Over 3500 people attended the first Craft Festival Wales that was held at a historic castle last weekend.

From September 6 to September 8, people of all age groups visited Cardigan Castle to see handmade work by more than 80 professionals across the UK, including many from Mid and West Wales.

The craft festival ‘exceeded all expectations’ after TV personality Keith Brymer Jones and Craft Festival director Sarah James MBE opened the event.

This was before Keith took part in two sold out Q&A events in Castle Green House.

Sarah James was born and bred in Cardigan with the Craft Festival being a not-for-profit enterprise.

The festival was funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, administrated by Cynnal y Cardi team, Ceredigion County Council, Arts Council of Wales, and QEST (Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust.

Crowds queuing to listen to a talk by Keith Brymer Jones on the Friday.Crowds queuing to listen to a talk by Keith Brymer Jones on the Friday. (Image: Craft Festival Wales)

Jeweller Ann CaBrush and broom maker Rosa Harradine demonstrated their craft at Craft Festival Wales.Brush and broom maker Rosa Harradine demonstrated their craft at Craft Festival Wales. (Image: Craft Festival Wales)

Tom Frost from Pembrokeshire who won the Peer Award for Best Maker (as voted by the event’s exhibitors).Tom Frost from Pembrokeshire who won the Peer Award for Best Maker (as voted by the event’s exhibitors). (Image: Craft Festival Wales)
Image of a child doing crafts – over 400 children joined in with free craft activities over the weekend. Craft sessions were hosted by Amgueddfa Wlan Cymru, Llantarnam Grange Arts Centre, Jim Parkyn and Coleg Sir Gar.Image of a child doing crafts – over 400 children joined in with free craft activities over the weekend. Craft sessions were hosted by Amgueddfa Wlan Cymru, Llantarnam Grange Arts Centre, Jim Parkyn and Coleg Sir Gar. (Image: Craft Festival Wales)

Michelle Cain and one of her sculptures on her exhibition stand.Michelle Cain and one of her sculptures on her exhibition stand. (Image: Craft Festival Wales)

Ann Caterin Evans showcasing her craft.Ann Caterin Evans showcasing her craft. (Image: Craft Festival Wales)

Archway at entry point to Cardigan Castle which was made by willow sculptor Michelle Cain from Cardigan.Archway at entry point to Cardigan Castle which was made by willow sculptor Michelle Cain from Cardigan. (Image: Craft Festival Wales)

Hijinx Theatre who performed on the Sunday in the Pavilion.Hijinx Theatre who performed on the Sunday in the Pavilion. (Image: Craft Festival Wales)

Croeso was also in attendance. Croeso was also in attendance. (Image: Craft Festival Wales)

Sarah James MBE was born and bred in Cardigan.Sarah James MBE was born and bred in Cardigan. (Image: Craft Festival Wales)