Why Joy! Matters More Than Ever
Christmas Exhibition & Shop at New Brewery Arts, Cirencester
17 October 2026 to 2 January 2027
In a season shaped by fast shopping and forgettable gifts, choosing to give handmade is a powerful act. It supports real makers, preserves traditional skills, and brings meaning back into the ritual of giving at this time of the year. New Brewery Arts opens Joy! 2026, its annual Christmas exhibition — a vibrant celebration of UK craft and the beauty of objects handmade.
Joy! displays work from more than 100 UK makers, offering everything from thoughtful under‑£10 decorations to standout investment pieces. Visitors will find such items as Adelle Lipscombe’s Christmas decorations (£5–£11), Kath Cooper’s handmade ornaments (from £5), Tori Lo Designs’ leather bags (from £200) and Fran Perry’s wool‑filled cushions (£65) — each piece chosen for its quality, story, and craftsmanship. It’s a curated alternative to mass‑produced Christmas shopping, and a chance to support the makers who keep craft alive.
Since 1978, New Brewery Arts itself is a cornerstone of creativity in Cirencester. In 2025, more than 110,000 people visited the charity, which delivered 20,952 hours of participation, supported over five hundred craftspeople, and provided 780 hours of free creative access through its New Brewery Hearts scheme. Its mission — championing craft through making, learning, and supporting makers.
As CEO Beth Alden says, “New Brewery Arts is here for craft, creativity, and community — and Joy! is a reminder that places like this thrive only when people choose to support them.”
She continues, “We also have several themed festive workshops – Christmas decoration making or glass bauble painting workshops have spaces available – and a fun way to find out all about us!”
Joy! runs from 17 October 2026 to 2 January 2027. Workshops and courses run throughout the year. To keep up to date, please join the mailing list to stay connected all year round.
For workshops: NewBreweryArts | Adult Workshops
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