Festival is a ‘glass act’ for Dudley borough
Glass enthusiasts from across the globe will come together in Stourbridge later this month, when The International Festival of glass returns to the borough.
Running from 23 to 26 August, it takes place every two years in Stourbridge, and is the UK’s only glass festival.
The festival showcases glassmaking through high-quality exhibitions, international masterclasses, artist demonstrations and presentations, with workshops and hands-on activities for people to try as well as entertainment and evening events.
Dudley Council’s Red House Glass Cone will be conducting behind the scenes tours from Friday 23 to Sunday 25 August, 10am to 4pm.
Glass fusing sessions and crafts will be taking place at the cone throughout and there will be a variety of talks including ‘The Magic of Glass’, ‘Women in the Glass Industry’ and ‘In Conversation’ with Dr Kate Round.
The cone’s studios will be open, with a chance for people to explore and meet artisan craft makers who are based on the site. Glass Quarter Designs will also be running drop-in sessions throughout the weekend.
Councillor Paul Bradley, deputy leader and cabinet member for economic regeneration, said:
“The International Festival of Glass is hugely prestigious, and it is a real kudos to Dudley borough that Stourbridge is hosting it.
“The Red House Glass Cone is at the heart of the historic Stourbridge Glass Quarter and is only one of four left in the UK, and it is great for the historic site to play a part in this this fantastic biennial event.
“We are expecting a lot of interest during the festival, and I’d encourage anyone interested in trying out a session at the cone to get online and book a space now to avoid disappointment.”
People can view a full line up of what’s happening at the International Festival of Glass at https://ifg.org.uk/.
For more information on events and activities at The Red House Glass Cone are online.