Living Crafts festival sees huge rise in group bookings after GLT Show

Jo Jenkins told us that they have already got 26 groups booked for the weekend (9th - 12th May), compared to just two groups they had last year.

She said: “It follows our attendance at the GLT Show in Milton Keynes in October 2023 where we had a stand. We spoke to a lot of group travel organisers that day, we pretty much stopped everyone who walked past, it was a great day and it has clearly paid off. 

“It is our 50th anniversary year so is the ideal time for groups to come and there were quite a few GTOs who hadn’t heard of us. We had videos of the festival playing to give visitors a flavour of what they could expect as well as examples of crafts that they can see at the event.”

Living Crafts, which first started in 1974, is all about celebrating the best of British craft and design.

Across the weekend, visitors will have the opportunity to meet some of the 200 plus artists and designer makers from the UK who will be running live demonstrations as well as have-a-go workshops.

These will include chocolate making, calligraphy and candle making as well as silk painting, silversmithing and stone carving. The full list of workshops will be published on the website nearer the show dates but in the meantime, GTOs can see the list of workshops that ran in 2023. 

There will also be produce on offer in the Food and Drink Pavillion from artisan producers as well as musical entertainment by local bands and choirs. 

GTO Pat Lake, who organises for Chippy Active Trips, has booked to take up to 50 members of his group to the festival, after meeting the team at the Group Leisure & Travel Show in Milton Keynes last year. 

Pat told us: “It was great to meet the Living Crafts exhibitors at the GLT Show and I was impressed with their enthusiasm for the festival. I picked up what I go to the GLT Show for - a new idea that appeals to members of my group. We are really looking forward to going and having a good day out.”

Exclusively for groups

Groups will receive discounted admission to the festival and GTOs do not need to confirm final numbers until Friday 26th April. Each coach group will be welcomed to the show by one of the event team with coach parking near the entrance. 

There is also the option to enhance your group visit; entry includes access to the Hatfield Estate’s extensive parkland and woodland walks including the Elizabeth Oak. There will be a free shuttle running between the showground and the House’s Stable Courtyard with access to the West Garden, the Old Palace Garden and the famous Knot Garden. 

Groups will be able to join one of the Garden guided tours which alternate between either a horticultural or historical focus and run on the hour from 11am to 3pm. 

Jo Jenkins said: “It’s an ideal event for groups and we look forward to welcoming all the coach parties this year - there is still availability too!”