MEDIA RELEASE
Craft enthusiasts will feel like they have stepped through the gates of heaven when they see the wide range of displays, market stalls, hands-on demonstrations and sweet treats when the Laidley Quilt and Craft Expo returns to the historic Uniting Church this September.
Held over two big days from September 6-7, the Quilt and Craft Expo is part of the much larger three-day Laidley Spring Festival, which features an incredible lineup of family-friendly spring-inspired events and experiences for visitors to enjoy.
As an avid quilter and the coordinator of this year’s Quilt and Craft Expo, Maxine Lester said this year’s event was not to be missed.
“Regardless of whether you’re an experienced crafter, a beginner, or someone who likes to admire the handiwork of others, you are sure to find something that will catch your eye,” Maxine said.
“One of the most amazing things to see will be the church blanketed in colourful, handmade quilts of all sizes.
“We will hang the quilts from the open rafters on the roof, as well as on the walls, so everyone who visits can see them up close.”
Plenty of intricate crafts including crocheted items, decorative sewing and textile art will also be on display and for sale in the church hall, as well as handcrafted mementos you can take home like jewellery, woodwork, cards, flowers, dolls and children’s wear.
“One of the stalls you have to visit is the Laidley Ladies Larder Shop,” Maxine said.
“There is a group of church ladies who make the most delicious lollies and cakes to sell at the expo.”
There will also be tea, coffee and light refreshments like homemade sandwiches, salad boxes, ice cream with strawberries available from the Courtyard Café, which will be located outside the church under a big marquee.
“If you don’t know what a peach blossom is, you are in for a real treat,” Maxine said.
The expo was established in 1984 by the late Audrey Brimblecombe, who had a passion for craft and giving back to her community.
“It’s exciting to be the coordinator for the expo’s 40th anniversary,” Maxine said.
“We all love the Laidley Spring Festival, and all have wonderful memories of coming with our kids when they were younger.”
With only a few short months until the event arrives, Lockyer Valley Regional Council Mayor, Tanya Milligan, is encouraging craft enthusiasts from far and wide to make arrangements to come and see the impressive displays for themselves.
“The annual Quilt and Craft Expo has been a yearly highlight for four decades, as it gives our crafty locals the chance to share their talent with the wider community,” Cr Milligan said.
“You can’t help but feel inspired to start your own project!
Entry to the expo is a gold coin donation, which the church will then donate to chaplaincy programs and crisis care services.
The Quilt and Craft Expo will be held from 9am-4pm on September 6-7at the Laidley Uniting Church, located at 45 Patrick St, Laidley.
Bus and tour groups are welcome to attend, with coach parking conveniently located nearby.
The 61st annual Laidley Spring Festival will run from September 6-8.
A full festival program is available on the festival’s website at www.laidleyspringfestival.com
You can also follow Laidley Spring Festival on Facebook and Instagram for more announcements.
The 2024 Laidley Spring Festival wouldn’t be possible if it wasn’t for the support of the Lockyer Valley Regional Council, Tourism and Events Queensland, Kambu Health, The Lockyer & Somerset Independent, River 94.9, Pohlman’s Nursery, Australian Organic Farmers, and Urban Utilities.
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