Kendal Wool Festival Returns for a Second Year

Previously on the Dian Skelton blog I brought you the news that the Yarndale festival was returning in September 2014 following a successful turn out last year. Similarly with the Kendal Wool Gathering, which enjoyed huge success in 2013. The festival will celebrate the town’s association with wool throughout its history.

A Proud Tradition

Dian Skelton is Director at ViewPoint Software Services Limited, founder of the MostlyManx artisan shop on the Isle of Man and co-owner of the Laxey Woollen Mills. The Mills specialises in producing Laxey Manx Tartan which is unique to the Isle of Man.

More than 4,000 came out for last year’s event which is held at the K Village shopping centre in Kendal. The festival offers a mixture of demonstrations, fun activities and displays all relating to the cloth on which the town was built.

Some of the key participant from last year have also announced their intentions to return this year, many of them are artisan businesses who specialise in wool and crafts. Similar to the Yarndale festival, the Kendal Wool Gathering gives artisans the opportunity to showcase their unique crafts.

As well as this, there is clearly a desire to maintain a level of tradition, with historian Roger Bingham been invited to give a talk on Kendal’s wool heritage. The Westmorland Agricultural Society will also provide livestock and displays, a discussion on sheep breeds and life on the fells. This aspect of the Kendal Gathering is perhaps unique in that it offers an insight into the processes by which the wool is produced.

An Opportunity to Educate

The Kendal Collaborative Partner-ship, a co-operative of Kendal primary schools has approached teachers to implement Kendal’s wool heritage into the Ghyllside school curriculum. The results of the changes implemented into the curriculum will be revealed at the Gathering when children will be given the opportunity to show what they have learned.

Dan Duxbury of Ghyllside school commented on the curriculum implementations, “Living where we do it is important that all of our children have the opportunity to learn about the way in which Kendal has grown and developed largely due to the thriving woollen industry.”

Dian Skelton’s Thoughts

Dian was particularly keen to praise the Kendal tradition. Speaking on the curriculum changes, Dian said it was an excellent opportunity to keep the tradition of Kendal’s wool industry alive by educating the young.

Dian Skelton – Director – ViewPoint Software Services Limited