Kempton Park Quilt Show - by Helen D

Another year, another race track - no I’ve not gone to the dogs quite yet!

Grosvenor Shows moved their summer quilt show from Sandown Park to Kempton Park not that you would have thought it was summer as the rain teemed down this morning. Luckily the two race courses are very close together and a lovely journey past Hampton Court then along the Thames to Kempton and free parking for the show.

Exhibitors seemed more scarce than previous years numbering about 30 in total which included all the “big” names such as Barnyarns, Creative Quilting, Doughty’s, Lady Sew & Sew etc. But what we missed were the smaller traders who were always quirky & different to balance the retail experience - not sure if it’s the cost of the stands or that they have become 100% online. But if you wanted to test a new sewing machine or buy a work unit you were in luck as they were all there and busy.

The quilt exhibition was also quite different housed on the 1st floor so very spacious with lots of additional seating. The exhibits were all by well-known quilters e.g. Susan Briscoe and her students had an amazing display of Sashiko samplers. Another group called STAG chose ‘Forbidden Fruit” which led to a series of beautiful pomegranate themed wall hangings. But if you liked large traditional style quilts you may have been disappointed.

The venue had a few teething problems mostly on the catering side leading to enormous queues (50+ people) for coffee and no/ limited food followed by a small cafe with only a few tables as a seating area.



They are back at Kempton Park next June and I am sure the generous feedback from us quilters will help them improve things for 2025.