Festival of Quilts

A glorious event!

Initially created by The Guild, Immediate Live are the current owners of the show. The Guild works in contract and maintains close involvement with the show, providing valuable expertise, advice and support.

2023 Walkabout

As well as the biggest display of quilts you'll find at an exhibition in the UK there is an extensive programme of lectures and workshops for 2026's show. Discover Textile Galleries showcasing world-renowned textile artists, meet leading international quilt artists, and be inspired by over 1200 quilts from around the world! You will find a wide range of retailers from throughout the UK and overseas with every possible notion, book and fabric a quilter could ever want. With so many quilts under one roof it is hard not to leave full of ideas and inspiration for your next quilt.

What happens at The Festival of Quilts?

Festival of Quilts is Europe's leading Patchwork and Quilting event and hosts the largest open quilting competition in the world. The competition covers a large variety of categories including; traditional, modern, contemporary, art quilts, novice quilts, young quilters, and sustainable. If you prefer to show your creations without entering a competition there's For the Joy of Sharing - added in 2023, this is where we celebrate the love of our craft.

Each year we are proud to present a carefully curated exhibition of quilts from the Quilt Collection. Our curator, Heather, can be found in the gallery ready to share her expert knowledge with visitors.

Don't forget to visit the glorious Quiltworks shop stand, packed with exclusive items, and the perfect spot to pick up a souvenir!

What's on?

As well as the biggest display of quilts you'll find at an exhibition in the UK there is an extensive programme of lectures and workshops. Demonstrations abound, so you are sure to find something you'd like to try! You will find a wide range of retailers from throughout the UK and overseas with every possible notion, book and fabric a quilter could ever want. With so many quilts under one roof it is hard not to leave full of ideas and inspiration for your next quilt.

Guild Member Benefits

Guild members may access Early Bird Booking on the festival programme each year, ahead of the general public. This is a huge benefit as places on lectures, talks and coveted workshops are strictly limited.

Festival entry tickets are discounted for members and retailers in the Guild's 10% Discount Club will offer you a 10% reduction on your purchases when you show your membership card.