Celebrating the International Festival of Glass 2026

What an incredible few days of glass, creativity and community!

The International Festival of Glass brought the world of contemporary glass to St Helens, welcoming artists, makers, visitors and glass enthusiasts from across the UK and around the world to The World of Glass and venues throughout the town.

From spectacular live demonstrations and inspiring talks to the British Glass Biennale, our community mosaic, exhibitions, awards and an exciting programme of events, the Festival celebrated the extraordinary breadth of glass as an art form and highlighted St Helens’ unique place in the story of glass.

With nearly 7,000 visitors joining us at The World of Glass, the Festival was a fantastic celebration of creativity, collaboration and the incredible glass community.

Although the Festival has now come to an end, the celebration continues. The British Glass Biennale remains on display at The World of Glass until 1 November 2026, giving you plenty of time to discover the work of some of the most exciting contemporary glass artists working in Britain today.

Explore the highlights below, discover the stories behind the Festival, and find out how you can continue your glass journey at The World of Glass.