October is Craft Month in Farnham which means 31 days of workshops, craft activities, exhibitions, craft fairs and trails, many of which are free. 

The official launch starts at 12 noon on 5 October with an arts and crafts open day at The Old Dairy at Pierrepont Farm in Frensham. This hub of artisan businesses will open their doors to the community and will be joined by musicians, visiting artists and a variety of food and drink stalls.

Councillor Kika Mirylees, Lead Member for Community and Culture says: “October Craft 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. 

“One of the ways we are encouraging people to get involved is by making a paper lantern for Farnham’s first lantern festival. Over the summer, community groups, faith groups, schools and informal groups of friends have been expressing their creativity by making spectacular willow and paper lanterns which will be displayed on 31 October.”

The lantern festival will conclude October Craft Month and will take the form of an outdoor gathering at Gostrey Meadow. The community will come together to light up the dark October evening with their lanterns. The aim is to create a gentle festival atmosphere on the last day of October Craft Month. The group will walk with their lanterns to St Andrew’s Church, where the lanterns will be displayed as a large-scale communal craft endeavour.

If you would like to be involved, lantern making kits can be bought for £3.50 from Farnham Town Council.

Full details of all events, including booking information, is in the October Craft Month brochure which can be picked up from Farnham Town Hall in South Street, Farnham Maltings, Farnham library and many local shops and cafes. Alternatively, a copy can be downloaded from www.farnhamcrafttown.com.