Penrith is again set to become a bustling hub of creativity and craftsmanship this weekend as it hosts the second Potfest in the Pens event of the year.
Celebrating its 30th year, Potfest continues to make the Eden Valley a focal point for ceramic art in the UK. Across the three events, held at the mart and Hutton-in-the-Forest, Potfest has showcased the work of almost 300 different artists this year alone, here in Cumbria.
June saw the pens of the town’s agricultural mart transformed into a bustling three-day ceramics market with 90 artists, demonstrations, hands-on workshops and free throwing lessons.
At the end of July, Potfest in the Park was held at the beautiful setting of Hutton-in-the-Forest with100 selected exhibitors from throughout the UK and across the continent. They transformed the parkland into what is now recognised as one of the top ceramics events in Europe. Visited by over 4,500 people, with folk coming from as far afield as Denmark and Spain.
This, the final Cumbrian event of 2023, will once again bring together 80 artists to transform the Skirsgill agricultural mart into a vibrant gallery and marketplace. The animals are moved out, the pens cleaned down and a transformation takes place.
Showcasing a wide range of work and highlighting the diversity of clay, there will be everything from mugs to garden sculpture, jewellery to figurative work, plates, bowls and egg cups to bespoke pet sculptures, all made by the people there, selling their work. Visitors can meet the artists, chat to them, and discover what fires their creative process and inspires their work.
Exhibitors have once again been asked to submit their entries to this year’s competition with the theme “Nursery Rhymes” and visitors are encouraged to vote for their favourite piece.
“Although it’s probably a little cold for visitors to be getting their hands dirty on the potter’s wheel, there will still be the opportunity to glaze your own pot and have it fired, Raku style, while you watch. There will of course be trade stands for those wanting to take inspiration and have a go themselves as well as hot and cold refreshments on site.
“Don’t miss this final Cumbrian Potfest of 2023 and your opportunity to pick up those special, handmade, artisan, Christmas gifts,” said an event spokesman. Tickets can be purchased online from the Potfest website or on the day.
