The International Festival of Glass takes place every two years in the UK and is the only festival in the UK that celebrates glass. The creative programme of activities combines the full spectrum of glassmaking with other art forms to push boundaries and develop new opportunities, ideas, and collaborations for makers, artists, and performers. You can see high-quality exhibitions, international masterclasses, artist demonstrations, and presentations featuring more than 500 artists. There are plenty of workshops and hands-on activities to try yourself, plus lively entertainment and evening events.

The flagship exhibition, the British Glass Biennale, is the largest and most important selling show of contemporary glass in the UK. The Festival also features the International Bead + Jewellery Biennale, one of the foremost opportunities for beadmakers and glass jewellery artists around the world to showcase their craft. GAS is excited to add a GAS Member Exhibition to the impressive line-up of Festival exhibitions this year. Open to all Members and Student Members of GAS, this exhibition will provide artists with the opportunity to show their work within the context of British glass and showcase their craft on an international stage.

Stay tuned for more information on the 2026 Festival as the program develops!