Festival of Quilts: The One We Wait All Year For

Op-Ed by Victoria Wood

If you’ve been before, you’ll know exactly what I mean.

You walk in, and there’s this instant buzz - the sound of people chatting, the colour everywhere, the sense that something special is happening all around you. You’re surrounded by people who love the same things you do, and for a moment you don’t quite know where to start.

Do you go straight to the galleries?

Head for the shopping halls?

Or just wander and see what you find?

There’s no wrong answer. That’s part of the joy of it.

One of the real centrepieces of festival, and something the official Festival of Quilts programme highlights every year, is the competition.

Hundreds of quilts, entered from across the UK and around the world, all displayed together. Different categories, styles and stories, but the same level of care, imagination and passion running through every single one.

And standing in that space, you really feel it.

Some quilts are technically jaw-dropping. Others, quietly powerful. Some make you smile, some make you stop and think, and some… you just can’t quite walk away from.

The winners are always worth seeking out, but just as often it’s the unexpected pieces that stay with you.

Give yourself time here. It’s one of the most inspiring parts of the entire festival.

Beyond the competition, the galleries are where the pace shifts.

This is where quilting becomes storytelling.

Memory. Experiment. Art.

You find yourself stepping closer, noticing the stitching, the choices, the hours behind each piece. If you do one thing at festival, make it this: don’t rush the galleries.

I’m especially looking forward to seeing:

And of course, the Quilters’ Guild Quilt Collection exhibition, which always feels like a quiet reminder of the history and depth of quilting in the UK.

But this year, we have something even more exciting to share.

The Story Beneath the Stitch: A Celebration of Our Creative Quilting Community invites visitors to explore the stories, voices and experiences stitched into quilts. Spanning heritage pieces alongside contemporary works, every quilt has something to say.

We’re also working to make this our most accessible exhibition yet with handling pieces, audio narrations and a printed guide, so do make time to stop by.

By far my favourite place—though I’ll admit I’m a little biased—the QGBI stand is where the Festival really feels like a community.

It’s where you get a sense of what the Guild is all about: local groups, shared projects, workshops, talks, and all the ways people stay connected through quilting. Whether you’re completely new or have been part of it for years, there’s something here you’ll recognise, and something new to get involved in too.

And then there’s the official Festival of Quilts badge.

Inspired by Karen Lewis’ modern interpretation of the Ladies Work Society—on display in our exhibition, this limited-edition badge is available exclusively from The Quilters’ Guild. It’s one of those small things that ends up meaning a lot once you’ve got it pinned on your bag.

If you’re visiting with younger quilters, the Guild are running two relaxed, drop-in sessions each day. No booking needed, no pressure - just a chance to get involved, and get creative. You’ll find our YQ volunteers there between 11am–12.30pm and 2pm–3.30pm, Thursday to Sunday.

And for everyone else—we’d love you to join our Guild sit-and-sew project.

Inspired by this year’s exhibition, it’s all about sharing the voices behind the stitches. Leave a note to your younger self, share a goal, reflect on something you’ve made - or simply add your name. Choose your fabric, wrap your hexagon, and stitch it into place alongside everyone else.

By the end of the festival, we hope to have something really special, each piece of thread tethering the Guild to quilters all over the world.

For something on this scale, the NEC Birmingham is refreshingly easy to get to - especially by public transport.

The train is the simplest option. You arrive at Birmingham International, step off, follow the signs, and you’re there within minutes.

• Around 10–15 minutes from Birmingham New Street

• Direct routes from London, Manchester, Liverpool and beyond

• No complicated changes, no long treks

If you’re flying in, it’s even easier - Birmingham Airport is right next door, connected by the free Air-Rail Link.

It all feels very manageable, which is exactly what you want before, and after, a full day at festival.

A day at festival is brilliant, but it’s also a lot. By the end, you’ll be ready to sit down, take a breath, and eat something properly good.

Staying near the NEC

If you want to keep things simple, Resorts World Birmingham is right there:

• Wagamama – quick, easy, exactly what you need

• Las Iguanas – lively and great for groups

• Miller & Carter – ideal if you’re in the mood to celebrate the day

No overthinking. Just solid options.

Or Make an Evening of It in Birmingham

If you’ve got the energy, head into the city centre. Birmingham’s food scene is genuinely worth it, and it’s the perfect way to round off a festival day.

If you’re feeling celebratory:

• Dishoom – warm, busy, always delivers

• Opheem – something truly special

• The Wilderness – creative and memorable

Or for something more relaxed:

• Rudy’s Pizza – simple and excellent

• Bonehead – bold and fun

• Original Patty Men – reliably great burgers

You’ll hear these again and again - and for good reason:

• Wear comfortable shoes

• Bring an extra bag - you’ll need it

• Take breaks when you need them

• Don’t try to see everything - leave room to discover as you go

Some of the best moments aren’t planned.

The Festival of Quilts is many things - a showcase, a marketplace, a place to learn - but more than anything, it’s a coming together.

As co-organisers alongside Immediate Live, The Quilters’ Guild is proud to be part of it. But what really makes it what it is, year after year, is the people.

The conversations. The shared excitement. The inspiration you carry home with you.

If you’re going this year, enjoy it properly. Take your time. Look closely. Come by the stand and say hi.

And if something stops you in your tracks - stay there a while.

With stitches and stories,

Victoria