AN exciting three-day event is coming to Cirencester this April.

The Cornhall in Cirencester will be transformed into a woolly haven during Cotswold Wool Weekend which will take place on Saturday, April 29 until Monday, May 1.

Over 30 exhibitors will be showcasing their woolly crafts and talents in the hall over the weekend.

There will also be multiple workshops including punch needles, felting and invisible mending going on in the town.

Various talks and book signings will also take place at the Corinium Museum and the New Brewery Arts.

The idea come out of a discussion between Louise Millard and friend Victoria Heritage who were talking about how has sad it was that the town had become so disconnected from its wool culture.

Louise told the Standard that modern craft markets have become increasingly popular since the pandemic.

Many people used the downtime of lockdowns to start a new craft to help their mental health and wellbeing. 

Despite never organising a large scale event before Louise has taken on the challenge, albeit with a few bumps in the way.

She jokingly described planning the event as 'a baptism of fire' and a 'steep learning curve' when finding the perfect location seemed impossible.

The event was initally going to take place in Cirencester Market Place but after thinking about how all the wool might react with any April showers it was decided Cornhall would work better.

Louise is hoping the event will help reconnect Cirencester with it's woolly history.

She said: "All these beautiful manor houses around the Cotswolds wouldn't have existed without the wool industry... in the medieval times Cotswold wool was the finest in the world and clothed kings!

"Wool is sustainable, biodegradable and so beautiful. It can be used for so many different things.

"Crafters need somewhere to showcase their work and we are hoping this can become an annual event."

Discussions for next year's event are already underway and they are planning to hold a whole Cotswold Wool Week across different towns and villages in the Cotswold in September.

To find out more about Cotswold Wool Weekend click here. 

You can preorder a free ticket on Eventbrite.