ORGANISERS of the hugely popular Yarndale Festival are hoping to satisfy their worldwide fans by holding an online event this year.

The weekend event would have taken place later this month, with more than 7,500 people expected to Skipton Auction Mart where it has been held for several years.

But due to the coronavirus pandemic, it has gone digital, has been renamed Yarndale@Home and will take place via the organisation’s website on the same weekend, Saturday, September 26 and Sunday, September 27, from 10am to 4pm.

About 125 exhibitors will be taking part in the show over the weekend, with unique video content, demonstrations and tutorials as well as live, interactive sessions. Organisers say feedback from the exhibitors and the Yarndale community has been extremely positive with everyone embracing the new concept and looking forward to sharing and celebrating the creative spirit and experience virtually after a challenging few months.

As part of the schedule and following last year’s success, Scheepjes will again present a series of live talks online, hosted by Matt (A Boy with Bunting) featuring contributors from the UK, Sweden, Netherlands, Czech Republic and Western Australia.

Kate Beard from the Yarndale team said: “We are delighted to extend our reach this year to welcome people from all over the world and we know that crafting friends from as far afield as New Zealand, Australia and the USA will be joining us from the comfort of their own homes.

“Holding the show online removes any geographical or accessibility restrictions and we’re pleased that we can continue to support and promote our exhibitors, local businesses and Skipton in these challenging times, as well as spreading a little happiness and joy to our crafting community”.

It’s been a busy year for the Yarndale team. As well as planning Yarndale@Home, the team has recently collaborated with local manufacturer, West Yorkshire Spinners, in producing a sock yarn for the Yarndale community with an exclusive colourway. The yarn incorporates the vibrant hues of its 2020 mascot, Hope the sheep, and is called Yarndale Hope Sock Yarn.

Fellow team member, an da passionate knitter, Carole Rennison, added: “It has always been our mission to inspire creativity and share the love of yarn and it’s very fitting that our mascot and our yarn are called Hope.

“During these difficult days, more and more people have been turning to craft activities to help them through lockdown. Being able to take time to knit and crochet as well as sharing their experiences and their creations with the crafting community has been really important to people’s general wellbeing.”

To join Yarndale@Home, visit the website: www.yarndale.co.uk.