Families can weave their own magic this autumn in a traditional festival at Auckland Castle.
The Craft Skills Festival, a celebration of heritage building and traditional crafts, will take place at the castle on Saturday, September 16th and Sunday, September 17th.
Visitors of all ages will have a chance to try their hand at a variety of traditional crafts including weaving, pottery and stone carving, with a range of tailored children’s activities also running throughout the weekend.
Experts in blacksmithing and stained glass will be in attendance to give live demonstrations while festival goers can also browse a wide range of food and craft stalls.
The Craft Skills Festival is one of a series of events planned at Auckland Castle this autumn, with other highlights including family-friendly arts and crafts, floral-themed events and opportunities to learn more about local history.
A special Heritage Open Days event on Saturday, September 9th and Sunday, September 10th will give visitors the chance to take sneak peek inside the Castle and St Peter’s Chapel, handle objects from the collection and chat to experts about the building’s restoration.
And if the Craft Skills Festival has proved an inspiration, a range of introductory workshops, from felting and willow work to illumination and leaded glass, are available throughout October and November.
The opening of the North East’s new Mining Art Gallery on October 21st will offer visitors the chance to delve further into the region’s industrial history and culture.
It will house the Gemini Collection of more than 420 works by local artists such as Tom McGuinness and Norman Cornish.
Visitors can explore the stories behind the art together on a family trail and all visitors can learn more about the paintings and artists in free curator-led tours on the last Wednesday of every month.
There’s also plenty to keep youngsters occupied during October Half Term, from October 23rd to October 28th, as a programme of arts and crafts activities, Put Yourself in the Picture, comes to the gallery.
And, inspired by the art and tales of community life, workshops on proggy mats, leatherwork and weaving will be on offer in the gallery in November.
Back at Auckland Castle, all ages can enjoy a family friendly Halloween event on Friday, October 27th and Saturday, October 28th.
Daisy Arts’ All Hallows Walk will lead groups through the parkland under the cover of darkness to encounter surprise performances from characters from local history.
Auckland Castle Trust’s Engagement Director, Liz Fisher said: “Autumn is the perfect time to explore Auckland Castle and we have put together a packed programme of events for all ages this year.”
For more information on all upcoming events, visit Auckland Castle online or call 01388 743 750.