THE multi-award winning Craft Festival Bovey Tracey will be celebrating its 21st anniversary when it returns to Mill Marsh Park in the town from June 6 to 8.

Over 21 years, the not-for-profit Craft Festival has drawn over 170,000 visitors to Bovey Tracey, and independent research reports that it has contributed at least £25 million to the local economy. Over 4000 independent craft businesses have exhibited, and over 500 start-ups supported over the years.

The event will welcome 200 professional maker businesses from across the UK, each selected for the quality and originality of their work.

Local makers exhibiting include professional woodworker Ambrose Vevers from Ashburton who won the coveted ‘Best Maker in the Southwest’ prize at last year’s event.

“We’ve got such a rich culture of craft locally,” said Ambrose. “Visiting Craft Festival can open your mind up to the world of craft. There’s so much to see. I’d encourage all local people to come along, everyone’s welcome. I was quite overwhelmed to win the prize last year, particularly as the standard of craft is so high” he added.

A special feature to celebrate the 21st anniversary will be from Heritage Crafts. Together with live demonstrations of rare heritage craft, they will deliver a programme of free talks about the positive impact making can have on your well-being.

Other features at the event include a rich programme of craft workshops for adults to pre-book online, live craft demonstrations to watch, the mobile vintage cinema, live music by local artists and delicious local food and drink. Plus, the hugely popular free children’s craft tent returns with an action-packed programme.

Partner organisations returning to take part include MAKE Southwest, Heritage Crafts and QEST (Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust).

Tickets are available online and at the gate. Day tickets are £10 online, or £12 at the gate. Accompanied children under 18s enter free. Full details online at www.craftfestival.co.uk/boveytracey