Threads Textile Festival Set to Return to Farsley on 16-17 May 2026

The vibrant Threads Textile Festival is gearing up to return to Sunny Bank Mills in Farsley, Leeds, for a weekend of creativity and craft from Saturday 16 to Sunday 17 May 2026. This festival is a fantastic opportunity for anyone interested in textiles, whether they are experienced makers or simply curious about the art of fabric and design.

What to Expect at Threads

Visitors can look forward to an exciting array of activities throughout the historic mill buildings. The festival will feature:

Market Stalls

An iconic market in the 1912 Mill will showcase 50 independent textile makers and businesses each day.

• Attendees can shop for unique items such as

• Beautifully curated fabrics

• Haberdashery supplies (these are the bits and bobs needed for sewing)

• Yarns and kits for knitting or crocheting

• Clothing and handcrafted homewares.

This market provides a wonderful chance to meet the artists and learn about their craft directly.

Me-Made-May Sewing Competition

Festival-goers are invited to show off their sewing skills by entering the Me-Made-May competition. Participants can have their photo taken in their self-made outfits, and the public will vote for their favourites. Exciting prizes await the winners, including:

• Textile books from Batsford Books

• A pattern voucher from The Fold Line

• A workshop voucher for a session at Sunny Bank Mills

Art Exhibitions Galore

Art enthusiasts will not be disappointed, as the festival will host four exhibitions that showcase contemporary textile art. Highlights include:

• Touchlines: The Delicate Boundaries of Care and Cloth: Presented by the 62 Group of Textile Artists, this exhibition runs from 1 to 31 May in the 1912 Mill. It explores the emotional and physical aspects of working with textiles.

• For the Love of Textiles: This ongoing exhibition in the Sunny Bank Mills Art Gallery will continue until 28 June, highlighting the deep emotional connections people have with textiles and the process of making.

• Interactive Installation by Ellie Sanders: In the Spinning Mill Loft, visitors can engage with handmade hagstones made from clay, yarn, beeswax, and pigment. Participants are even invited to take one home!

• Bradford College Student Works: A special exhibition featuring new works from textile students will also be available on the 2nd floor of the 1912 Mill.

Talks and Workshops

A dynamic programme of talks will provide insights into the world of textile art and design. Notable speakers include:

• Michele Carragher: Known for her intricate embroidery seen in popular TV shows like Game of Thrones and The Crown, Michele will share her journey into the world of film and television.

• Jessie Cutts: A quiltmaker who will discuss her unique approach to free-form quilt making.

• Hannah Lamb: A textile artist who will explore the balance between control and chance in her work. Alongside these talks, a variety of hands-on workshops will be available for visitors of all skill levels.

Some of the activities include:

• Weaving onto found objects

• Using a traditional dobby loom

• Natural dyeing with plant-based colours

• Needle felting and embroidery

• Textile basketry

These workshops are designed to be relaxed and supportive, making it easy for beginners and young people to join in and learn new skills.

Discover Textile Heritage

The Sunny Bank Mills Museum & Archive will also be open during the festival, allowing visitors to delve into the rich textile history of the area. Highlights include:

• Viewing the stunning Calico Dress from the WOVEN project.

• Opportunities to create a textile patch.

• Exploring the Dyevolution project, which focuses on colour, cloth, and collaboration, funded by the National Lottery.

Community Spirit at Sunny Bank Mills

Sunny Bank Mills is not just a venue for the festival; it is a respected cultural hub in Yorkshire. Home to an acclaimed contemporary art gallery, a thriving community of artists, and a museum dedicated to textiles, it serves as a creative space for both artists and the public. Located in the heart of Farsley, this venue is a focal point for cultural activities in West Leeds. Dr Sarah Gaunt, the Threads Textile Festival Director, expressed her excitement about the event, stating:

“Threads is a unique opportunity to experience the breadth and richness of contemporary textile practice in one extraordinary setting. From exhibitions and talks to workshops and our bustling market, there’s something here for everyone whether you’re an experienced maker or simply curious to explore.”

With its blend of creativity, heritage, and hands-on experiences, the Threads Textile Festival promises a weekend filled with inspiration, learning, and community connection for all who attend.