Wrest Park Craft and Design Festival

Now in its 19th year the Festival continues to bring together its special blend of traditional and contemporary design-led craftsmanship in what must be one of the most beautiful settings.

The Craft and Design Festival is held in marquees a short stroll from the house, just below the Orangery, on the spectacular  Hunting Party Lawns within the gardens of Wrest Park. Beautiful, mature trees provide shade and enhance the feeling of being at a garden party. A string quartet plays, Pimms is served and the refreshments include strawberries and cream.

Some of Britain's best designers, artists and craftworkers offer their own, original work for sale. Visitors can commission a unique piece of furniture or an exquisite piece of jewellery, but there are many opportunities for those on a limited budget to purchase delightful decorative pieces for the home or creative fashion items.

In addition to the superb craft and art work for sale, there are demonstrations of traditional and ancient skills. The Saxon Village brings history to life with fascinating insights into bygone days and the skills our ancestors used, this year including clog-making, coracles, skep making, chain-mail making, rune making  bone and antler working - and  more.

A special feature this year is the Victory Oak Collection of beautiful items made with oak from HMS Victory. David Burton will be giving talks about Nelson, his famous ship and the collection.