Visiting the Festival of Quilts

Stitching the Globe Episode 3

Now you KNOW I couldn’t go all the way to England and NOT visit the Festival of Quilts, right!?

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Follow me as we walk the floor of the 20th anniversary of the Festival of Quilts in Birmingham, UK!

Show Notes

Quilts Walkthrough
Quilt Collections
The Vendors
Midnight Surprise!
Quilts Around the World
THE CLOCK!

Keep scrolling for more information about the Festival of Quilts!

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Festival of Quilts held?

Each summer the Festival of Quilts is held the on or around the first weekend in August.

Where is the Festival of Quilts held?

The Festival of Quilts is held in Birmingham, England inside the National Exhibition Center (NEC).

How much does it cost to attend the Festival of Quilts?

While I can’t say exactly how much it costs to attend Festival, I do suggest you take a few things into consideration when calculating your travel budge.

Entrance fee to Festival of Quilts. You can check with the FoQ’s website for current cost of entrance.
Parking fee. The National Exhibition Center has a very large carpark. However, there is a cost to park. Be sure to check the with NEC and/or FoQ for current parking info.
Optional hotel stay
Airfare to/from England (if traveling from out of country)
Optional auto rental

How do I enter a Quilt into Festival?

Anyone can enter a quilt into the Festival of Quilts, no matter what country you live in. So, why not enter? In fact, the FoQ has an entire page dedicated to this very subject on their website.

Please keep in mind that you are entering into a contest for a financial prize. Therefore, Duty and VAT taxes may apply. Please visit the FoQ website for all the details.

Will Sewing machines be provided in workshops?

YES! Sewing machines are provided for all the workshops that require them.

Will all materials be provided to the Workshops?

Yes and No. If you plan to attend a “Quick and Easy” workshop, then the materials will all be provided for you.

However, for the full half and full day workshops, you will be provided a Supplies list of items you will need to bring with you.

PLEASE NOTE: Some workshops require a small fee to be paid directly to the teacher. It’s best to bring cash.

Can I Take a Bag into the Festival of Quilts?

Bags taken into the Festival of Quilts are limited in size. Your bag much be approximated 21 x 15 x 7 inches or smaller.

Is there Food at the NEC?

YES! There are a few different food vendors and restaurants set up in the hallway of the NEC, including a small convenience store and a Starbucks!

Is there Shipping Service from the NEC to the United States?

YES! (sort of) There is a post office located inside the Birmingham airport, which can be accessed from the NEC by the free air-rail link.

Does the NEC or Festival of Quilts accept US Currency?

No. If you plan to use cash, please exchange any US Currency for the local British Pound. There are ATM machines located inside the NEC as well as at the train station nearby.

Also, most, if not all, vendors and restaurants accept most major credit cards.

What Hotels are Near the NEC?

YES! There a number of hotels near the NEC with a variety of price ranges and amenities. These include, but are not limited to:

Holiday Inn Bham Airport
Ibis Styles
Birmingham International train station
Moxy Hotel
Hilton Hotel
Premier Inn
Holiday Inn express
Crowne Plaza

Are there Shuttle Buses to the NEC?

YES! Shuttles are offered to/from each of the hotels listed above. PLEASE NOTE at any time these shuttle services can change or be cancelled. Please check with the hotel and/or the NEC to double check before making your reservations.

Should I rent a car to attend Festival of Quilts from the United States?

The simple answer is it’s up to you. If you are staying at any of the hotels that offer shuttle service to/from the NEC, and you are planning to stay in the city, you won’t need to rent a car. Birmingham offers ample public transportation so you can see all the sites of the city.

There’s even a free air-rail link that connects the NEC to the Birmingham airport. And, the NEC is a short 5 minute walk from the International Railway Station.

That said, if you plan to visit any locations OUTSIDE of Birmingham, or around England, you might consider renting a car. Public transportation is widely available inside the cities but a bit more tricky in the outskirts.

What else is there to do in Birmingham, England?

As Birmingham is one of England’s largest cities, there is a TON of things to see and do! Here are just a few to get you started…

Take a ride on the Shakespeare Express. You’ll get to experience the factories to the fields and everything in between!
Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery – exhibits of all kinds inside a stunning building!
If you like ballet or opera, perhaps take in a show at the amazing Hippodrome Theatre!
If you’re a history buff (like me), Aston Hall is a great visit. This 7th Century mansion has fascinating displays throughout and a gorgeous garden outside!
Are you a chocolate lover (also like me)? Then a stop in to Cadbury World is a must!