The Festival of Quilts returns with creativity at Birmingham's NEC

The Festival of Quilts returns to the NEC Birmingham from July 30 to August 2 for four unforgettable days of creativity, colour, craftsmanship and community.

The Festival of Quilts (FOQ) is the ultimate destination for quilters and textile art lovers, where tens of thousands of visitors will enjoy an inspiring mix of displays of 800+ quilts, breathtaking exhibitions, hands-on workshops, expert talks and shopping opportunities.

Here are three reasons people travel from all over the world to attend the show:

With hundreds of specialist retailers all under one roof, it's the perfect place to stock up on fabrics, threads, tools, and kits, including rare finds and the latest must-have supplies you won’t find in your local shop.

Whether you’re hunting for hand-dyed fabrics, artisan notions, cutting-edge sewing machines or beautifully curated quilting kits, it’s the ultimate one-stop shop. You’ll also get to meet the makers and suppliers behind the brands and get hands-on product demos.

It’s more than just an exhibition - it’s a hub of hands-on learning and inspiration. With hundreds of dynamic workshops, masterclasses and captivating talks for every skill level, there’s truly something for everyone.

Refine your hand-quilting, dive into dyeing and design techniques and gain insider tips from the biggest names and trailblazers in the quilting world. It’s a nonstop creative adventure that will leave you inspired, energized and ready to elevate your quilting to the next level.

It’s a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in every aspect of quilt culture, from traditional techniques to the most innovative and contemporary designs.

You’ll find museum-quality galleries from internationally acclaimed textile artists, curated group exhibitions, and debut showcases from emerging talent. 

And of course, you can see all the entries to this year’s Festival of Quilts Competition which attracts hundreds of entries from across the globe. 

Anna Baptiste, Festival Event Director, says: "The Festival of Quilts is a joyful celebration of creativity and connection. Whether you come to exhibit, to learn, to shop, or simply to marvel, it’s a place where the global quilting community comes together in all its vibrant glory!"

Tickets, workshop bookings and full programme details are available at thefestivalofquilts.co.uk.