Coastland College welcomed visitors, craftspeople and industry leaders to a highly successful Heritage & Harmony event at its historic Kingston Maurward campus on Saturday 18th April, marking World Heritage Day with a vibrant celebration of Dorset’s traditional skills and cultural heritage.
Hosted in partnership with Bournemouth University, and inspired by the philosophy of ‘Harmony’ supported by The King’s Foundation, the event brought heritage crafts to the forefront – connecting communities with the skills, stories and traditions that have shaped the region’s history.
The morning session saw strong public attendance, with visitors exploring a wide range of live demonstrations and exhibitions. Skilled makers showcased crafts including stone carving, masonry, glass making, needlework and even the intricate art of violin bow making.
Guests were able to experience these disciplines up close, gaining a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship, precision and heritage behind each skill.
Adding to the atmosphere, Coastland College sixth form student Fred welcomed visitors with a live bagpipe performance, setting the tone for a day rooted in tradition, creativity and community.
In the afternoon, the event transitioned into a conference, where exhibitors and invited guests came together to share knowledge, experiences and ideas. Discussions focused on the importance of preserving traditional crafts in a modern world, with contributors exchanging practical solutions to challenges such as skills shortages, sustainability and engaging younger generations.
The collaborative spirit of the conference reflected the core principles of harmony championed by The King’s Foundation, bringing together education, industry and community to safeguard heritage skills for the future, as featured in a new documentary film featuring King Charles III now available on Amazon Prime.
The conference was led by the Lord Lieutenant of Dorset, Michael Dooley, who represents the King across the county.
“We are incredibly proud of the success of our first Heritage & Harmony event. Seeing so many talented craftspeople, partners and members of our community come together to celebrate and champion traditional skills was truly inspiring.
“Hosting the event on World Heritage Day made it even more meaningful, reinforcing the importance of protecting and promoting these crafts for future generations. The conversations and collaboration we saw throughout the day show just how vital this work is, and how much opportunity there is to grow it further.”
