CRAFTERS will be heading to Skipton this weekend for the return of the two day Yarndale festival.

Held at Skipton Auction mart, the festival, which went online last year because of the coronavirus pandemic, is a celebration of all things wool, cotton , linen and silk, bringing together an inspiring mix of around 180 talented exhibitors.

There will also be a diverse programme of instructional and entertaining workshop sessions and inspirational talks in the ‘Yarndale Theatre’ to cater for everyone’s crafty passions.

To ensure everyone’s safety, there will be staggered entry times for the event, which will run from 10am to 5.30pm on Saturday, and from 10am to 4.30pm on Sunday. Tickets must be bought in advance and people will be encouraged to wear face-masks, particularly in the theatre area.

Following the success of last year’s online venture and to continue making the event as inclusive and accessible to everyone as possible, the team is also running again the virtual Yarndale@Home.

Yarndale@Home is included in the ticket price or a specific Yarndale@Home ticket can be purchased for the whole weekend for those unable to join in person.

During the past year, Yarndale’s collaboration with West Yorkshire Spinners to produce exclusive ‘colourways’ taking inspiration from their Yarndale sheep mascots, Hope and Barbara, has also been going from strength to strength with the Hope and Barbara yarns proving extremely popular.

And there is a special treat for all yarn lovers at the show with the launch of their new Nigel wool; a new and exclusive colourway which they can take home with them on the day or buy online via Yarndale@Home.

Emma Sandoe from the Yarndale team said: “We’re so excited to be back at the Skipton Mart again doing what we love and sharing the Yarndale experience and love of yarn.

“The auction mart has always been regarded as very draughty, but this year, this is playing in our favour as it is an incredibly well-ventilated space so we’re encouraging all our visitors to wrap up warm.

“We can’t wait to launch our new Nigel wool at the show as the colours are beautiful and we know that our Yarndale community will love it. It’s just one of the highlights of what we hope will be an amazing weekend.”

For the programme of events, exhibitor listing and to book tickets, visit: www.yarndale.co.uk.