THIS Sunday (30 July), Preston Park Museum will host a fun, family festival celebrating heritage skills and crafts from around Tees Valley and the surrounding area.
TeesMade Festival returns this summer and gives members of the public an opportunity to try a variety of traditional skills, including willow weaving, pottery and textile craft. There will also be an opportunity for visitors to browse and shop at local handmade craft stalls in the museum’s beautiful music room.
Hands-on demonstrations will take place throughout the day and include special guest appearances from Graham Taylor of BBC Two’s ‘The Great British Pottery Throwdown’ and one of Britain’s most experienced rug makers, Heather Ritchie.
Families can have a go at dry stone walling with The Dry Stone Wall Association, make a souvenir to take home with Evancliffe LeatherCraft and help create a piece of fused glass, which will go on display in the museum, with Wild Roses Glass.
Councillor Norma Wilburn, Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Arts, Leisure and Culture, said: “We take great pride in the wide range of activities and events that we put on in the Borough and this is another fine example of something different for everyone to enjoy. I’m sure it’ll be a lovely day for everyone who attends and is a break from the norm especially for the children and young people enjoying their summer holidays.
“I’d encourage families to get together and come down to Preston Park Museum and Grounds to try their hands at some new skills and learn more about traditional crafts.”
Entry and activities are free with museum admission. Doors open at 10am and close at 4pm (last admission is 3.30pm).
TeesMade Festival is supported by River Tees Rediscovered, a Heritage Lottery Fund Landscape Partnership.