Mark your calendars! The Region 8 Exhibition returns to Blackthorpe Barns from Friday 16th to Sunday 18th April 2027 and it promises to be another inspiring celebration of creativity, craftsmanship and community.

We are delighted to announce that the exhibition will be officially opened on the Friday by QGBI President Melanie Williams — a wonderful way to begin what promises to be a memorable weekend.

Our last exhibition was a tremendous success, showcasing over 90 stunning quilts created by both individual members and affiliated groups. Visitors were treated to an incredible variety of styles, techniques and stories stitched into every piece — and we are excited to build on that success in 2027.

One of the highlights of the exhibition is always the opportunity for visitors to take part by voting for their favourite quilt in the Visitors’ Choice Award. It’s a wonderful way to engage with the exhibition and celebrate the pieces that truly resonate with our audience.

We are also delighted to continue our much-loved Region 8 Challenge. This year’s theme is “27”, and we can’t wait to see how our members interpret this idea. Whether abstract, traditional or something entirely unexpected, the challenge always brings out incredible imagination and originality.

We are pleased to share that 10 traders from our region will be attending, offering a fantastic selection of supplies, fabrics and inspiration. We are very grateful for their continued support, which helps make the exhibition such a special event.

A very special highlight for 2027 will be an exclusive gallery from Lynne Edwards MBE, one of our own Region 8 members. This will be one of the last opportunities to see Lynne’s remarkable work on display before her retirement, making it a truly unmissable feature of the exhibition.

Alongside the exhibition, there will be plenty of opportunities to get involved, including our bag tombola, handmade bag auction and raffle, all helping to support our region while adding to the enjoyment of the event.

As we look ahead to 2027, excitement is already building. With new creations, returning favourites, supportive traders and a welcoming atmosphere, the Region 8 Exhibition is an event not to be missed.

Stay tuned for more details — and in the meantime, save the date. We look forward to seeing you there!