A traditional crafting and contemporary creativity festival returns to the city tomorrow, offering more than 170 events and workshops.

Norfolk Makers Festival, a free celebration of creativity, returns to The Forum from Saturday, April 13 to Sunday, April 21.

Visitors can try new activities or hone their existing skills through taster sessions in a wide assortment of crafts.

With more than 170 events, including 100 which are completely free, the nine-day festival presents a range of exhibitions, activities, workshops and talks.

Norwich Evening News: With more than 170 events, including 100 which are completely free With more than 170 events, including 100 which are completely free (Image: Keiron Tovell)

These opportunities celebrate Norfolk artists, encourage creative exploration and invite everyone to participate, regardless of their experience level.

The Forum’s main Atrium will host numerous creative organisations and makers giving inspiring demonstrations and providing free taster sessions from 10am to 4pm.

An extensive programme of ticketed workshops, led by skilled tutors, will explore a variety of crafts, including lacemaking and painting with mud.

Festival producer, Jayne Evans, said: “For nine days we turn The Forum into an eclectic festival of arts and crafts, welcoming thousands of people who want to either get hands-on or simply look, chat, listen and enjoy the creative buzz.

Norwich Evening News: Visitors will be able to try new activities or hone their existing skills Visitors will be able to try new activities or hone their existing skills (Image: Beth Moseley)

“We know that getting involved in creative activities, either on your own or with a group of friends, is good for our physical and mental health and this festival proves this to be true. So many smiling faces.”

Norfolk Makers Festival also showcases how crafting and making can be a force for environmental protection, from upcycling to repairing.

Among the featured work is Granny Plastic’s art composed of rubbish collected from Norfolk’s beaches.

Norwich Evening News: Experience traditional and contemporary crafts at Norfolk Makers Festival Experience traditional and contemporary crafts at Norfolk Makers Festival (Image: Beth Moseley)

ReDo Norfolk's team will provide lessons on repairing, recycling and refashioning clothes throughout the festival.

This year's festival will also spotlight local artists in Under The Surface, a specialised exhibit showcasing unique textile work, created exclusively for the festival from artists across Norfolk, Suffolk, and Cambridgeshire.

The full festival programme is available on the Norfolk Makers Festival website.