ORGANISERS of Skipton’s wool festival Yarndale say they are ‘cautiously optimistic’ that the globally popular event will be able to take place this year.

Following the Government’s roadmap out of coronavirus and the expected gradual easing of restrictions, the team says it is following all safety advice and hopes to be able to stage the two day event in September as usual at Skipton Auction Mart.

At the same time, those behind the event - which can attract around 7,500 visitors - say they are on a mission to inspire even more people to start a new skill such as knitting or crocheting, and join their creative community while the country battles out of the pandemic.

A spokesperson said; “Lockdown has been difficult for so many people on so many different levels, but we know from speaking to members of our Yarndale community that knitting and crocheting have been a source of relaxation and therapy during these challenging times and that it has been very good for general wellbeing and mental health.

“The pandemic has definitely fuelled an interest in starting to knit and crochet, but we have recognised that people may be uncertain about where to start, what they may need or how to get going with the process.”

To help people, the team has launched a series of helpful videos where members share tips and step-by-step guides in how to knit and crochet and to create things.

They include videos where team member Emma Sandoe uses her own patterns to make a cotton cloth, both knitted and crocheted.

She said: “Knitting and crocheting have been a life saver for me in lockdown and I feel passionate in introducing this skill to new people as it’s so relaxing and therapeutic.

“With the shops closed, I have also enjoyed making my own creative presents for my friends and family which they have really appreciated.”

The patterns are suitable for both beginners and the more experienced, and there are also kits containing everything the beginner needs to get started.

Emma added: “I’m really keen to get new people to embrace this wonderful hobby and to support them in the process.”

Last year’s event was cancelled because of the coronavirus pandemic, but was held virtually instead as Yarndale@Home. The event’s worldwide fans were able to log to see around 125 exhibitors carrying out demonstrations and tutorials as well as live, interactive sessions.

Yarndale is due to take place at Skipton Auction Mart on September 25 and September 26. To find out more, including videos on how to make things, visit: www.yarndale.co.uk.