Representing Lundy Island at the Created Festival at The Big Sheep. This is a North Devon craft and art event. It celebrates creativity, landscape, and local makers.

Representing Lundy Island at the first ever Created Festival was a real pleasure. The event was held at The Big Sheep in Abbotsham, near Bideford, North Devon. The festival spanned two busy and inspiring days. It brought together makers, artists, and creatives from across the region. They gathered to celebrate contemporary and heritage craft.

The Created Festival, organised in collaboration with London House Studio Gallery, is designed to support and champion local creatives. The festival took place within the rural surroundings of The Big Sheep.

Two Days of Creativity and Conversation

I had a stand at the festival for both days. I shared work and stories connected to Lundy. This is an island that continues to inspire creativity through its landscape, weather, and sense of remoteness. Talking to visitors about Lundy as a place of making and walking was a real highlight. It was also a highlight in terms of creative reflection.

Throughout the weekend, the festival featured makers, alongside workshops and live demonstrations. The skills on show ranged from pottery to blacksmithing. They reflected both contemporary practice and traditional crafts. There was a strong focus on North Devon’s creative community.

Lundy’s Creative Inspiration

As part of the festival programme, I was invited to take part in a Q&A session. The session explored how places can open up creativity. The discussion focused on Lundy as a landscape that encourages slowing down. It is a place for noticing and responding creatively. This can be through art, writing, walking, or making.

Lundy’s connection to nature, its granite geology, changing weather, and isolation from the mainland were all part of the conversation. It was wonderful to see how these qualities resonated with other creatives. Many of them are exploring similar relationships between place, process, and practice.

Festivals like this play an important role in strengthening creative networks across North Devon and beyond. Being capable of talking face-to-face, exchange ideas, and learn about each other’s work felt especially meaningful.

Connecting with Other Creatives

Meeting and chatting with many other artists and makers was incredibly rewarding. It was one of the best parts of the Created Festival. The atmosphere over the two days was open, generous, and supportive. It was a valuable networking opportunity. The environment also provided a chance to share ideas and experiences.

Why Lundy Belonged at Created

Lundy was invited to join in the festival. Its strong connection to nature and landscape acts as a source of creative inspiration. The island’s ability to nurture creativity felt like a natural fit. Whether through walking, observing, or making, this creativity aligns with a festival that celebrates both heritage and contemporary craft.

Representing Lundy at the Created Festival was not only about showcasing work. It was about sharing the idea of Lundy as a place where creativity is shaped by environment, weather, and time. It was a joy to be part of this first festival. Witnessing such a strong platform created for local and regional creatives was amazing.

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