Annual Needle Lace Challenge 2027

In our Golden Anniversary year, the theme for the Needlelace Challenge has been chosen by the Board of Trustees to reflect the fulfilment of a 50th year of growth and fruitfulness.

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We welcome your needlelace challenge entries for 2026-27 that meet the theme of Seeds and Fruits.

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We encourage you to interpret the theme as widely as you wish, as long as a link to the Seeds and Fruits title is clear. We hope that you might also be inspired to produce a three-dimensional piece using our broad Seeds and Fruits theme.

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Your entry can be any size, style, colour or level of complexity.

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The Pat Burgess trophy will be awarded to the winner.

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In recognition of the excellent standard of entries we anticipate, we are adapting the judging this year to be just like Strictly Come Dancing and combine:

• A popular vote via the Lace Guild social media channels

• A panel vote from a needle lace tutor and the Board of Trustees.

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The trophy will be presented virtually following the close of the AGM on Zoom on Saturday the 8th of May 2027.

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How to enter

Send up to 6 high resolution zipped file photos to The Hollies by the closing date 31 March 2027 to office@laceguild.org. Either as a document in the zipped file or in the text of your email please include your full name, the name of your piece, the needle lace techniques that you have used and a short paragraph on what inspired your design.

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Please note that by entering the Needlelace Challenge and sending us your photos, you are agreeing that the images you provide may be used for both judging and promotional purposes on Lace Guild social media and in Lace magazine.