Heritage Hands Panel Discussion: Who Will Make the Future?

What happens to specialist skills when there is no one to pass them on to? As part of Heritage Hands Festival: Sandgate, this panel discussion brings together makers and creative practitioners to explore how skills and knowledge are learned, shared and carried forward. From traditional trades and specialist crafts to practices continuing to evolve with new materials, technologies and ways of working, the conversation will explore what it takes to keep knowledge alive — and what can be lost when opportunities to learn directly from skilled practitioners disappear. We’ll talk about apprenticeships and mentoring, learning by doing, changing pathways into specialist practice, and the role makers, communities and organisations can play in creating opportunities for future generations. At the heart of Heritage Hands is the belief that preserving skills isn't simply about documenting them. It’s about creating connections between people, sharing knowledge and creating opportunities to experience, learn and build upon those skills. Join us for a conversation about the future of making, the knowledge worth carrying forward — and who will carry it. Friday 6 November 2026 | 5:30-6:30pm Sandgate Town Hall Free | Registration essential Stay on for Make 'n' Movie Following the panel, Heritage Hands: Make 'n' Movie runs from 7:00-8:30pm - bring along your knitting, crochet, embroidery or another portable handwork project and make alongside others while enjoying a film on the big screen. Make 'n' Movie is separately ticketed.