Potfest in the Park

Katie Hale
Potfest

Potfest in the Park at Hutton-in-the-Forest, Cumbria 25 July 2021 Entrance is free — Visit now

Elaborate vases, intricate centrepieces, and ceramics that combine artistry with craft: Potfest in the Park celebrates the creative possibilities of clay.

Taking place a few miles outside Penrith, in the grounds of Hutton-in-the-Forest country house, Potfest in the Park takes the concept of the craft fair to the next level. One hundred potters, artists and artisans travel from across the world to exhibit at the festival, each displaying their own creative style. You won’t find amateur potters selling their wares at this show; it’s for those at the top of their game, whose work has its own flair, precision and elegance.

A big highlight is the competition, set around a different theme each year, which sees potters creating pieces at the cutting edge of contemporary ceramics, and which are displayed in a special installation throughout the festival, on the lawn of Hutton-in-the-Forest.

On the following weekend, Potfest runs a sister event at Skirsgill Auction Mart in Penrith: Potfest in the Pens.

Potfest in the Pens is the original show, founded by Geoff and Christine Cox in 1994, and takes places in the cattle pens of the auction mart. At the end of July each year, for one weekend, the bleating and lowing of livestock is replaced by the chatter of traders and customers, the clink of ceramics and the excited buzz of festival conversation.

Showcasing a combination of established and emerging potters, Potfest in the Pens has more of a marketplace feeling than Potfest in the Park, created by the bustle of the auction mart and the tradition of buying and selling which is at the very heart of this venue.

The third Potfest show is based north of the border, in the grounds of Scone Palace, Perth.

Potfest in the Park will take place 23-25 July 2021.

Potfest in the Pens will take place 30 July – 1 August 2021.

Potfest in the Park at Hutton-in-the-Forest, Cumbria 25 July 2021 Entrance is free Visit now

Where to go near Potfest in the Park

Upfront Puppet Theatre
Cumbria
Theatre
Upfront Puppet Theatre

Upfront Puppet Theatre is located near Penrith, Cumbria and is one of only four authentic working puppet theatres in England.

Cumbria
Event venue
Quirky Workshops

A unique creative venue offering an inspiring range of art, craft and heritage ‘Quirky Workshops’ and courses.

Cumbria
Gallery
Beckstones Art Gallery

Beckstones Art Gallery in the village of Greystoke is a small family-owned gallery, selling a range of artists’ work, leaning towards the traditional.

Bank House
Cumbria
Hotel
Bank House

Close to the centre of Penrith, Bank House is a stylish family-run bed and breakfast, in a Victorian house with a traditional garden. 

Cumbria
Gallery
EVAN Gallery & Studios

A gallery and studio space displaying works by local artists – including paintings, drawings, sculptures, ceramics, jewellery and textiles, as well as gift items.

Cumbria
Café or Coffee Shop
The Yard Kitchen

Boasting an array of hot and cold food including homemade cakes, The Yard Kitchen is a café with a distinctly quirky feel.

Penrith Town Centre
Cumbria
Tourist Attraction
Penrith Town Centre

A blend of historic and contemporary gives Penrith its edge, ancient tradition sitting side-by-side with trendy wine bars, hipster cafes and fine dining.

Cumbria
Cinema
Alhambra Cinema

An independent cinema in the heart of town, the Lonsdale Alhambra is, for many locals, a treasure of Penrith.

Cumbria
Restaurant
La Casita

La Casita serves the most authentic tapas in Penrith – the only thing not-so-Spanish about La Casita is their high quality fresh Cumbrian ingredients.

Cumbria
Restaurant
Grants of CastleGate

This modern bistro and bar, open for dinner Wednesday to Sunday, serves up classic British pub fare reimagined to its most indulgent.

Cumbria
Restaurant
Simple Goodness

Rich soups, salads, hearty meals and homemade cakes are freshly made using seasonal and organic incgredients whereever possible from this vegetarian takeaway bistro.

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