WHITCHURCH Silk Mill will be holding its first weaving festival to help raise funds for preserving the living weaving heritage.

Residents are invited to come and learn more about the mill's heritage of weaving, with demonstrations and workshops across the weekend of June 3 and 4 from 10am, with the last entry at 4pm.

The weekend will have guided tours, demonstrations, and workshops, there will be plenty of entertainment for weaving fans of all ages.

The mill will be joined by members from the Hampshire Guild of Weavers Spinners and Dyers demonstrating different types of weaving, offering plenty of chances to have a go. Staff will also be pleased to exhibit work made by members of the Grange at Bookham, who have used some of the silk to create embroidered works of art.

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Adults can choose from a selection of pre-bookable workshops each day of Weftival such as loom speed dating, weaving a wall hanging, learning to weave basics (frame loom) and a production tour of the mill. There will be fascinating talks live at the event from professional weaving and textile professionals. There will also be a children’s tent with free weaving-themed activities for children to enjoy.

Any visits to this event will help to raise funds for preserving the living weaving heritage at Whitchurch Silk Mill. With the mill's craft being recently included in the ‘Heritage Crafts’ Red List of Endangered Crafts in which the making of silk ribbons appears as a critically endangered craft and silk weaving being an endangered craft, visits help support the development of the next generation of silk weavers and silk ribbon makers, helping to safeguard the production of silk products for the future.

Tickets are now available and will be valid for the full weekend.

For more information, visit whitchurchsilkmill.org.uk.