The International Festival of Glass returns to the historic Stourbridge Glass Quarter this month (Friday 23 - Monday 26 August). Marking its 20th anniversary, the event this year takes the theme Past, Present, Future, with its programme recalling highlights from previous editions of the festival and also including dynamic new attractions and exhibitions.

Here the Festival team share just a small sample of what’s on offer...  

FUN FOR ALL THE FAMILY

A visit to the festival is a great way to ignite the interest of the next generation of glass enthusiasts! Once again we will be featuring lots of family-friendly fun at the event, including a glass doodle competition and a family glass-fusing workshop. Not all our activities are glass-focused - visitors can also take part in papermaking, spinning-wheel making and stick frame weaving. 

NETFLIX'S BLOWN AWAY STARS

The Festival is bringing together glass artists from around the world, including some of the glassmaking stars of Netflix hit Blown Away. Stourbridge is the creative home of both Elliot Walker and Maddy Hughes, who will be showing off the skills that made them so popular on the show. 

JUGGLING GLASS PANGOTTIC

PanGottic have been a Festival favourite since their first event in 2019, and each display wows the crowds. Routinely pushing the boundaries of street circus performance, they will again be including some sure-to-be-breathtaking glass juggling! 
We are excited to experience what they bring to this year’s Festival.   

THE UK's LARGEST EXHIBITION OF CONTEMPORARY GLASS

The British Glass Biennale is the flagship exhibition of the International Festival of Glass, showcasing the world-class glass which is being made in the UK and featuring work by 121 selected artists. 
The return of the People’s Prize Award allows families to get involved by voting for their favourite piece, while the Young Collectors’ Award will see the winning child receive a piece of contemporary glass to start their very own collection.

RUSKIN'S SEVEN LAMPS

Walk The Plank, experts in outdoor celebration, thrilled us all with the first huge Festival finale in 2004, and we are delighted to welcome them back for an evening of music, fire and immersive spectacle. 
The centrepiece will be a huge fire sculpture by artist Felix Rowberry, with the audience committing their hopes and wishes for the next 20 years to the fire in a ritual act witnessed by all.

ARABIAN TENT & BAR

Alongside celebrating all things glass, the Festival has always been about bringing people together. This year we will be reviving the hugely popular Arabian Tent & Bar, to provide a social hub for visitors. Relax and enjoy a local brew, reminisce over festivals past, and share great experiences from the 2024 edition of the event. 

For details on all events and activities at this year's International Glass Festival, visit ifg.org.uk