After two years of pent-up excitement, anticipation and no doubt, more than a little impatience, the glass world finally came together again for the 2026 International Festival of Glass — and what a gathering it was!
Following the hugely successful 2024 Festival of Glass and British Glass Biennale in Stourbridge, glass artists, makers, collectors, enthusiasts and admirers descended on St Helens, near Liverpool, from 27th–31st August, with the World of Glass Museum playing host to this spectacular biennial celebration of all things glass.
And there was plenty to celebrate!
The Festival once again brought together some of the most exciting and imaginative talent in the glass world, providing a unique opportunity to see extraordinary work, meet the people behind it and, quite literally, watch glass being transformed before your eyes.
The Crown Jewel – British Glass Biennale
At the heart of the Festival was the British Glass Biennale, the undoubted crown jewel of the event.
As the UK’s leading competition and sales exhibition for contemporary glass, the Biennale showcased the remarkable breadth of talent working in British glass today. From exquisite and delicate pieces to bold, challenging and spectacular creations, it demonstrated just why British glass continues to command such international attention.
For anyone passionate about glass, this was very much a case of see it, admire it — and perhaps try not to empty the bank account!
And There Was Much, Much More…
The British Glass Biennale was only the beginning. Alongside it came an impressive programme of exhibitions celebrating the astonishing diversity of contemporary glass and related crafts.
Among the highlights were the International Bead & Jewellery Biennale, the Contemporary Glass Society’s ‘A Cabinet of Curiosities’, and the International GAS Member Exhibition.
Together, these exhibitions created a dazzling showcase of creativity, craftsmanship and imagination, bringing together artists from across the UK and around the world.
Hot Glass, Hot Action!
And if looking at beautiful glass wasn’t exciting enough, visitors could also get up close to the action with a programme of live demonstrations and masterclasses.
Master craftspeople and highly skilled glassblowers demonstrated their talents in everything from hot-glass sculpting and flameworking to specialist techniques and masterclasses.
There is something rather magical about watching a glowing lump of molten glass emerge from the furnace and, through a combination of heat, skill, breath and extraordinary dexterity, become something beautiful.
It is also a useful reminder that glassmaking is not an occupation for anyone who likes sitting quietly at a desk!
With leading makers demonstrating their skills and sharing their knowledge with both professionals and enthusiastic visitors, the Festival provided a rare opportunity to see the artistry, precision and sheer physical skill behind some of the world’s most fascinating glasswork.
A Celebration of Glass in All Its Forms
The 2026 Festival proved once again that glass is far more than something we simply look through, drink from or occasionally clean!
It is an extraordinary medium for artistic expression, technical innovation and craftsmanship — bringing together artists, manufacturers, collectors and enthusiasts in a community united by a fascination with this remarkable material.
And with the core exhibitions continuing beyond the Festival itself, there is still an opportunity to discover the work and enjoy the spectacle.
The glass world has certainly had its fill of excitement — and judging by the talent on display, the future of glass is looking brighter than ever!
The core exhibitions will continue beyond the Festival.
See the World of Glass website for full details and opening information.
Some of the Glass Sellers Members taking part included
Anthony Amoak Attah, Heike Brachlow, Sarah Brown, Hannah Gibson, Emma Goring, Calum Dawes, Lulu Harrison, Aria Kiani, Jane Vincent, Opal Seabrook, Layne Rowe,
Top Festival Awards
GLASS SELLERS CHARITY AWARDS
British Glass Biennale
Artisan Gold – James Maskrey – The Drayton Egg (Re-imagined)
Artisan Silver – Layne Rowe – Woven Basket
Emerging Artist Gold – Jiayun Ding – Rhythm of the Existence
Emerging Artist Silver – Marzena Ostromecka – Fenikopter
The Young Collectors’ Choice — to the artist voted favourite by children under 16; a glass bird, Pollo, created by artist Stewart Hearn, for the child whose name is drawn after casting a vote for their favourite work [All exhibitions]
The Glass Sellers Charity Choice Award — International GAS Members Exhibition]
Yanjie Gao – Greenhouse Plants
The Glass Sellers Charity Beadman Gold Award (International Bead & Jewellery Biennale)
Annie Vedovell Splash
The Glass Sellers Charity Beadman Best in Show Silver Award – [International Bead & Jewellery Biennale]
Olga Alianova – Girasole Pendant
THE GLASS SOCIETY
Glass Society Gold Award – Lulu Harrison Larise Vase & Sherry Glass
Glass Society Silver Award – Ayako Tani, The Waves
Guild of Glass Engravers Award
Dian Shi for Axis of Passage / Portals of Novum 1.
British Glass Biennale Best in Show:
Mils Bridgewater for the artwork I Miss Your Breath / Your Breath on My Shoulder.
International GAS Member Exhibition Best in Show:
Opal Seabrook for Duelling Rayguns, Phase 1.
British Society of Master Glass Painters & The Worshipful Company of Glaziers
Glass Painters and Glaziers Award –
Flora Jamieson for Moriendum Est.
Bullseye Living Edge Award:
Steve Brown [British Glass Biennale & International GAS Members Exhibition]
