A HOST of Salisbury’s artists and crafts people will display their skills at the Salisbury Heritage and Craft Festival, which takes place on the weekend of September 5th and 6th, 2015.

Crocodile Smiles returns to the event in the grounds of Salisbury Cathedral. This team of two, an engineer and an artist, aim to combine the most accurate laser cutting with acute drawing skills to take the drawn line into three dimensions.

Original drawings are transferred to computer, and used to programme a laser cutting machine. By producing simple flat press-out kits, they can bring beautifully observed and constructed mini sculptures to everyone.

Charlotte Moreton, who trained at the Frink School of Figurative Sculpture, will be demonstrating how she combines sculpture and teaching with nature conservation work, based in Salisbury. Her sculpture is greatly influenced by trees and nature. Among the tributes she has received is one she particularly treasures from late author Sir Terry Pratchett, who said: "Whatever they are paying you, it isn't enough!"

Another local craftsman is James Morton-Evans, who is a UK-based designer who draws upon the language of organic morphology to make exquisite, timeless furniture which is as much sculptural as it is functional.

Said James: “Though I always intended to design and make my own, I actually trained as a restorer of antique furniture. What better way to learn lasting construction technique together with the requisite hand skills?”

They will be accompanied by over 100 other craft-makers from all over the UK in what is set to become one of the most prestigious heritage events in the South of England.

David Clayton, co-organiser of the festival, said: “This event really does have huge potential not just locally but as a regional ‘must see’ event.”

As well as increasing the number of craft makers, workshops, tours and talks this year, the orgainsers are also hoping to add further dimensions with an artist programme providing that they are able to secure funding from Arts Council England.

The feedback from last year’s festival was very encouraging and this year has the backing of Salisbury Cathedral, Salisbury City Council, Salisbury BID and Salisbury Area Board

Patricia Dixon, the Festival’s appointed Manager, said “We expect over 5,500 visitors to attend the event over the weekend both from Salisbury and further afield.As well as being a popular family event, the festival is also becoming a tourism draw for the city. “We have joined VisitWiltshire as a Groups and Travel Trade Partner. We see an opportunity from 2016 onwards to bring lots of groups into the city by offering them an exclusive weekend package, hopefully resulting in increased business for all,” added Patricia.

The organiser of the Festival is Salisbury Rotary Club in association with Salisbury Cathedral and Salisbury Chamber of Commerce..

The Festival takes place on the West Lawn within the grounds of Salisbury’s medieval Cathedral, which attracts over 2,000 visitors each day. The Close around the cathedral is home to some 400 residents as well as to Arundells, the former home of the late Sir Edward Heath, and a number of Museums and National Trust properties.

Salisbury Cathedral was so impressed with the 2014 event that they have given it a permanent date in September for the next three years. The official date for the Contemporary Crafts & Heritage Festival 2015 will be 5th & 6th September. The 2015 event will be a two day festival, however the craft fair will move to a three day format in 2016.

All workshops, tours, talks and trails are again included free within the ticket price along with access to the craft marquees making the Festival both excellent value and fun for all the family.

For more information and to book advance tickets which provide a fast-track access to the event on both days, please visit www.salisburycraftfestival.org/tickets-prices/