One of our very favourite art gatherings ‘Printfest’ is back in Ulverston in Cumbria for the first four days of May, and this year the work is absolutely jaw-dropping. Jaw-dropping?

Sure, I’m standing by that, and when it comes to the work of Margaret Ashman I also need to chuck ‘awesome’ into the mix too – and I’m using that word in its truest sense: inspiring awe, but also tinged with something else. Her deeply atmospheric pieces (that’s her work ‘Divine Light’ pictured) are one of the highlights of this year’s Printfest, but, in truth, there is magnificent work wherever you look. The theme this year is ‘Art for Health’ with the aim being to highlight the therapeutic power of art, and among the artists rising to that particular challenge is 2025’s Printmaker of the Year Rachel Gracey who takes centre stage with her work that celebrates the healing and restorative qualities of print. Joining her will be Jenna Gunning, named Printmakers’ Printmaker in 2024, and Maya McMahon-Boon, who has been awarded Printfest’s inaugural Graduate Printmaker title.

A wealth of north-east talent is represented at this year’s festival with twelve local artists showing their work, alongside five from Cumbria, one from the north-west, six from the midlands, ten from the south, eight from Scotland and two from Wales; and these artists have used all manner of techniques including etching, lithography, monotype, photoetching, aquatint etching, linocut, reduction linocut, woodcut, collagraph, mezzotint, screenprint and wood engraving.

Sally Bamber, Team Chair of Printfest since 2016, comments: “We are delighted to reveal such an exciting line up for Printfest 2025. Among our selected artists, fourteen are new to the festival, while many others return after several years, bringing fresh perspectives and new ideas for all to enjoy. We are so passionate about Printfest, and the upcoming festival will not only celebrate outstanding craftsmanship but will also emphasise the important role art plays in promoting health and well-being.”

As ever, the festival is set to take place at The Coro – the historic arts and culture venue in the rural market town of Ulverston on the edge of the Lake District – and if ever an event was more suited to the phrase “Let’s make a day of it!” then I’ve yet to come across it. DP

Printfest 2025, 1-4 May, The Coro, Ulverston. More info and tickets: printfest.uk