Crocheters and knitters from across Calderdale have been challenged to make two woolly bikes as part of a The Woolly Bike Trial, a Yorkshire Festival 2014 project taking place across Yorkshire.
Workshops are being held to create 10 themed bikes focussing on all things Yorkshire from whippets to the White Rose using Yorkshire wool, thread and even recycled ribbon from saris.
A dedicated bunch of crafters, led by yarn storming artist Cassandra Kilbride, created the first Calderdale bike which focussed on the theme of multi-cultural Yorkshire, at Square Chapel, Halifax on Saturday 31 May and Sunday 1 June.
The diverse and brightly coloured bike quickly took shape, with both local residents and knitting enthusiasts from further afield working hard to produce a beautiful looking woolly bike.
Don’t worry if you missed the event last weekend, there’s still a chance to join in with a second Calderdale woolly bike workshop. Nimble-fingered residents are being encouraged to join the next workshops in Hebden Bridge, to create a green goddess themed bike and help make Calderdale’s bikes the best of the trail!
If you can knit or crochet, why not get involved and help create the Upper Valley bike? Free workshops are being held on Sunday 8 and Monday 9 June, at Ribbon Circus in Hebden Bridge. Places are limited, so please book in advance at www.yorkshireswoollybikes.co.uk
The 10 bikes will go on display together at Sheffield Cathedral from Tuesday 1 July to Thursday 31 July, as part of the Yorkshire Festival 2014, the first ever arts festival to precede the Grand Départ in its 111 year history. After being displayed at the Cathedral, the woollen cycles will return to Calderdale where you will be able to spot them at Square Chapel, Halifax and the Town Hall in Hebden Bridge. They will be on display for 12 months forming part of The Woolly Bike Trail across the county.
Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities, Cllr Steve Sweeney, said:
“It’s good to show the world that the spirit of woollen industry is alive across the region, and that the people of Calderdale are so creative. I hope the woolly bike trail inspires people to try their hand at traditional crafts and get involved in community projects.
“There are lots of activities taking place across Yorkshire for the 100 day festival and there is still time to get involved, and be part of it. Visit festival.yorkshire.com for more information.”
Yorkshire Festival 2014, which runs until 6 July, features 47 official events and hundreds of fringe events taking place across the region. Visit www.yorkshirefestival.co.uk, Yorkshire Festival on Facebook or follow Yorkshire Festival 2014 on Twitter – YFest2014