One of the most important events in the ceramics calendar, the 17th National Pottery and Ceramics Festival, will take place at Hatfield House, Hertfordshire on August 5th, 6th & 7th.   The makers range from young imaginative students and relative newcomers to leading National and International makers.  Some of the best ideas for ceramics in interior and garden design will be on display for you to admire and buy.   There will be demonstrations taking place both inside and outside the marquees all week-end, from throwing and hand decoration inside the marquees to kiln firings outside.

Three awards are offered each year; ‘The Valentine Clays Peers Award’ (best maker at the show), which went to Michel Cohen from France. The second is for ‘The Student Award’ sponsored by Art in Clay and was won by Alex McCarthy (University of Wales Institute Cardiff). The third award sponsored by www.studiopottery.co.uk went to Barry Guppy. The bi-annual award is ‘The Mick Casson Award’ This award is donated by Steve Harrison and Ben Casson. It’s a tankard made by Steve in a wooden presentation box crafted by Ben. All awards are presented when the show closes on Saturday (5.30pmish) and all are welcome to attend.