ORGANISERS of the popular, Skipton based Yarndale Festival say they are delighted with the response to this year’s online event.

The event, which should have been held at the end of September at Skipton Auction Mart, went online this year because of the coronavirus pandemic, and was renamed Yarndale@Home.

Held via the Yarndale website and social media channels, and featuring online demonstrations and tutorials, the two day event attracted more than 11,000 visitors, from all over the UK, and also the United States, Australia and New Zealand.

It played host to 128 talented and passionate exhibitors who contributed with live, interactive Instagram sessions as well as unique video content featuring innovative demonstrations and tutorials, all designed to inspire their audiences and encourage them to try a new craft.

Visitors also enjoyed a series of live online talks featuring inspirational contributions from designers based in the UK, Sweden, Netherlands and the Czech Republic, with all monies raised from the sale of the tickets going to Yarndale’s chosen charity for 2020, Martin House Hospice.

In addition, there were competitions, image galleries and free patterns, as well as online shopping opportunities.

Kate Beard from the Yarndale team said: “It has been lovely to widen our reach and share the Yarndale spirit and experience online with so many avid Yarndale enthusiasts and yarn lovers from all over the world.

“We’ve been particularly heartened that so many people were able to join online who have not been able to visit the show in previous years due to geographical or accessibility restrictions.

“And we’re pleased that we have been able to support our exhibitors and local businesses in these challenging times for the arts and crafts industry, and they in turn have supported us.

“Hearing positive comments from our visitors saying that the event has inspired them to learn a new skill as well as spreading some joy and generally lifting their spirits has been wonderful for our team.”

A competition to win a year’s supply of West Yorkshire Spinners Signature Sock yarn - 52 balls - is available to enter until November 30 via the Hub on the website: yarndale.co.uk