Craft Festival Wales returning to Cardigan Castle in 2025

The three-day event will take place from September 5-7, 2025, and is expected to attract thousands of visitors, following the success of last year’s debut.

The 2024 event drew more than 3,500 attendees and was named Ceredigion’s Event of the Year.

Sarah James, director of Craft Festival, said: “I’m delighted that Craft Festival Wales will be returning to my beloved hometown of Cardigan.

The three-day event is expected to attract thousands of visitors (Image: Supplied) “I was completely blown away by the response from local people, visitors and makers last year and I can’t wait to present an even bigger and better Craft Festival Wales at Cardigan Castle in September.

“Our funding awards reflects the support the sector needs and the passionate interest in craft that is held by the people of Wales and across the UK.”

Craft Festival Wales is now set to become an annual fixture in Cardigan, thanks to continued support from the Welsh Government’s Event Wales, the Arts Council of Wales, Ceredigion County Council’s Shared Prosperity Fund, and various business partners.

The festival will showcase 100 professional makers from across the UK, each selected by an independent panel for the quality and originality of their work.

Visitors can expect to see and buy handmade fine jewellery, ceramics, glass, wood and metalwork, furniture, textiles, and more.

The event also includes a packed programme of craft workshops for adults, ‘The Capital of Craft’ talks by leading makers, authors and broadcasters, a sculpture trail through the castle gardens, live music, and a free children’s craft tent.

The festival will showcase 100 professional makers from across the UK (Image: Supplied) Confirmed demonstrators include textile artist Laura Thomas from Bridgend, ceramicist Ella Bua-In from Cardigan, furniture maker Dylan Glyn from Caersŵs, and printmaker Tom Frost from Llanboidy.

The live music programme will feature artists such as Mari Mathias, Bwca, Dewin, Chwaer, Lowri Evans, and the Disclaimers.

Other entertainment includes street performers, live theatre from inclusive theatre company Hijinx, and storytelling in both Welsh and English.

The festival will also extend into Cardigan itself, with a Craft Trail at six venues showcasing original work commissioned by Oriel Myrddin.

Inspired by Welsh folklore, the trail will feature emerging talent at venues including Mwldan, Awen Teifi, Crwst, Albion, Walden Arts, and Studio 3.

Their live music programme features a range of performers (Image: Supplied) A free-entry exhibition of fine textiles and willow, titled Woven, will be held at Canfas Gallery.

Partners supporting the festival include Cardigan Town Council, Cambrian Wool, Cered, Coleg Sir Gar, Coleg Ceredigion, Fforest, Heritage Crafts, Llantarnam Grange, and the National Wool Museum.

Adult tickets are priced at £8, with a three-day pass available for £15.

Children enter free with a paying adult.