The Women’s Institute celebrates its centenary, with the launch of the WI Centennial Fair in Harrogate from September 3-6, 2015

WI Centennial Fair Logo

The WI Centennial Fair is one of the events taking place during a year of WI centenary celebrations, and will remain open from 1000hrs to 1700hrs from September 3-6, 2015.

Open to WI members and non-members, the event is set to become an annual occurrence, with 18,000 visitors expected to attend its inauguration.

The first event of its kind, the WI Centennial Fair will feature over 200 exhibitors and craft workshops, cooking demonstrations and lifestyle seminars from such names as Carol Smillie, Dr Hilary Jones, Bill Oddie and Louisa Fletcher.

“We’re really excited to be marking 100 years of the WI with the Centennial Fair in Harrogate. The WI was originally formed to encourage and support women during the First World War and now, a century later, it’s about providing women with the opportunity to take part in activities and build new skills, which is what the fair is all about,” said Janice Langley, Chair of National Federation of Women’s Institutes (NFWI).

Shirry Liram, Director of the WI Centennial Fair, said: “Harrogate is the perfect location to launch this event, as the facilities at the Harrogate International Centre are excellent. With the space available, we’re able to set up four different seminar theatres and we think our visitors will really enjoy this interactive element to the fair. Our UK-wide exhibitors, speakers and visitors will be welcomed by Harrogate’s community and a thriving local WI committee.”

Throughout the four-day event, visitors will be able to enjoy over 150 hands-on workshops, demonstrations and seminars. Create and Craft TV will be sponsoring The Create and Craft Theatre, with experts showcasing skills from embroidery, knitting and crochet through to upholstery, photography and paper crafts. The Live Kitchen Theatre will see top chefs and bakers in action, including Peter Lien, Head of the WI Cookery School, ITV’s Food Glorious Food and WI Cookery Judge Anne Harrison and Great British Bake Off finalists Howard Middleton and Luis Troyano.

Travel stories, tips and ideas will be shared in The Travel and Outdoors Theatre, with speakers Bill Oddie and Hilary Bradt; whilst experts Carol Smillie, Dr Hilary Jones, Louisa Fletcher, The Telegraph’s Kate Shapland and the RSPB will offer home, gardening and wellbeing tips in The Lifestyle Theatre. For more information visit www.thewishow.com.