A SCULPTOR from Barrow has founded a new ceramics festival in Ulverston as she said that access to classes has 'diminished' in the area. 

Kathyrn Stevens is the founder of MUDFest, which will be taking place on the grounds of Ford Park on Sunday May 19.

The public will have an opportunity to watch demonstrations, buy from local artisans and from further afield, have a go at throwing on the wheel and join a workshop to make their own mug, Kathryn said. 

She makes ceramic sculptures for the home and garden inspired by the natural and industrial landscape of Cumbria. She uses local raw materials and industrial waste to create her pieces. 

"Sadly access to ceramic classes in schools, evening classes and higher education around the UK have diminished especially in our area.  However the appetite from the public is growing thanks in part to the TV show The Great Pottery Throwdown,” she said.

"We hope that this event will become a regular fixture in the Furness festival calendar and look forward to working with the team at Ford Park in the future.  Fingers crossed we can inspire a future generate of potters and ceramicists to take up the hobby or future career."