FARNHAM Maltings’ annual festival of crafts will return for its 19th year this autumn. Long-established as one of Britain’s leading independent craft events, since its launch in 1996, the festival has consistently drawn around 2,000 enthusiasts from across the country.

Celebrating contemporary craft in all its forms over the weekend of October 17 to 18, the event will offer a busy marketplace featuring work from more than 70 of the best makers working in the UK today, alongside opportunities to take part in a programme of participatory activities for all ages and levels.

Throughout the historic Maltings buildings, emerging and established makers specialising in all manner of crafts, from ceramics, to jewellery and furniture design, will gather to create a diverse marketplace offering an unparalleled shopping experience.

The makers behind this year’s festival illustration are Bobby and Kate, who together are Telegramme Paper Co. With a joint love of fine paper goods and the lost joy of sending and receiving post, Bobby and Kate work from their studio in North London.

Sharing a passion for all things mid-century and vintage they apply their unique illustration style to prints, greetings cards, hand painted signs and customised wedding products. As well as taking commissions from clients as varied as Penguin, Habitat, Random House, Vodafone, Warner music and Condé Nast, and fulfilling their love of live music by having a large catalogue of officially commissioned gig posters for some of their favourite bands and artists. Some of their greetings cards are available from the Farnham Maltings’ stores.

Some of the other local craft organisations including 318 ceramics, the Craft Study Centre, and the Surrey Guild of Craftsman will be encouraging visitors to try their hand at new crafts by demonstrating the broad range of expertise within their membership.

There will be a selection of free, hour long workshops featured for all ages and levels. The workshop programme will be led by leading contemporary makers.

Festival of crafts is part of Farnham Craft Town Month, a celebration of contemporary craft in Farnham throughout October. Now in its third year, Farnham Craft Town Month aims to recognise Farnham’s rich heritage in craft and the contemporary makers based in the town.

Visitors are invited to listen, watch and get creative, as Farnham Town Council and many local creative organisations, including Farnham Maltings and the Museum of Farnham, come together to host this celebration of craft, with activities suitable for all.

Tickets cost £3 including a festival catalogue, with free entry for under 15s. For full event listings information, visit the website www.farnhammaltings.com or call the Maltings’ box office on 01252 745444.