There is still just about time to register for the European Stone Festival that is taking place in the UK this year at Lincoln. Entries have to be in by 1 April (you can register on-line at http://lincolncathedral.com/building/european-stone-festival or at www.stein-festival.de).
The Festival has become a major part of stonemasonry’s calendar since it was inaugurated by Freiburg Technical College for Stonemasonry & Stone Carving in Germany in 1999.
It travels around Europe, being held in a different city each year. This year is the second time it has come to the UK. The first was in 2003 when it was at Canterbury Cathedral.
It takes place this year during the weekend of 22-23 June at Lincoln Cathedral. The event is being organised in conjunction with the Cathedral’s own Works Department, the masons and carvers from which will be playing a prominent role in the Festival.
The Cathedral can accommodate up to 140 stonemasons and while there has already been considerable interest and the number of registrations is approaching 100, there are still places available for stonemasons and carvers who would like to join in.
It is always a thoroughly enjoyable event for those taking part, as well as for the thousands of visitors the event normally attracts.
During the weekend, the stoneworkers will demonstrate their skills and creativity in friendly competition. There will be three groups of participants: stonemasons, stone carvers, and trainees.
There is a choice of tasks to produce, either a technical or a sculptural piece, or participants can design their own project, although it has to reflect in some way this year’s theme of ‘Food & Farming’, which is designed to reflect Lincolnshire’s rich agricultural heritage.
The work must be completed within 14 hours.
For the public, the Festival is an opportunity to watch some of the best European craftsmen and women in a setting steeped in history.
The masons will down tools at 2:15pm on the Sunday. The work will be judged and prizes will be awarded for the best work in each category. At 3pm a local professional auctioneer will auction off the stones at a public sale. All proceeds will go to Lincoln Cathedral Fabric Fund.
There are other events planned for Lincoln during the weekend, notably a Food Fayre and market for local produce in Castle Square, and a ‘1000 Years of Traditional Crafts’ event in the Castle, which faces the cathedral at the top of Steep Hill in Lincoln.
English hand tool maker G Gibson & Son is once again sponsoring the event and other sponsorship opportunities are available – contact Carol Heidschuster, Works Manager at the Cathedral, for details – worksmanager@lincolncathedral.com.