THE UK’s top craft makers and designers will be showcasing their work in Salisbury this weekend.

More than 4,000 people are expected to attend the first Contemporary Craft and Heritage Fayre on the West Lawn of the Cathedral Close with more than 80 craftsmen selling artwork, ceramics, furniture, glass, jewellery, leather, silver and textiles.

Salisbury’s local heritage will also be on show, with both adults and children getting the chance to learn about ancient skills and our local history through practical workshops, interactive demonstrations and talks run by heritage experts.

Richard Dewdney from English Heritage will show people how to create chainmail and help them make their own crest, Salisbury Cathedral will be showing people some of the craftsmanship at work with stonecarving, stained glass window and calligraphy workshops and Darren Wheeler will be demonstrating woodturning.

There will also be craft and heritage tours and trails within the close and in the city.

Salisbury Rotary Club and Salisbury Chamber of Commerce have organised the event, working in partnership with Salisbury Cathedral. It is hoped the fayre will become one of the largest and most prestigious of its kind in the UK.

All workshops, tours and trails are included with the ticket price – £5 for adults, £2 for students and 12 to 19-year-olds and £12 for families. Children under 12 are free.

The fayre is from 10am to 5pm on Saturday and 10.30am to 4pm on Sunday and there will be cream teas available on the West Lawn the whole weekend.

All the money raised will go to local charities supported by the rotary club and chamber of commerce.

To book tickets go to salisburycraftfayre.org.