HUNDREDS of artists, jewellery makers, carpenters, costume designers and other craftsmen plied their trade in the sun at an annual Hatfield festival.

The Hatfield House Festival of Living Crafts, now in its 37th year, took place over four days in the grounds of the 16th century stately home.

From Thursday to Sunday, the gardens were packed with a vast selection of clothing, ceramics, jewellery, furniture and artwork, all lovingly hand made by an array of gifted traders.

A series of workshops ranging from clay modelling and basket weaving to paper making and stone carving helped visitors try their hands at a range of traditional skills.

For the children, there were a series of activities, including horse rides and puppet shows and costume drawing.

Nick Moorhouse, business development director of Gascoyne Cecil Estates, which manages Hatfield House, said this year’s fair was a tremendous success.

And he was grateful for the sun making an appearance – after several years of inclement weather.

“More people attended this year than last year, which we’re very pleased about,” Mr Moorhouse said.

“Clearly the weather helped. Historically, the Living Crafts fair has been a rainy four days, but this year it was sunny.

“We’ve had some very happy feedback from customers who came to the show, and the exhibitors seemed to have a very good time commercially.”