A Preston craft superstore is already preparing for Christmas, despite it being the middle of summer.

Inspirations at the Capitol Centre is holding a free Christmas in July event from Thursday 18 to Sunday 21 July.

The four-day event will feature demonstrations from craft celebrities showcasing brand new Christmas ranges. Famous craft names in attendance will include TV presenter and author Debbie Shore, John Lockwood of the popular John Next Door craft brand, and children’s book illustrator and designer for Pink Ink Stamps and Stencils Cathie Shuttleworth.

There will be a number of offers and promotions on throughout the event, plus a Christmas Craft Competition in which attendees are asked to take along a craft project for a chance to win a voucher.

Ann Newhouse, owner of the store, said: “We have a great line-up of guest demonstrators for Christmas in July this year and a fantastic new range of crafting products including sewing, papercraft and much more that we can’t wait to share with crafters.

“We love engaging the crafting community and fostering a sense of community spirit and well-being through our events, and people of all ages are welcome, no matter your skill level!”

As well as inspiring crafters who start their Christmas projects early, the organisers hope to promote the mental health and wellbeing benefits of crafting, as recent research by the BBC showed creative activities can be used to control emotions and alleviate stress.

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Will you be going to Christmas in July? Let us know in the comments below.