The planning for the 2025 Gympie Rotary HERITAGE MAKERS FAIR is in full swing. The benchmark is raised yet again, the promise for another absolutely outstanding presentation of heritage and rare trades, inspirational artisan exhibits, a showcase of exquisite contemporary and traditional quilting, award-winning creative craft…. it’s exciting!

A record number of old favourites and exciting new exhibitors will converge in Gympie, 5 – 6 July 2025, for a weekend of sharing knowledge, inspiration, founding new friendships and great country camaraderie.

HERITAGE TRADES AROUND THE PAVILION

Meet over 70 masters and artisans of heritage trades. Many travel from far and wide to gather at Gympie’s Pavilion to demonstrate their skills, share their knowledge and their stories, inspire with their passion.

The site is transformed for the event: the horse tie-up stalls become canopied laneways for forgers, smithies, lead and lamplighters, makers of hats, buckets, rope, pots and the twiners of cane and leather; the covered basketball court converts to a thriving centre for fibre, textile and domestic arts, for weavers of wool, wheat, wire, fibres, reeds and weeds, eco-dyers, medieval arts, games and more; the big shed becomes the home of woodcraft, buzzing with the sounds of woodturners and carvers, spoonsmiths, luthiers and whittlers, creating a sawdust carpet and woody aromas reminiscent of bygone carpentry workshops. And meet Mac, the Clydesdale, part of the incredible Wheelwright Show!

INSIDE THE PAVILION – QUILTING SHOWCASE, ARTISAN CRAFT

Let me walk you through the Pavilion – whether by stair or by lift, when you reach the upper floor, you will be greeted by the vision of a sea of exquisite quilts, created by quilters of all levels. It’s a tapestry of colour, a labyrinth to be wandered through leisurely. In amongst this, there are three display rooms – each boasts artisanal exhibits that will knock your socks off.

2025 Artisanal Exhibits: In the pipeline for the event 2025: the Queensland Quilters display of quilting excellence, a selection of quilts judged Best of Show and Award Winners at QQ Quilt Shows over the years; “Material Make-Overs”, a collaborative collection of gorgeous pieces made entirely from recycled materials, a delightful eye-opener to the possibilities of upcycling; “The Extreme Sport of Textile Craft in Street Art” – yarnbombing, street art crochet gone crazy, from mini to maxi, a showcase of eclectic craft creations that push boundaries.

Now to the ground floor – make time to explore the Maker’s Markets! Offering wonderful wares, make’n’takes and heaps of free demonstrations – you’ll be sure to grab a bargain, find that elusive perfect accessory, source another “must-have” item and find the perfect gift… the latest innovations, machines, fabrics, gadgets and notions to home-made wares: exquisite and elegant to proudly quirky and unique!

THE FAIR AND THE COMMUNITY

Hosted by the Gympie Rotary Club, the Heritage Makers Fair partners with many volunteer community groups and charities who provide services at and for the event. This assists greatly with their fundraising endeavours, networking and group awareness.