Gallery. The exhibition is free and is open now and throughout October.

Just in time for October Craft Month, the Farnham Creative Network will restart its monthly meet-ups from 28 September at the Cellar Bar in Farnham Maltings. These are relaxed social opportunities to meet with like-minded local creative people.

Gavin Stride, Director at the Farnham Maltings says: “At the height of the pandemic we saw a massive surge in people taking up craft. We want to nurture this interest and make craft an activity that more people enjoy all year round. “

For people wanting to try out a new craft for the first time there are 23 workshops across crafts including printing, feltwork, knitting, silverwork, and weaving. The Crafty Kids workshops for under 8s at the Museum of Farnham include all materials needed for a range of fun craft activities. Most workshops require booking.

There are also outdoor activities such as trails, pumpkin carving and storytelling and, to support local crafters wanting to turn their hobby into a business, a series of professional development workshops and talks based around marketing and professional resources.

Farnham World Craft Town is designated by the World Crafts Council and delivered by Farnham Maltings and Farnham Town Council with support from an advisory group of craft makers, institutions and local authority partners including Waverley Borough Council.