Kirklees’ textile heritage is being put in the spotlight with the launch of WOVEN, a celebration of the district’s globally recognised industry from the past, present and future this June.
WOVEN, supported by the Creative Economy Team at Kirklees Council with festival curators HATCH, will bring together the local community, Saturday 8 – Sunday 16 June, in collaboration with creative organisations, artists, education providers, businesses, industry and heritage sites across the district for a variety of events from Batley to Slathwaite.
The Spectacular Showcase of Textile Innovation (Friday 14 June) will highlight the scientific and creative innovation taking place in the textile industry across Kirklees today. Scientists, businesses and artists will share how they are working to make the industry more sustainable and environmentally friendly.
Researchers from Future Fashion Factory will demonstrate work relating to our core research themes, including data-driven design and digital communication of aesthetics.
Meanwhile, Future Fashion Factory core partner the Textile Centre of Excellence will be hosting a Careers Fair (Friday 14 June) to showcase the many different roles and jobs that are available in the thriving industry that exists within the district.
For family fun, visit the Future Fashion Show (Saturday 15 June) to see creations by schools from across the district and to take part in workshops and demonstrations.
WOVEN will also showcase Kirklees’ finest makers whose wares are often only available online. A series of markets will allow visitors to feel the quality of the cloth, meet the makers of the garments and buy truly unique pieces.
Presented by Made Beautifully Here, the first of the events (Saturday 8 June) will be a luxurious marketplace for fine textiles which champions great British manufacturers and local makers. This event will be held at Upper Mills, Slaithwaite.
Wild About Wool (Sunday 9 June) will transform the studio at The Watershed in Slaithwaite into a pop-up yarn market. An exciting collective of stallholders will offer a wide range of yarn, pattern designs, kits and accessories to inspire wool crafters of all abilities and interests.
Taking full advantage of the stunning settings of the Courtyard at the Lawrence Batley Theatre and Byram Arcade in Huddersfield, there will also be chance to see and buy some of the unique crafts being made in Kirklees at the Crafty Baggage’s Makers’ Markets (Friday 14 – Saturday 15 June).
Find out more about WOVEN events on the festival website.
