Stourbridge Glows: International Festival of Glass Returns for Final Hoorah

The International Festival of Glass (IFG) is set to illuminate Stourbridge's renowned Glass Quarter this weekend, drawing glass artists and enthusiasts from across the UK and beyond. This year's festival marks a significant milestone, as it will be the final one organised by the Ruskin Mill Land Trust, who have spearheaded the event since its inception twenty years ago. The baton will be passed to the USA-based Glass Art Society for future iterations.

Taking place from August 23rd to 26th, the festival will spread its sparkle across several venues, including the Ruskin Glass Centre in Wollaston Road, the Red House Glass Cone in Wordsley, and the Stourbridge Glass Museum. A packed programme promises something for everyone, with exhibitions, masterclasses, demonstrations, heritage tours, talks, workshops, hands-on activities, evening events, and captivating entertainment. The highlight, however, is undoubtedly the British Glass Biennale – a prestigious juried exhibition showcasing the crème de la crème of the glass art world.

Janine Christley, director of the IFG, expressed her excitement about this landmark year: "It's truly amazing that this is our 20th anniversary. We'll be revisiting some of our most beloved moments from the past and looking forward to an exciting future. I want to express my sincere gratitude to everyone in Stourbridge for their unwavering support of this event over the years. Let's make this a truly memorable celebration for one last time at the Ruskin Glass Centre."

The festival aims to honour Stourbridge's rich glassmaking heritage while providing a platform for contemporary glass artists from around the globe. The British Glass Biennale, held in the Furnace Auditorium at the Glasshouse Arts Centre, will showcase a dazzling array of artistic creations, from delicate sculptures to large-scale installations, by leading glass artists from across the world. The exhibition will continue after the festival until September 28th.

Families will be delighted by the array of children's activities, and ample refreshments will be available throughout the festival. Beyond the main venues, several other locations will contribute to the vibrant atmosphere. Riverside House, a hidden gem on the banks of the Stourbridge Canal, will host craft workshops, demonstrations, music, and performances throughout the weekend. The Mayor of Dudley will officially open the venue on Friday afternoon (August 23rd), marking a significant step in the transformation of the former ironworks site into a haven for wildlife, nature, and creativity.

Stourbridge's General Office art gallery will showcase the work of newly graduated glass artists in "Glass Beginnings: Glass Graduates of 2024", while the Lace Guild at Audnam will present a captivating display of uranium glass pieces alongside exquisite laces from their collection.

Festival-goers can explore the various venues by foot, using the Stourbridge Canal as a scenic route, or by taking advantage of free shuttle buses operating between 9.30am and 5.30pm from Stand J at Stourbridge Interchange. The festival office at the Ruskin Glass Centre will be open for ticket bookings and assistance in navigating the event.

For a comprehensive list of festival events and locations, visit the official website at https://ifg.org.uk/events/.