2026 International Festival of Glass Exhibitions
The 2026 International Festival of Glass presents its most ambitious programme of exhibitions to date — three world-class shows united by a shared commitment to celebrating the extraordinary breadth and vitality of glass as an artistic medium.
At the heart of the programme is the British Glass Biennale, the centrepiece of the Festival and one of the most significant events in the British art calendar. A juried showcase of the finest contemporary glassmaking from across the UK, the Biennale brings together established names and emerging voices working across the full range of what this endlessly versatile material can achieve. All works are available to purchase, and a £3,500 ‘Best in Show’ prize will be awarded at the opening ceremony in August.
International Bead and Jewellery Biennale
Completing the programme is the International Bead and Jewellery Biennale, one of the world’s foremost showcases for beadmakers and glass jewellery artists. This year marks a milestone as the exhibition expands to include jewellery alongside beadwork for the first time, reflecting the growing number of artists who work across both disciplines and the remarkable possibilities of glass at the smallest and most intimate of scales.
International GAS Member Exhibition
The International GAS Member Exhibition is making its Festival debut in 2026 and bringing a truly global dimension to the programme. Open to Members of the Glass Art Society worldwide, the exhibition draws together artists at every stage of their careers, united by their passion for glass. Following the Festival, a selection of works will travel to London Glassblowing for an extended run in the capital. A £3,500 ‘Best in Show’ prize will also be awarded here.
All three exhibitions are held at The World of Glass in St Helens and open to the public from Friday 28 August through to 1 November 2026.
2026 Exhibition Awards
Barbara Beadman (Independent)
Beadman Award – Best in Show Gold — £300 Beadman Award [International Bead & Jewellery Biennale]
Beadman Award – Best in Show Silver — £200 [International Bead & Jewellery Biennale]
British Society of Master Glass Painters & The Worshipful Company of Glaziers
Glass Painters and Glaziers Award — £1,000 [British Glass Biennale]
Bullseye UK
Bullseye Living Edge Award — £5,000 in materials [British Glass Biennale & International GAS Members Exhibition]
The Glass Society
Glass Society Gold Award – £2,000 [British Glass Biennale]
Glass Society Silver Award – £1,500 [British Glass Biennale]
Guild of Glass Engravers Guild of Glass Engravers Award — £500 [British Glass Biennale]
Mark Holford
details to be confirmed
The Worshipful Company of Glass Sellers, London
The Glass Sellers Charity Artisan Gold Award — £2,500 [British Glass Biennale]
The Glass Sellers Charity Artisan Silver Award — £1,000 [British Glass Biennale]
The Glass Sellers Charity Emerging Artist Gold Award — £1,000 [British Glass Biennale]
The Glass Sellers Charity Emerging Artist Silver Award — £500 [British Glass Biennale]
The Young Collectors’ Choice — £250 to the artist, plus a glass bird to the winning child [All exhibitions]
The Glass Sellers Charity Choice Award — £1,000 [International GAS Members Exhibition]
Warm Glass UK
People’s Prize — £750 in materials [British Glass Biennale]
Award Sponsors
In addition to the prize awarded for the ‘Best in Show’ for both the British Glass Biennale and International GAS Members Exhibition, we are delighted to extend our heartfelt thanks to the following award sponsors, whose specialist knowledge and dedication to the glass arts have enriched the 2026 International Festival of Glass and the opportunities available to participating artists:
- The British Society of Master Glass Painters and The Worshipful Company of Glaziers together represent centuries of tradition in the art of painted and stained glass, and their involvement brings a vital connection between the Festival and the deep historic roots of glassmaking in Britain
- The Glass Sellers Charity is associated with The Worshipful Company of Glass Sellers, one of the City of London’s historic livery companies. Its sponsorship of the Biennale forms part of its programme to support artistic glass
- Bullseye UK is the British home of Bullseye Glass, a world leader in the manufacture of high-quality glass for fusing and kiln-working, and an essential resource and inspiration for glass artists across the country
- Warm Glass UK is a much-loved supplier and educational resource for the kiln-formed glass community, supporting artists at every level of their practice
- The Guild of Glass Engravers is the UK’s dedicated organisation for the art of glass engraving, promoting this exquisite and highly skilled craft to new audiences
- The Glass Society aim to promote the understanding and appreciation of glass through collecting, education and research by bringing together people around the world interested in the history, art and manufacture of historic or contemporary glass
- And, we offer particular thanks to Barbara Beadman, whose personal commitment to the bead and glass jewellery community has been an invaluable contribution to the festival.
We are proud to count each of these organisations and individuals among our partners.
