THE fourth year of Farnham Maltings’ annual textile festival ‘thread’ proved a huge success, attracting more than 750 enthusiasts of all ages to the day-long event.

The sun shone and the atmosphere was equally bright with visitors staying throughout the day to share their sewing and textile experiences with each other and accessing the expertise of the assembled tutors, speakers and artists.

The ever-popular marketplace thrived, featuring more than 50 diverse exhibitors, ranging from artists and makers showing their own handcrafted items to independent businesses selling supplies for projects.

There was plenty to see elsewhere too, with exhibitions across the building including the work of A-level textile students alongside the flagship exhibition by Jacky Puzey.

Thread guests were wowed by the exquisite machine embroidery work shown by the award-winning Bristol-based artist.

The ‘sewing for good causes’ initiative launched this year was undoubtedly one of the hits of the day.

The demonstration and participation area, dedicated to drop in learning sessions and highlighting textile-based social and environmental campaigns was overwhelmingly supported and looks set to return at the next thread festival.