The Norfolk Makers Festival is a free, annual event which
takes place at The Forum, Norwich and which brings together tens of thousands
of people in a celebration of creativity and making heritage.
The Forum building is filled with inspirational exhibitions,
demonstrations, hands-on activities, conversation, talks and workshops,
attracting large numbers of visitors and creating a vibrant, collaborative
festival atmosphere.
Visitors engage with local crafts people, hobbyists and
small businesses whose interests and expertise cover a variety of skills
including embroidery, painting, knitting, printing, weaving, sketching, sewing,
quilting, spinning, crochet, paper craft, cake craft, wood craft and more.
There are plenty of Fringe events too, giving more people
the chance to get crafty in Norwich and Norfolk.
Who benefits?
Everyone. For the public, the Norfolk Makers Festival
provides a unique chance to have a go at a new craft or develop existing skills
in a friendly and non-pressured environment. The free exhibitions,
demonstrations and activities are accessible and available to all. Evaluation
shows that visitors appreciate the inspiration, encouragement and hands-on
interactivity.
For our contributors this is an opportunity to raise the
profile of their businesses, organisations, schools, colleges and charities both during the event and via the Festival’s marketing platforms. Feedback from
the last three years shows that involvement in this event leads to new
bookings, new members, raised awareness and involvement, and new friends.