On Saturday 16 September 2023 from 9am until 3pm, West Lindsey District Council will be holding a Heritage Skills Fair in Gainsborough, followed by a week of workshops and illustrated talks.
The Heritage Skills Fair will be located in Gainsborough’s historic Market Place, alongside the traditional Saturday market and stretching down to the grounds of Gainsborough Old Hall.
Residents and visitors will be given the opportunity to see skilled craftsmen showcasing the rare traditional crafts that are thriving in our region, for FREE. Demonstrations will fill the space including traditional skills such as blacksmithing, woodturning, leatherwork, pottery and frame-making, as well as building restoration skills such as antique wall-paper conservation, working with lime-mortar and sash window repair.
Townscape Heritage Activity Co-ordinator and organiser of the Festival, Theresa Workman said:
“There is something here for everyone, whether you are looking for nostalgia, practical skills, tips on restoration, an original hobby, or something beautiful to buy. You may even happen upon your dream career.’
Come along to this special event where you can have a go, watch demonstrations, or buy a unique hand-made item to treasure.
Following the Fair, from Monday 18 to Saturday 23 September 2023, the festival will continue with a series of FREE workshops and illustrated talks, including a Stained-Glass Workshop, Leatherwork Tasters, Georgian Dance Classes and more!
Cllr Paul Howitt-Cowan, member champion for heritage and leisure at the Council is delighted the Heritage Festival will be coming to West Lindsey. He said:
“This is a fantastic opportunity for our local traditional trades and craftsmen and women to be able to showcase their work and encourage people to participate and learn how to carry out these heritage trades. We encourage local residents and visitors to book on to the workshops and illustrated talks throughout the Festival”.
The festival continues throughout the following week with bookable workshops for adults to learn a heritage skill.
Gainsborough is hosting the Heritage Skills Festival as part of the National Lottery funded Townscape Heritage Initiative which is underway to restore Gainsborough’s historic shops.
This free event has been made possible by Gainsborough’s Townscape Heritage Initiative which is funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, and also by the Government’s Levelling Up Fund. We would like to thank all players of the National Lottery.
Bookings for the workshops will open from Monday 21 August. For more information about the event and for links to the bookable workshops visit here.
For more information about out Townscape Heritage Initiative visit here.