Wonderwool Wales is the largest, award winning, Wool, Natural Fibre & Textile Festival of its kind in the UK.
First held in 2006 to promote the market for Welsh wool, the festival celebrates the green credentials of wool and its versatility as a material for creative crafts, designer clothes, home furnishings and more. Wonderwool Wales has now become the largest Wool, Natural Fibre & Textile Festival in the UK and has won several awards. It covers everything from the start to the end of the creative process – from exhibits of sheep, through raw and hand dyed fibres, yarn for knitting & crochet, embellishments, equipment, dyes and books to superb examples of finished textile art, craft, clothing and home furnishings.
Initially set up with European funding via the Welsh Assembly Government by Glasu, the LEADER+ Programme in Powys, since 2009 it has been run by 3 members of the original steering committee and who formed Wonderwool Wales Ltd, (run as a not for profit company), to ensure the show’s continuation.
Starting off by predominantly featuring wool and wool products, the showcase has broadened to include a whole range of natural fibre items, including alpaca, mohair, angora, hemp, flax and silk. Textiles have gradually been added over the last few years, covering fabric, sewing patterns, embroidery threads and kits, thus widening the appeal of the show. The organisers aim to expand the show each year with new ideas, whilst maintaining the standards, ethos and enthusiasm of the festival.
Wonderwool Wales now has over 200 trade stands at the show but it also wants to help in helping with the education in all things fibre with Wool Schools.
The philanthropic nature of the Wonderwool team continues.
Due to the success of the show Wonderwool are now able to offer a bursary each year to one or two graduates of the BA (hons) textiles, course at Coleg Sir Gar, Carmarthen School of Art, whereby they each receive £1000.00 to assist them in their new career and a stand at Wonderwool Wales the following year to showcase their work as part of one of the UK’s leading yarn festivals that celebrate wool & natural fibre. More details of this can be seen in the article: www.welshcountry.co.uk/bursary-winner-focused-on-woven-welsh-yarn-products/
Wonderwool Wales also proudly supports a range of charities through its visitors and exhibitor community at one of the most inspiring yarn festivals dedicated to natural fibre and textile craft.
Wales Air Ambulance: The Wales air ambulance is a vital service for those living and travelling in Wales and each year the money raised from our bag creche and minibus service helps to support this charity.
NGO Molotok: NGO Molotok is a cultural organisation established in the village of Nyzhnie Selyshche in Ukraine which supports young people from disadvantaged rural communities, helping them to gain access to art workshops, classes and festivals. Since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, this organisation has become a shelter for around 100 young people and families from affected areas of Ukraine. They provide food, accommodation and activities for the children & young people and volunteers also work with them to overcome their traumatic experiences.
Knitted Knockers UK: KKUK work with breast cancer patients who have undergone mastectomy surgery and provide them with knitted breast prosthesis made from soft yarns.
Wonderwool Wales has been supported by the Welsh Government Cultural Recovery Fund during the Covid pandemic which has enabled us to continue with the show.
Website: wonderwoolwales.co.uk
Facebook: Wonderwool Wales
Twitter: @wonderwoolwales
Instagram: wonderwoolwales
Enquiries and correspondence: Ty Mawr Uchaf, Llanerfyl, Welshpool, Powys, SY21 0JE
Email: chrissie@wonderwoolwales.co.uk
Tel: 07980 913972
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