International Festival of Glass, St Helens.
The Glass Art Society (GAS) has unveiled a preview of the exciting exhibitions, events, and activities visitors can expect at the International Festival of Glass, taking place in St Helens from Friday, 28th August through Monday, 31st August.
The full event programme is now LIVE!
Visitors will be able to watch some of the world’s leading contemporary glass artists at work during live demonstrations at The World of Glass studio. Confirmed artists include Elliot Walker, London Glass Blowing, Lisa Zerkowitz & Boyd Suguki, Opal Seabrook, Agustina Ros, Anna Matszak, Ian Pearson and Laura Quinn. Demonstrations will be complemented by a series of talks from speakers including Saman Kalantari, Alison Stott and Alexander Goodger, among others.
As well as leading glass artists, visitors can expect to hear from the local community, including presentations by Pilkington, whose glass history is rooted in St Helens and the community, as well as Glass Futures, who officially opened in St Helens in 2023 and are at the forefront of sustainable glass industries.
The Glass Art Society is grateful to the support which has been received by the local community. Alongside our principal venue, The World of Glass, which serves as the Festival hub, a number of local organizations will present their own exhibitions and events throughout the weekend. including Andrew Logan’s Jewellery Extravaganza which is being organised by St Helens Arts in Libraries; glass art themed film screenings at Lucem House; and specialist glass art exhibitions held in St Helens Minster and the Quaker House.
In addition to demonstrations and talks, visitors will have the chance to get hands on with glass art, including the first St Helens community mosaic project led by mosaic artist Carrie Strope and taking place in St Mary’s Market. The design has been developed in collaboration with the local community, and the finished mosaic will become a permanent piece of public art on the external wall of The World of Glass.
A diverse program of tours will showcase the region’s rich glassmaking heritage, offering visitors rare behind-the-scenes access to Pilkington, an inside look at the pioneering work of Glass Futures, and guided explorations of St Helens’ historic connection to glass.
The Festival will also feature a bespoke, accessible British Sign Language (BSL) tour led by deaf artist Olivier Jamin. This unique experience will explore the artworks featured in the Festival’s three flagship exhibitions at the World of Glass: the British Glass Biennale, the International GAS Member Exhibition, and the International Bead & Jewellery Biennale.
Sarah Taylor, Executive Director of The World of Glass, said the Festival represents a major milestone for both the museum and the town:
“Hosting the International Festival of Glass is an incredible opportunity for The World of Glass, St Helens and the wider North West. Bringing internationally renowned artists and exhibitions to our town gives local people the chance to experience world-class glass art on their doorstep, while inspiring the next generation of creatives.
St Helens has a world-famous glass heritage, and this is our chance to show that it’s not just part of our past, but our future too. To have come from nearly closing just a year ago to hosting an event of this scale is something we’re incredibly proud of.”
GAS Executive Director, Brandi Clark stated: ‘We’re so excited to bring the Festival to St Helens in 2026. The event is a great opportunity to bring together glass artists from around the world, art enthusiasts, the general public, and the local community. It is a chance to celebrate both the art form and the rich heritage of glass which can be found in St Helens.’
More details will be released in the coming weeks, with new additions to the programme announced regularly. Most events will be free to attend; where booking is required, further information will be provided in due course.
The Festival is being run with support from Arts Council England, with Festival sponsors Paul Wissmach Glass Company, Glasma, and The Glass Furnace.