WOVEN in Kirklees: Textile festival returns with over 100 events and inspiration for all fabric fans
Fast fashion means that many people have lost sight of the incredible artistry, colour, talent and innovation involved in the textile industry.
From heritage spinning and yarnbombing, to macrame and modern takes on classics, the WOVEN Festival offers a unique insight into Yorkshire’s rich textile talent, with over 100 free and ticketed events for everyone to enjoy.
The festival started on June 3 and runs to July 9. As the momentum builds, we’ve picked a handful of highlights to enjoy, offering creative delights and awe-inspiring inspiration for all.
Mission to mend
Yep, don’t ditch it, stitch it! This roadshow will be rolling through Heckmondwike, Golcar, Meltham, Holmfirth and Mirfield on its mission to help save the planet. Come along to learn more about sustainable fabrics, and easy fixes to make your fashion and soft furnishings repairable.
With a ‘buy once, buy well’ mantra, the free roadshow events will feature talks, demonstrations and workshops. It’s in Meltham on June 11, Mirfield on June 16, Heckmondwicke on June 17, Golcar on June 25, Holmfirth on July 1. Supported by National Heritage Lottery Fund
Growing Colour Together – it’s to dye for!
Organisers have the ambition to turn Kirklees into the UK’s largest ever dye garden, with a series of events throughout the festival that are both colourful and educational. Artists have been working with communities in Birkby and Fartown, Dewsbury and Kirkburton to explore natural dyeing processes.
Don’t miss the fabulous Roving Lands installation made up of over 100 individual textile pieces representing personal journeys through natural spaces. It’s on for one day only – June 17 – in Crow Nest Park Wildflower Garden, Dewsbury.
Join local artist Kayleigh Davis as she goes foraging for natural dyes … meet at 10am on June 24 at the grassy area near St Patrick’s Catholic Primary Academy on George Avenue to explore together. And, on July 1, Growing Colour Together is hosting a free symposium at the University of Huddersfield – this one will showcase work from artists, designers and researchers and is expected to be very popular, so booking is essential.
Patch, natch!
You can’t have a textile festival without the centuries old art of quiltmaking. From June 10 to July 8, the Quilted: Community, Creativity and Care free exhibition explores communal quilt making. This free event includes the outstanding Threads of Survival quilts made during the Covid pandemic, as well as individual pieces of work.
Nifty ideas for kids
The Every Child Challenge event in Huddersfield on June 28 will see Kim Searle from Darn It Workshops inspire the next generation of Alexander McQueens or Vivienne Westwoods, as design, embellishment and creative mending kick-starts kids’ interest in textiles.
Textile Futures
All good things must come to an end, but this two day festival finale saves some of the best till last. With talks, workshops, experiments, demos and meet and greets, you can talk to people at the heart of the textile industry, explore the latest trends and innovations and find out about career opportunities. July 7 is a special schools only day, July 8 is open to all.
Ready to weave some magic into your life? Visit woveninkirklees.co.uk for full details of every event.