Worstead Festival 2008 - craft stalls

Image: © Evelyn Simak Taken: 26 Jul 2008

The great majority of the craft stalls are in marquees surrounding the show ring but some are housed here in this long farm building, which presumably is still being used as a byre in winter. The village of Worstead is the home of traditional "Worsted" wool, introduced by Flemish Weavers in the 14th century. The village also hosts its own festival, described as the largest village festival in the country and now in its 43rd year. When by 1965 neglect was beginning to take its toll on the 14th century St Mary's church, efforts were made to raise funds for its restoration and upkeep. Beginning with Bingo and whist drives and "Open Weekends", where the church and houses and gardens would be open to paying visitors to view and take tea, the idea soon took root, and in 1966 the first Worstead Festival was held , featuring side-shows, a concert, dance, flowers in the church, spinning and weaving in the school, vintage cars, steam engines, horticultural exhibition and a raffle. A Festival Committee was formed and over the years an established pattern evolved, with Friday being the children's day with sports activities, and a wide variety of craft marquees as well as an eclectic mix of entertainment and family fun on the two following days. The activities include spinning and weaving demonstrations, working heavy horses, tractors and agricultural implements on display, vintage cars, an air rifle range and a fairground. The Worstead Festival is a charity and is organised each year with the help of volunteers. The object of the Festival charity is to raise funds for the benefit of the inhabitants of the Worstead parish and surrounding neighbourhood. In recent years visitor numbers averaged 30,000.

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