STOURBRIDGE Glass Museum is gearing up for a busy weekend of displays and workshops as part of the International Festival of Glass between August 26 and 29.

Attractions at the new museum in Wordsley include demonstrations by glass artists Allister Malcolm, Maddie Hughes and Darren Weed, covering themes such as Emoji Mania, the Sweet Shop and precious metals.

Cameo glass specialist Terri Colledge will also showcase intricate engraving techniques on August 27, 28, and 29 as part of the International Festival of Glass which is held every two years.

There will also be a special exhibition across the weekend marking the Contemporary Glass Society’s 25th anniversary.

The display will tell the history of the society and the world it reflects with glass artwork and a range of techniques selected from the past 25 years from 25 of the UK's greatest glass artists.

These are set to include the society’s founding members, such as Peter Layton of London Glassblowing fame, the legendary Keith Cummings, who has taken kiln formed glass to new heights, famed casters David Reekie and Colin Reid, artist and musician Alison Kinnaird MBE, along with Catherine Hough, Sally Fawkes and Katharine Coleman MBE.

Separately, on Sunday August 28 one of the museum’s founding patrons Clive Manison is due to give a talk titled Japonisme in Stourbridge, which will discuss Japanese influences on 19th century British glass decoration.

Attendance is via free tickets which can be booked by emailing info@stourbridgeglassmuseum.org.uk or calling 01384 900447.

Finally, there will be free craft activities and trails for younger visitors throughout the Bank Holiday weekend.

Wristbands cost £4 for adults and £2 for children and are valid for the entire four days, so returning visitors need only pay for admission once.

Graham Knowles, chairman of the British Glass Foundation which runs Stourbridge Glass Museum, said: “Stourbridge has played a globally significant role in the development of the glass industry and we’re delighted to show off its skills and talents over this weekend of demonstrations and displays.

"There is lots for visitors of all ages to see and do. It’s an undoubted highlight of the year."

Open between 10am and 4pm, Stourbridge Glass Museum is one of several glass organisations participating in the festival.

The nearby Glasshouse Arts and Heritage Centre in Amblecote will play host to the Expanding Horizons exhibition, celebrating the work of glass artists from China, Korea and Japan, and Holiday Heaven - a Postcard from the Commonwealth, which uses glass art to showcase the diversity of the countries that make up the Commonwealth.