Living Crafts is a creative day out for all the family and showcases hundreds of our much-loved designer-makers. Come and enjoy masterclasses, spectacular demonstrations and dozens of workshops. This guide will help you to see what's on and find your way around the showground.
Ash, Elm & Yew - The Shopping Pavilions
A shopping experience like no other, this is your opportunity to buy direct from designer-makers, add to your collection and commission bespoke pieces you won't find anywhere else. Take time to chat to exhibitors, discover what inspires them and understand their creative processes. You can browse beautifully crafted work and support talented designer-makers from across the UK. Also look out for exhibitors in their own gazebos around the showground.
In our shopping Pavilions you will find ceramics, crochet, embroidery, fashion, furniture, hand-poured candles, homewares, knitwear, glass, jewellery, leatherwork, marquetry, millinery, original art, photography, pottery, skincare, textiles, weaving, wood-working and much, much more.
BIRCH - The Workshop Pavilion
Always a hive of activity, Birch is where you will find most of the workshops. The majority are pre-bookable through our Workshop Page, but most of our tutors keep a couple of places for you to book on the day. Be quick because they are usually snapped up early! There are a few drop-in activities including chocolate decorating for children and marbling. You can also browse work by our expert tutors and do some shopping.
Maple - Art in Herts
The ‘Art in Herts’ marquee will be buzzing with activity giving visitors the opportunity to meet enthusiasts from amateur art and craft groups across Hertfordshire and neighbouring counties. They are always keen to recruit new members!
National and regional organisations will also be represented at the show with spinning and weaving, marquetry, quilting, embroidery, machine knitting and flydressing. Herts & Essex Woodcarvers will be creating intricate designs and Alban Lacemakers will be making traditional bobbin lace. You can also meet members of the International Feltmakers' Association in their own pavilion and have a go at feltmaking.
We are excited to be hosting the 72nd International Exhibition of the Marquetry Society, offering you an exceptional opportunity to marvel at world class marquetry, meet the artists and see them at work.
Hatfield House and Gardens
Entry to Living Crafts includes access to the extensive parkland of Hatfield House with the famous Elizabeth Oak and beautiful walks.
There will be a free shuttle running between the showground and the Stable Yard. From there you can visit the famous West Garden of the Old Palace including the Knot Garden. The Old Palace was the childhood home of Queen Elizabeth I.
Enhance your Living Crafts experience with a complimentary tour of the Old Palace gardens led by expert guides from Hatfield House. Alternating, between a horticulture or history-focused tour and running hourly from 11am to 3pm. No booking necessary.
UPDATE: The garden tours will end in the Victorian Kitchen of Hatfield House, where there will be a replica of the Rainbow portrait of Queen Elizabeth I, the original is currently being restored. The portrait is perhaps the most colourful Tudor portrait, full of inventive iconography and so-called because Elizabeth holds a rainbow, a symbol of peace. A guide from the house will be available to talk about the painting.
To mark our special 50th Anniversary show, we are delighted that Lady Salisbury will be joining us to cut the ribbon and officially open Living Crafts at 10 am on Thursday 9 May.
Lady Salisbury is a great craft enthusiast and as a frequent visitor is keen to support our independent craftsmen and women.
We are also very pleased to welcome the High Sheriff of Hertfordshire and the Mayor of Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council who will be joining us to celebrate the opening of the show.
Entertainment
We’re 50 and Living Crafts is celebrating this marvellous milestone with some great entertainment at the show. Pick up a Pimms, relax and enjoy!
Freefall Jazz, a Living Crafts favourite, always entertaining and filling the bandstand with their relaxing rhythms. Request your favourite (ours is Happy Birthday!) and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere. (Thurs, Friday & Saturday)
Jupiter Singers bringing a 70’s vibe to the show and coming from across Hertfordshire, look out for the Jupiter Singers in their 70’s dress. Effervescent and inspiring, they will be performing some of the greatest hits from the 70’s including ABBA, Elton John, ELO and Queen! (Sat & Sun)
Maypole Dancing to herald the start of summer, local children from Codicote Church of England Primary School will be dancing around their beautifully decorated maypole - a quintessential English traditional dance. (Thurs & Fri)
Potters Bar Town Band, a Sunday afternoon feel good tradition at Living Crafts, Potters Bar Town Band have been entertaining us for many years! Sit and enjoy a special celebratory 70’s medley together with plenty of brass favourites. (Sunday)
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