The International Festival of Glass is coming to St Helens from 28–31 August, bringing leading contemporary glass artists, exhibitions, live demonstrations, talks and community events to the town.

The World of Glass will serve as the main festival hub, where visitors will be able to watch internationally recognised glass artists at work and hear from speakers from across the glass art world.

St Helens’ own glassmaking heritage will also play a major part in the programme. Pilkington, whose history is deeply connected with the town, and Glass Futures, which opened its St Helens facility in 2023, will both feature as part of the festival.

Local venues will join in too. Events and exhibitions are planned at locations including St Helens Minster, Quaker House and Lucem House, helping spread the festival beyond The World of Glass and into the wider community.

One of the most exciting community projects will take place at St Mary’s Market, where mosaic artist Carrie Strope will lead the first St Helens community glass mosaic.

Local people will help create the artwork, which will eventually become a permanent piece of public art on the outside wall of The World of Glass.

Visitors will also have opportunities to explore the town’s glassmaking story through heritage tours, including behind-the-scenes access connected with Pilkington and an inside look at the pioneering work taking place at Glass Futures.

Accessibility is also part of the programme, with deaf artist Olivier Jamin leading a specially designed British Sign Language tour of the festival’s three flagship exhibitions at The World of Glass.

The festival gives St Helens an opportunity to celebrate a glassmaking heritage known around the world while also looking towards the future of the industry and inspiring a new generation.

Most festival events are expected to be free to attend, although some activities may require advance booking.

For the latest programme, event times and booking information, visit the International Festival of Glass page at The World of Glass.