Craft Month gets ready to launch with a celebration of creativity, making and community

This year’s Craft Month is just around the corner with the launch event taking place on 3 October at the University for the Creative Arts (UCA). The day will bring together craft organisations, independent makers, students, tutors and the wider community for a day of creativity, discovery and hands-on activities.

The launch will offer something for everyone, from complete beginners and families to experienced and professional makers. Craft organisations will have stalls offering drop-in sessions, demonstrations and information about how people can get involved, while independent makers will showcase their skills, demonstrate their processes and sell their work.

The Foyer Gallery will host an exhibition featuring work by UCA tutors and artists in residence.

Throughout the day there will be workshops, demonstrations and plenty of craft-themed activities to have a go at, with Craft Month partners showcasing their own programmes and opportunities throughout October.

Councillor Kika Mirylees, Lead Member for Culture says: “Craft Month is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate Farnham’s growing reputation as an important World Craft Town. Our launch on 3 October this year at the UCA heralds an even bigger and more exciting Craft Month than ever before. I hope people will come along and discover for themselves the role that craft plays not only in Farnham but also on the world stage.”

The launch will be followed by the chance to take part in more than 140 events throughout October with opportunities to try new crafts, learn from skilled makers and discover creative activities across the community. The programme includes a particular focus on children and families, with the majority of the child-friendly activities taking place during this year’s two-week half term. There will also be a programme of craft activity at the Creative Hub in Brightwells.

Craft Month, which is sponsored by Make it Farnham (Farnham’s Business Improvement District) and Jamestown, the new owners of the Lion & Lamb Yard, will culminate on 29 October with the Lantern Festival, featuring a new longer procession for 2026.

Lantern-making kits are already on sale for £6 from Farnham Town Council in South Street, giving families and individuals the chance to make their own lantern ahead of the finale. Special thanks go to Farnham Lions, whose volunteers assembled all 600 lantern-making kits for the community.

Find out more about Craft Month and the full programme of events at www.farnhamcrafttown.com