Glastonbury's getting a new festival – and this time, it's all about local culture, creativity, and sheepskin.

FleeceFest is hitting the Red Brick Building on Saturday, 14th September, and it's shaping up to be a day of food, live music, and heritage-honouring craft sessions.

This free mini-festival, which runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., has been put together by a crew of young locals who've taken over Red Brick's Community Garden for the day.

Expect to get hands-on with sheepskin crafts, courtesy of textile pro Liana, and design your own badges at the make-your-own-station. If you're feeling artistic, join in on creating a massive mural designed by local volunteers and fronted by mural artist Jon Minshull.

Paintbrushes at the ready for Fleece Fest (submitted)

Live music is front and centre, with local bands and artists soundtracking the day, including some brand-new tunes inspired by Glastonbury's industrial past – specifically the Morlands and Baily's factories. Food stalls repping local produce will be scattered throughout the garden, serving up everything from snacks to full-blown feasts. So, you can chow down while soaking up the festival energy.

The idea for FleeceFest came from a bunch of local volunteers working with Alison Horgan, the Red Brick's Heritage Project Co-ordinator. They wanted to put on something fresh that speaks to the younger crowd in town, while keeping the community spirit alive. One of the organisers said, "We're really hyped to see everyone come down and just have a good time – there's something for everyone here." Another added, "It's been cool getting this off the ground. We've learned so much and met a bunch of new people."

The name FleeceFest is a throwback to the Red Brick's origins as part of the old Morlands sheepskin factory – a serious player in Glastonbury's past. The event celebrates the town's industrial heritage, with a nod to the workers who built the local sheepskin trade.

advertisement

The festival is part of New Wave, a national programme that gets young people involved in heritage projects. It ties into the wider Heritage Open Days festival, which is happening all over Somerset and the UK. Tours, talks, and secret venue openings are just some of the extras popping up across the county.

Catch FleeceFest at the Red Brick Building on 14th September. For the full lowdown, head to www.redbrickbuilding.co.uk.