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The Art of Broom Making with Jon Baily

Spend a Saturday learning the craft of traditional broom making in a small, hands-on workshop, with a glimpse inside the richly decorated interiors of David Parr House at lunchtime. Led by Jon Baily, an experienced maker and teacher of greenwood crafts, this beginner-friendly session introduces you to the techniques and traditions of broom making. You’ll work with natural materials, learn practical skills and leave with your own handmade brooms.

  • 24th October 2026 - 24th October 2026
  • 10:30 am - 2:30 pm

In this workshop, you will:

  • Learn traditional broom-making techniques step by step
  • Work with a selection of natural fibres and materials
  • Create 2 to 3 hand brooms to take home
  • Explore how different materials shape function and form

Materials include:

  • Arenga for stiff, durable bristles suited to tougher cleaning
  • Broom corn for flexible, versatile everyday use
  • Tampico for softer, more delicate sweeping

What to expect

  • Small group, limited to 8 people
  • Studio-based, hands-on and supportive
  • No experience needed
  • A glimpse inside the house during the lunch break for inspiration
  • Light lunch included from Norfolk Street Bakery

About Jon Baily

Jon Baily is a skilled maker and educator specialising in greenwood crafts, with years of experience teaching traditional woodworking techniques. His workshops are known for being welcoming, practical and deeply rooted in making traditions.

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Did you know?

Cambridge Folk Festival is one of the longest running folk festivals in the world, having launched in 1965. It takes place each summer at Cherry Hinton Hall park, and features an eclectic line-up of traditional and modern folk, as well blues, country and roots acts.