The art and soul of Farnham is being showcased to the world as a month-long programme of craft events and experiences has begun.

Farnham Craft Month was officially launched last Saturday with an arts and crafts open day at The Old Dairy at Pierrepont Farm.

Artists, musicians and purveyors of street food joined the party at the artisan hub to kickstart 31 days of workshops, activities, exhibitions, fairs and trails.

Around 80 events from workshops and masterclasses to open studios and pop-ups will be held around the town over the coming weeks.

This weekend’s Festival of Crafts will be one of many highlights with 85 makers showcasing their work over two days in Farnham Maltings.

The art of the community can also be discovered over the last weekend of the month as the Farnham Craft Trail will link more than 20 studios, galleries and venues with free entry to all.

“October Craft Month is all about supporting the creative talents and accomplishments of local people,” said Cllr Kika Mirylees, WBC lead member for community and culture.

“It’s also about encouraging more people to try out crafting and celebrating Farnham’s crafting heritage.”

There was another big launch last Saturday when Roots of Colour opened at the Museum of Farnham.

The lottery-funded showcase of craft textiles made by secondary school pupils is part of the 11 Plus Craft project delivered by the Farnham Crafts Quarter CIC.

Some 22 youngsters were taught how to print, dye and weave textiles using colour derived from plants during the 12-week course.

The Roots exhibition will run at the museum until February 22 and illustrates the journey that pupils from Farnham Heath End, Weydon and All Hallows schools enjoyed along with home-school pupils.

Forthcoming free events and shows include making Paper Stars with Lucy Dorothy Nichols from 11am this Friday at New Ashgate Gallery to a solo One Day on Earth exposition of artwork by Ukrainian artist Maria Borysova from October 11 to 25 at Vernon House.

One of the biggest workshops will also take place at the latter on October 26 as part of the inaugural Farnham Lantern Festival on the 31st.

The outdoor gathering at Gostrey Meadow will conclude October Craft Month and has been inspired by the Celtic celebration which marks the end of harvest and the beginning of winter.

Lanterns will be carried from the meadow to St Andrew’s, where they will be displayed as a “large-scale communal craft endeavour”.

“One of the ways we are encouraging people to get involved in Craft Month is by making a paper lantern for Farnham’s first lantern festival,” added Cllr Mirylees.

“Community groups, faith groups, schools and informal groups of friends have been expressing their creativity by making spectacular willow and paper lanterns which will be displayed on October 31.”

Lantern making kits can be bought for £3.50 from Farnham Town Council.

An October Craft Month brochure is available from the town hall, Maltings, library and many local shops and cafes or www.farnhamcrafttown.com.