I hadn't really heard of this, until my Mum arranged a family day out. It's a yearly four day event that's actually been going for thirty years. And I was very pleasantly surprised and impressed. My first contact was with the website, and it was great to see good instructions for people arriving by public transport. So many things out in the country assume everyone has cars! Things got even better on the way. After getting off the coach at Oxford Park and Ride, I found that instead of then getting a bus, they'd extended the courtesy bus, and I got a free ride to the site. Excellent!
Then the event It's huge! Every type of arts and crafts you can imagine and then some. And there's finished work, on sale and on display. Workshops where you can try yourself. Huge marquees full of materials and equipment. Far too much to put down here, and way more than we could see in a day. Highlights for me were displays of Chinese art, including silk embroidery where both sides of the work are 'good' with no loose threads, or some amazing wooden ducks, with feathers so finely carved they even felt like feathers. There was so much amazing quality on display.
The good organisation continued on site. There were plenty of loos (though some of the men's got invaded by armies of female pensioners and me. They never have enough ladies loos). Also plenty of food available, and though it was mainly 'burger van' type set-ups they were really nice burger vans! For example you could get rolls stuffed with hot shredded pork and apple, or some amazing pots of ice cream, with flavours like vanilla and ginger. There was even a 'square' laid out on the grass with seats, tables, parasols and musicians. Great for eating your lunch.
You'll have to check the date for future years. Definitely an even for all the family: there was story telling for younger kids, and the older kids in my family found plenty to do. Even if you are not into art, you'd be hard pressed not to find something you liked. read more