Festival of Upholstery 2026: what the trade asked for, and what comes next

The Festival of Upholstery returned on 2 and 3 October 2026 at the National Conference Centre, Solihull, with 35 exhibitors, six live demonstrations, six speaker sessions and awards from the AMUSF, the Guild of Traditional Upholsterers and the Worshipful Company of Upholders. Chairperson Kirsty Lockwood, who leads the Festival's volunteer committee, answered our questions in writing after the event. Her answers are below.

How did the Festival go?

We had an increase in numbers of visitors and in exhibitors on last year. There was a wonderful energy in the room, with people keen to learn, share ideas and spend time with others who understand their craft. The demonstrations and talks prompted plenty of conversation, and the exhibitors were an important part of that, giving visitors the opportunity to handle materials, discover products and ask questions directly. For me, the most rewarding thing was seeing connections being made across the upholstery community, from students just starting out to experienced professionals.

Which demonstration or talk drew the biggest crowd?

Susie Stanway’s live box cushion sewing demonstration was a particular draw. Sessions on reusing existing upholstery, running an upholstery business and sustainability were also fully booked. That interest shows how much people value practical learning alongside support with the everyday challenges of running a workshop.

Who won the AMUSF, Guild of Traditional Upholsterers and Upholders awards?

The Worshipful Company of Upholders’ National Upholstery Awards went to Melissa Neal in first place, Annabel Lloyd in second and Susannah Douglas in third.

Susannah Douglas also received the AMUSF Bob Fowlds Bursary, while Anna Eckford was awarded honorary membership of the AMUSF.

The Guild of Traditional Upholsterers’ David James Award went to Annabel Lloyd of St Albans Upholstery School, followed by Emma Wrafter in second place and Alexandra Brady in third, both from The Chair School.

What did the big-screen demonstrations change?

They made the detail accessible to a much larger audience. We knew we would have over 200 people in the room so we wanted to make the sessions as valuable as possible within a very tight budget. We could zoom in on the sewing-machine work so that visitors could follow techniques they would otherwise struggle to see. Presentations were also easier to follow from the back of the room.

There is still room to improve the camera work (we were supported by volunteers rather than professional camera operators), but the value of showing close-up craft work on a large screen was clear.

What did exhibitors and visitors ask for more of?

Requests included more tools and equipment, access to recorded talks and more international contributors. There was also interest in the sharpening service and in further business support, particularly help with difficult client conversations.

The feedback gives us useful direction: people want to develop their practical skills, discover useful products and services, and feel better equipped to manage their businesses.

What can you say about the next event?

We’re looking ahead to the next Festival of Upholstery in October 2028. We’ll use the time between now and then to build on this year’s success, listen to feedback and explore new ideas.

There is plenty to be excited about, with opportunities to bring in new contributors, explore different techniques and develop the programme around what our community wants to learn. Shared knowledge, practical skills and connections across the trade will remain at the heart of the Festival.

What stayed with you most after the Festival?

The sense of belonging. Upholstery can be quite solitary work, and bringing people together gives them a chance to talk to others who understand both the craft and the challenges of earning a living from it.

Seeing students, experienced upholsterers, tutors and suppliers sharing knowledge so openly was very special. That generosity is what makes the Festival worthwhile, and what I want us to keep at its heart.

Who makes the Festival happen behind the scenes?

The Festival is made possible by a volunteer committee who give their time, ideas and energy alongside their own work and other commitments. There is a huge amount to organise, and I’m very grateful for the care they put into making people feel welcome as well as keeping everything running.

That deserves recognition. The Festival is a community-led, not-for-profit initiative, and the willingness of people to contribute is central to what makes it work.

“The Festival created an amazing sense of community and connection for upholsterers at all career stages. The talks were inspirational and created a real buzz around the festival.”

— Lyndsey Hayes, Festival of Upholstery committee

Kirsty Lockwood is Chairperson of the Festival of Upholstery, Director of Kirsty Lockwood Furnishings and a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Upholders. The 2026 committee: Kirsty Lockwood, Emmaline McConnell, Jamie McConnell, Catherine Cracknell, Gareth Rees, Robbie Richardson, Zoe Knight, Cecily Benson, Lyndsey Hayes, Heather Breed, Hayden Mackenzie, Karen Arnold and Lindsay Booth.

Festival of Upholstery