THE opening of Kirstie's Handmade Fair enjoyed a blaze of sunshine, creating the perfect summer's day in the lush surroundings of Bowood House.

Early this morning, Kirstie Allsopp, star of Location, Location, Location and her Handmade television series, cut the ribbon opening the three-day festival of all things crafty. A temporary settlement of white marquees is spread in front of Bowood House and beside the glittering lake, creating the perfect setting for the event. One huge marquee houses a market where you can peruse some of the finest tools, materials, and beautiful handmade products from a range of sellers, while all about are vintage vans and stylish tents selling artisan food.

Famous for her part in reviving interest in making and crafting, Kirstie took some time from her busy schedule to tell us about Wiltshire's first Handmade Fair.

What to you love about the Handmade Fair?

"I love the fact the people come back. I feel really, really proud of that. And if you buy your ticket, you can bring your drink and your picnic and go to talks and demos, and you don't have to spend any more - unless you want to, of course.

"A big thing for me is the lovely location. That makes it a day out in itself. It's also a good opportunity to do all your Christmas shopping in one fell swoop!

"A lot of people come to the fair for a birthday, or a special occasion. It's one of those things where you might get a mum and daughter coming along, or a girls' day out."

What are you looking forward to at this particular Handmade Fair?

"I live in Devon, and this fair is further west that the others. It's a chance for the West Country crafts. I'm looking forward to going round the shopping village - that would come high on my list!"

Why have crafts become so popular?

"This goes across age groups. gender, regions, ethnicities. I'm passionate about people looking at things and wondering how they were made, and learning to do something like that is fantastic.

It's also peaceful - about mindfulness - and being able to do something for yourself."

What do you think of Wiltshire?

"I was brought up on the Berkshire / Wiltshire border, and although I am happy in Devon, when we reach junction 14 on the M4, I feel the pull of the place. My granny lived in Calne, so we would drive from Hungerford to Calne every other weekend. I remember the white horse. My sister and stepson went to school in Marlborough, so really it's the county I know best. I love the landscape here, I really do. There's something unique about Wiltshire's landscape, and the chalk downs. It's very much coming home for me."

The fair will take place at Bowood House and Gardens (between Calne and Chippenham) from today to Sunday, with an array of expert talks and hands-on workshops as well as the craft markets.The programme includes live ‘craft-offs’ from the experts, Q&As and demonstrations from some of the country’s best-known makers, as well as a series of creative workshops where visitors can learn new skills, and share tips and tricks with like-minded creatives. Workshops teach skills in needle felting, calligraphy, wirework and Indian block printing, to name just a few.

Kirstie tops the bill on Friday, followed by Liz Earle, skincare specialist and founder of the multi-award winning Fairtrade jewellery range, on Saturday and gardening expert, Sarah Raven on Sunday.

Ticket options range from £12 upwards. To book, visit thehandmadefair.com/bowood.