Around 6,000 visitors from across the UK and around the world were attracted to the hugely successful Wonderwool Wales, the award-winning show that celebrates all that’s great about Welsh wool and natural fibres, at the weekend.

Many of the 230 exhibitors described the 17th show, held at the Royal Welsh Showground in Builth Wells, as the best yet and several first time exhibitors pledged to return next year following buoyant sales over the two days.

The annual festival brings together people and businesses with a passion for Welsh wool and its versatility as a material for creative crafts, designer clothes, home furnishings and more.

Wonderwool Wales covers everything from the start to the end of the creative process. Exhibits of sheep, goats, raw and hand dyed fibres, yarn for knitting and crochet, embellishments, equipment, dyes and books can be found alongside superb examples of finished textile art, craft, clothing and home furnishings.

A new, short documentary, highlighting the forgotten potential of wool in textiles and the industry’s urgent need for sustainable solutions, was well received on its Wales premier at the event.

A special exhibition of map wall hangings, depicting seven different places around the UK, was a popular feature. It was the first and last chance to see all the wall hangings, which celebrate the combined creativity of more than 180 knitters, together in one place

The exhibition was co-ordinated by Sue Howell, who founded the Knit Your Town Project in response to the immense amount of interest shown in a knitted map of Llandysul, exhibited at Wonderwool Wales 2017.

Many visitors grabbed the chance to attend the ever-popular Woolschool workshops to learn or perfect their skills with help from an expert, while the Sheep Walk fashion parades of garments made by exhibitors attracted packed audiences.

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Wonderwool Wales director Chrissie Menzies was delighted with the attendance and the positive feedback from exhibitors and visitors.

Exhibitor Helen Hickman, owner of Nellie and Eve, who hand dyes British wool yarns using botanical extracts and natural dyeing methods from her base near Llanwrda, said: “It was an amazing event. Wonderwool Wales has really gathered momentum and people have it in their diaries as a place to go to. There is nothing like it in the UK or Europe and that’s why it attracts visitors from around the world."

Wendy and Graham Thorner, who run Mid Wales Willow near Llanidloes, exhibited for the first time at Wonderwool Wales and their willow dragonflies and baskets were very popular with visitors.

“The show was right up there with the best we have done,” said Wendy. “We enjoyed the ambience and everything about the show, including the visitors who, without exception, were all lovely. The show has inspired me to take up knitting again after a 40-year gap.”