The second International Festival of Glass, held at various venues within Stourbridge's historic Glass Quarter, takes place this year between August 25 and August 28. The packed four-day programme of events promises an inspiring celebration of glassmaking, with demonstrations, exhibitions and discussions plus plenty of family activities.

Visitors can even try their hand at glass blowing and engraving, while 'open studio' sessions will provide an insight into the different techniques used by glass artists. Glassmakers from around the world will also be sharing their talents, including a glass eye maker from Germany, a Venetian glass blower and a Viking bead maker from Denmark.

One of the Festival's highlights will be the British Glass Biennale, an exhibition of excellence in British glass showcasing the work of artists, designers and craftspeople. Two £5,000 prizes are on offer, for best piece and best example of collaborative work. The exhibition runs until September 17, and will be judged by some top names in the arts world.

Meanwhile, the area's history will be explored through a number of heritage activities, including walks conducted by Amblecote History Society, and a live radio broadcast from BBC WM presenter and community historian Carl Chinn.

Various canalside activities will be ongoing, such as a kids' treasure trail and a reconstruction of canal life in 1952.

A 'narrowboat taxi' will ferry visitors between three of the venues on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday mornings.

Street entertainers will be on hand throughout the festival, and there will also be a fun auction and a 'Glitzy Glass Fashion Finale' showcasing clothes by Zandra Rhodes and jewellery by Andrew Logan. Of course, visitors will be able to buy a range of beautiful and unusual glass products such as Stuart Crystal, jewellery and contemporary pieces, as well as limited-edition Festival T-shirts.

Many of the Festival's events take place at the Ruskin Glass Centre in Amblecote, where the Festival Office will be based. For information about and directions to the other venues, and any other enquiries, visit www.ifg.org.uk or call the number below.

Ruskin Glass Centre, Wollaston Road, Amblecote,

Stourbridge. Tel: 01384 399444