Loving local crafts at the Devon County Show
Local craftspeople are getting a higher profile at this year’s Devon County Show next week (May 22-24) at Westpoint, Exeter, thanks to a new policy of promoting local artisans.
Devon craft champions Love-Local.com are teaming up with the Show’s West Country Craft Marquee to create a series of complete room-sets and there will be more local producers than ever before.
Show Secretary Ollie Allen said: “I am delighted to be working with Love-Local to showcase some of the very talented local craftsmen and women in Devon and the region.
“I am bowled-over by the variety and quality of the products made here which will look stunning in the room sets.
“Over the past decade or so we have brought many more local food and drink producers into the Show and we want to do the same for craftspeople and local makers.”
Love-Local.com Directors Liz Oram, from Exmouth, and Allison Herbert, from Frome, have sourced all the products they need for four room sets from the area: they are showcasing a local kitchen/dining room; a lounge/study; bedroom and an outdoor space.
Liz Oram said: “The response and the interest we are getting is fabulous and the support from local companies is amazing. All the products have been sourced in the South West – from sofas and beds to kitchen furniture; from soft furnishings, tiles and painted walls to local wine, organic cleaning fluid and books by South West authors in the study, we have ensured every last thing is local!”
The West Country Crafts Marque is also the venue for demonstrations of traditional hand crafts by Devon lace makers, quilters, spinners, dyers and weavers.
The 119th Show is celebrating its 25th year at its present home - the Westpoint showground – and will be packed with artisan food and drink producers, local arts and crafts, livestock and horse classes and a dog show along with an extravaganza of serious competition and entertainment in six rings across the showground.
Entertainment ranges from the Kangaroo Kids performing amazing acrobatic stunts on quad bikes to the world fruit and veg boules championships.
For more information and to buy tickets at advance prices, please visit the website: www.devoncountyshow.co.uk
