What’s On

EXPLORE OUR WORKSHOP & EVENT PROGRAMME

Sunny Bank Mills’ Arts and Heritage teams programme a wide range of creative workshops, art exhibitions, artists’ Open Studios, heritage tours, markets, performances and much more.

Get involved by learning a new skill or improving one you already have, enjoying some artwork at an exhibition opening, watching a live performance in one of our beautiful spaces, visiting our Museum & Archive for a tour or attending one of our markets.

May
2

Drawing with Wire

Learn how to hand manipulate wire, with pliers and wire cutters, to create a unique wirework drawing with artist Helaina Sharpley.
Drawing with Wire
May
3

Weaving in a Day

Spend a day learning to weave on one of our looms!
Weaving in a Day
May
5

Tea & Textile Tuesdays

Join together with like minded textile enthusiasts on the 1st Tuesday of each month for Tea and Textiles in the Finishing Room.
Tea & Textile Tuesdays
May
9

Observing the Seasons – Spring

Returning to the same space throughout the year, we will observe the changing seasons through our colourful and expressive sketches.
Observing the Seasons - Spring
May
9

Loom Hire with Technician

Have you attended one of our weaving workshops or courses? Want to progress with your weaving? Join Agnis in the weaving shed.
Loom Hire with Technician
May
9

Komorebi Sculpture Launch

Join us for the public launch of a new sculptural artwork on the Weavers Colonnade at Sunny Bank Mills
Komorebi Sculpture Launch
May
10

Introduction to Bookmaking

Join art educator Zoe Platt and learn how to book bind using different methods.
Introduction to Bookmaking
May
12

Monthly Life Drawing

Join artist Ellie Andrews on the 2nd Tuesday of the month for life drawing!
Monthly Life Drawing
May
16

Threads Textile Festival Market 2026

Visit the 1912 Mill for 50+ stalls of homewares, textile art, haberdashery materials & clothing per day during our annual Textile Festival!
Threads Textile Festival Market 2026
May
16

Embellished Florals – Threads 2026

Join artist Jessica Grady for a colourful and creative workshop exploring floral designs using mixed media embellishments and hand stitch.
Embellished Florals - Threads 2026
May
16

Colourful Weaving – Threads 2026

A fun weaving workshop with tutor Agnis Smallwood, where you will learn how to weave and experiment with colour!
Colourful Weaving - Threads 2026
May
16

An Evening with the 62 Group: Meet & Make

Join the some of the artists in the 62 Group’s new Touchlines exhibition for the chance to ask questions and take part in mini workshops!
An Evening with the 62 Group: Meet & Make
May
17

Stitched Charms – Threads 2026

Join recent Ones to Watch exhibitor Reece Kelly and create Georgian era eye charms to take home, or add to their exhibited collection.
Stitched Charms - Threads 2026
May
21

A Short Course in Printmaking

There are numerous ways of creating prints. During this short course we will be exploring 3 methods – monoprint, drypoint and relief print.
A Short Course in Printmaking
May
23

Experimental Gelli Printing

Experimental Gelli Printing is a vibrant and hands-on workshop that invites you to explore the creative potential of monoprinting!
Experimental Gelli Printing
May
23

Weaving in a Day

Spend a day learning to weave on one of our looms!
Weaving in a Day
Jun
12

Mosaic Workshop

Join Kim Searle and learn the skills needed to mosaic.
Mosaic Workshop
Jun
13

Botanical Bas Relief Plaster Relief Tiles

Come along and enjoy this experimental course where you will learn the various steps to making your own bas relief plaster cast plaques.
Botanical Bas Relief Plaster Relief Tiles
Jun
14

Funky Foam Relief Prints

Create colourful layered relief print using foam with print maker Cath Brooke.
Funky Foam Relief Prints
Jun
19

Embroider with Nature

Combine nature with embroidery on this workshop with Embroidery artist and educator Elnaz Yazdani!
Embroider with Nature
Jul
10

Embroidery on Clothing

Learn how to give your clothing a second life through decorative stitch.
Embroidery on Clothing
Jul
11

Gel Plate Printing & Stitch

In this session you will discover an easy way to learn the art of printing without a press and how to add detail and dimension to your work.
Gel Plate Printing & Stitch
Jul
17

Intermediate Weaving Course

This 3 week course is aimed those who have been on the beginners weaving course or already have some experience of weaving on a shaft loom.
Intermediate Weaving Course
Jul
17

Printing from Nature

We will be making one off colourful monoprints, printing from leaves and foliage to create colourful layered prints.
Printing from Nature
Sep
5

Visible Mending on clothing

Learn how to mend and embellish your clothing with artist and educator Carolann Allan.
Visible Mending on clothing
Sep
27

Textile Prints Inspired by Sunny Bank Mills

Come and join us for this unique opportunity to delve into the Archive at Sunny Bank Mills and create your own custom lino print for fabric.
Textile Prints Inspired by Sunny Bank Mills

Museum & Archive bookings

Discover the story of Sunny Bank Mills and its workers during a 1 hour bespoke, interactive guided tour of our on site Museum & Archive. Every Saturday from 10am-3pm. Book directly on our Eventbrite.

We offer group bookings and longer visits for research purposes. Find out more.