A NEW eight-day festival of free events is to be held next month to celebrate the makers and artists of Angus.
The Festival Of Making will take place on August 20-28, with events including everything from exhibitions and demonstrations to opportunities to try weaving, ceramic making, textile printing and stone carving.
The events will take place across the region and visitors will be able to buy works direct from the makers, with many offering festival discounts on their work.
The festival will also feature the makers of artisan food and drink in the area, with tastings on offer for a range of produce including chocolate, pies and beer. There are activities to suit all ages with a number of dedicated events for families and children, as well as craft and food enthusiasts.
Angus Festival Of Making co-founder Carol Sinclair said: “We are really excited to launch this new festival. There is a hidden wealth of creativity in Angus and we’re looking forward to sharing our stories and inspiration. There will be a whole variety of opportunities to try hands-on making experiences, sample delicious local produce and see behind the scenes to understand the skills and creativity that go into each product. And, of course, there will be plenty of opportunities to buy directly from the makers.”
Highlights include drop-in weaving sessions, tile decorating and pottery throwing demonstrations at Kinnordy House in Kirriemuir. The tiles, when fired, will create a larger wall piece to be mounted in a public place in the town.
At Wellbank Hall, celebrated heritage stone carver David McGovern, of Monikie Rock Art, will run demonstrations and exhibit his work, while local independent craft brewery Mor Beers will run guided tasting of their beers.
There is also a chance to see textile printing demonstrations by Astrid Weigel (above), a textile designer and maker who produces home accessories and wall art, all of which are designed, screen printed and sewn by her at her home studio near Forfar.
A full programme will be released online on August 3 and can be viewed at www.angusfestivalofmaking.co.uk
