A Spring Celebration of Creativity at New Brewery Arts
Residents and visitors to Cirencester are invited to enjoy a vibrant day of creativity this April, as New Brewery Arts hosts “A Spring Fling of a Makers Day” on Saturday 25 April, from 10am to 4pm.
This special Open Studios celebration shines a spotlight on the talented craftspeople and creatives who make the studios at New Brewery Arts such a unique and inspiring place. The event is free to attend and offers a rare opportunity to step inside working studios, meet skilled makers, and experience craft in action.
Visitors can look forward to a full day of activities, including live demonstrations, hands-on experiences, and the chance to explore a wide range of heritage and contemporary crafts - from traditional straw hat making to glassblowing. There will also be limited-edition handmade pieces available to purchase, including exclusive collections launching on the day, alongside one-day-only offers.
Throughout the event, guests are encouraged to chat with makers, ask questions, and gain a deeper understanding of the creative process. For those keen to get involved, there are opportunities to try activities such as embroidery, mixed media collage, and even glassblowing, as well as creating personalised jewellery.
The day also offers a chance to relax and enjoy the welcoming café, with a special open day offer of tea or coffee and cake for £5.
Beth Alden, Director of New Brewery Arts, said:
“Spring Fling is a chance to see craft in action - to step into the studios, talk to makers, and experience the joy and vitality of creativity.
It’s also a moment for people to understand exactly what New Brewery Arts is about. We champion craft - making it, learning it, and supporting the people who do it. We are a unique place - the opportunity to see a glass blower, or a hat-maker at work is not something you get in most towns. But places like this only exist when people walk through the door. When you use New Brewery Arts, and the studios here, you’re choosing a livelier town, local makers, shared experiences and moments of joy. This is your creative home - Use Us or Lose Us.”
While Spring Fling highlights the creativity within the studios, visitors can also explore everything else New Brewery Arts has to offer - from its shop showcasing work by leading UK makers, to its wide range of craft and art courses and workshops for all ages and abilities.
As a registered charity and a key cultural hub, New Brewery Arts continues to play an important role in supporting craftspeople and bringing creativity to the heart of the community. In 2025 alone, it welcomed over 110,000 visitors, supported more than 500 makers, and delivered thousands of hours of creative learning opportunities.
The message is clear: spaces like this thrive when communities get involved. Spring Fling is a perfect opportunity to experience it first-hand.
The Open Studios Makers Day is free to attend and open to all.
What’s On
Explore working studios
Watch live making and demonstrations
Discover heritage crafts, including traditional straw hat making
Shop limited-edition handmade pieces
Meet makers and ask questions
Enjoy one-day-only offers
Relax in the café with a special open day offer: tea or coffee and cake for £5
Makers Opening Their Studios on the Day
Tracey Elphick – Mixed Media Collage (Studio 1)
Have a go – donations welcomeLoCo Glass – Glass Blowers (Studio 2)
Try glassblowing and create a Landscape Bud Vase (£90pp)Stephen Perkins – Traditional Upholsterer (Studio 4, cellar studio)
Daniella Wilson-Dunne – Stained Glass (Studio 5)
Liz Valenti – Paper Collage and Paper Clothes (Studio 6)
Ruth Martin (Baskerville & Jones) – Textiles (Studio 7)
Create a spring flower embroidery. Drop-in learning free; £12 for materials, tuition and a take-home kitEmily Hurst – Milliner (Studio 8)
Hayley Kruger – Jeweller (Studio 9)
Create a personalised friendship bracelet or necklace using hand-stamped sterling silver charms, with vibrant cord and semi-precious beads (£32 per piece)