By KLTV Newsdesk –

The biennial WOVEN Festival, a vibrant exploration of textile heritage and innovation, will return to Kirklees from 1 to 30 June 2025, promising a month of creativity, culture and community connections.

Now in its fourth edition since launching in 2019, the festival will spotlight the region’s storied textile past while championing cutting-edge advancements in the industry.

Connecting Cultures Through Cloth

Under the theme ‘Connecting Culture’, WOVEN 2025 aims to unite communities through the universal language of textiles.

The festival will feature over 100 events, including exhibitions, workshops, talks and collaborative projects, spread across Kirklees’ towns and villages.

A key highlight will be the UK debut of The Red Dress, a globally renowned embroidery project, at Oakwell Hall.

A Tapestry of Global Voices

Initiated by British artist Kirstie Macleod in 2009, The Red Dress has become a symbol of empowerment.

It stitches together the stories of 380 embroiderers from 51 countries. From survivors of conflict in Rwanda and Syria to artisans in rural Wales and the Sinai desert, the dress embodies resilience, diversity, and shared humanity.

“The Red Dress transcends borders, addressing social justice, equality and women’s rights through stitchwork,” Macleod explained.

“Each panel reflects unique traditions and personal narratives, creating a united voice of love and peace.”

Having toured galleries worldwide, the installation will now weave Kirklees’ own stories into its fabric during its month-long display.

Community Call-Out

WOVEN 2025 is inviting local groups, artists and organisations to submit event proposals for the festival programme. To support grassroots projects, micro-grants will be available via the crowdfunding platform Growing Great Places, alongside expert advice on delivery and promotion.

Festival Highlights: From Heritage to Innovation

Attendees can enjoy a mix of free and ticketed events, including:

• Exhibitions showcasing local and international textile art.
• Workshops on traditional crafts and modern techniques.
• Talks exploring Kirklees’ industrial legacy and sustainable futures.
• Collaborative projects linking diverse cultures through textiles.

Partnerships with libraries, museums, charities and businesses will ensure a district-wide celebration, reinforcing Kirklees’ role as a hub of creativity.

Threading Creativity into Communities

Councillor Carole Pattison, Leader of Kirklees Council and Cabinet Member for Culture praised the festival’s growing impact: “WOVEN 2025 will spotlight our rich textile history and the incredible talent within our communities. The Red Dress’s arrival is a thrilling opportunity to inspire residents and visitors alike.”

She added: “We’re committed to embedding artistic opportunities across Kirklees, inviting people to engage with our heritage while shaping its future.”

The council has thanked Arts Council England for its continued support.

A Festival By and For Kirklees

Though funded by Kirklees Council, WOVEN is proudly community-owned, with input from textile businesses, cultural groups, schools and heritage sites.

For updates on events, participation and ticket releases, visit woveninkirklees.co.uk or sign up for the WOVEN newsletter.

Don’t miss this chance to stitch yourself into Kirklees’ vibrant cultural tapestry next summer!