Needlework Festival boost to tourism in the Eden Valley
NEEDLEWORK enthusiasts from around the world are booking to stay in the Eden Valley in July 2021 to take part in one of the biggest embroidery festivals in the world.
Booking for Lady Anne’s Needlework Festival 2021 went live this week, and though many are still in lockdown in their own countries, they have selected their classes from the 60 workshops being held over the two-week event – and are now looking for accommodation in the area.
More than 350 visitors are expected to flock to the event, organised by Phillipa and Laura Turnbull of Lady Anne’s Needlework Retreats, who hope the event will assist in the start of the recovery from the impact of COVID-19 on the tourism sector.
The Appleby based needlework business is asking accommodation providers, closed due to the pandemic, to be prepared for a wave of booking enquires this month.
Phillipa said: “We have more than 350 people attending the event and 23 of the world’s leading needlework tutors and speakers who are all currently looking for somewhere to stay in the Eden Valley.
“We have had messages from people in America, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa and Europe looking for hotels, B&Bs and self-catering accommodation.
“We are working closely with Appleby Tourist Information Centre who are currently working from home to ensure our visitors can find places to stay.
“We have also been contacting accommodation providers this week in the Appleby area to let them know that our Festival booking is open. The demand for Festival tickets means that the demand for accommodation is already very high. We believe this event will have a positive impact for accommodation providers in the wider Eden Valley area and beyond.”
The Festival takes place between 4-17 July 2021, based in and around Appleby, using local venues for accommodation, lectures and workshops throughout the area.
Laura said: “Due the international following for our UK and Irish retreats and kits manufactured in Appleby, we decided several years ago to host the Lady Anne’s Needlework Festival, inspired by the life of Lady Anne Clifford.
“Our first Lady Anne’s Needlework Retreat began in Appleby over 15 years ago, and since then our retreats have often visited the Eden Valley. Following requests from our customers, this Festival expands on previous experiences, and dedicates a full two weeks of events and workshops to the glorious Eden Valley.
“For many years we have dreamed about having a Festival of workshops and other events based in Appleby, inspired by Lady Anne Clifford. For the past year we have been working with 23 of the world’s best tutors, who have created special designs to teach at the Festival.
“There has been great enthusiasm from people around the world for our event, but we did not know what to expect due to the pandemic when we opened our booking online this week. However, we have been overwhelmed by the response and it looks like we are going to have a sell out event, which we hope will help businesses in the region recover from the impact of COVID-19.
“Lady Anne’s Needlework Retreats have been organising needlework tours and residential workshops in the UK and Ireland for over 15 years, and this is the first event we have held on this scale and which will involve the local community in such a way.
“The Festival opens up our workshops to more people. By enabling those attending to arrange their own transport and accommodation, the Festival makes the experience more affordable while continuing to access the very best tutors in specialist needlework from across the world.
“We want the Festival to benefit the local economy and community, and provide a positive, international spotlight on Appleby-in-Westmorland and the wider Eden Valley.”
Lady Anne’s Needlework and The Crewel Work Company, owned by Phillipa and her daughter Laura, is based in Appleby employing five local people organising retreats and distributing needlework kits around the world.
During the lockdown, Phillipa has been recording needlework videos, and for the past two months, a daily stitch-a-long online to create a Christmas Stocking, gaining a massive following on social media.
Phillipa added: “It has been such a difficult time for many people around the world, and making the videos is one way for us to keep in touch, and have a part of the day to look forward to sharing with others. The response I have had from fellow stitchers has been incredible. Stitching is an international language, and it has helped many of us get through this time.”
Lady Anne’s International Needlework Festival will take place from 4-17 July 2021 and full details of the activities, events and tutors are now available on the Festival website https://www.ladyannesneedlework.com
