Art Festival
The Patchings Art Fest has been around for over 30 years, bringing together well-known artists, artisans and art materials from across the country and further afield in the largest outdoor art festival in the country.
It’s held in July when you should expect lots of sunshine, but when I went last week it was a cold 14c and drizzly rain all day. Not the summer we were expecting! Once close to the site there were plenty of signs and stewards making the parking easy. The walk to the entrance was not too far even though I had parked at the far end of a field.
Once inside it was a little overwhelming with so many marquee tents to choose from, but the free guide was really useful to find my way around and make sure I found the demonstration that I wanted to see. There were plenty of staff around to help if needed as well as refreshments. Despite the weather, the art festival managed to make its mark on me, and I was inspired in many ways.
I hadn’t realised just how many artists would be displaying their works. There was so much talent and skill on show, and I was blown away by the quality of the art and the prices were reasonable. Although I wasn’t there to buy artworks, I did buy wrapping paper, placemats, cards and collected a lot of business cards.
Highlights
· A diverse array of talented artists showcasing a wide range of art styles.
· Artisan stalls offering a variety of unique art and crafts for sale.
· Free demonstrations and affordable workshops available across the site.
· Art materials at bargain prices, with opportunities to try many before buying.
Visiting art festivals and events like this can be incredibly enriching for both artists and art enthusiasts. The vibrant atmosphere, the diverse range of artistic expressions, and the chance to connect with fellow creatives—it’s all part of the magic. If you aren’t local, you can easily turn this into a weekend getaway with plenty to see and do in the area.
So, whether you’re there to admire, purchase, or simply soak in the creative energy, these events are like little oases for our artistic souls. If you know of any others, I’d love to hear about them!