WINCHESTER University is organising a unique event on the theme of textiles.

Spinning A Yarn, at the Arc in Jewry Street on Saturday, 11 November, is the university’s contribution to this year’s Being Human Festival of Humanities.

People will be able to watch a demonstration of handweaving on a warp-weighted loom and hand spinning by senior lecturer in classical and medieval history, Dr Carey Fleiner.

Historical linguist Dr Eric Lacey, senior lecturer in the department of English and creative writing, and Dr Polly Stoker, lecturer in classical studies, will be on hand to talk about some of the famous myths, legends and fairytales with weaving and spinning at their heart.

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Dr Lacey said: "The link between textile, language, and story is both ancient and timeless. Text comes from textile - words woven together to make a cohesive whole. People skilled with words weave them, and can spin facts. This permeates myth, legend, and lore too: supernatural figures could weave the fate of mankind, or snip lives short, or enrapture them with sorcerous strands."

Fresh from Winchester Fashion Week will be a display of posters created by University of Winchester students for This Is Me, an event exploring the make-up of their ‘Fashion DNA'.

Anyone coming to the event is encouraged to ‘spin a yarn’ of their own, perhaps about a cherished item of clothing or a craft project.

For children there will be a dressing up corner, with costumes supplied by Winchester City Museum and Hampshire Wardrobe, as well as drawing and colouring.

Free tea, coffee, cake and soft drinks will be available.

Event organiser Myra Wilkinson said: “This is the University of Winchester’s first Being Human Festival event and I’m thrilled that we have become part of the Being Human family. 

"The event speaks perfectly to this year’s festival theme of 'Rhyme, Reason and Research', and is a wonderful opportunity to showcase some of our many strengths in the Humanities. I have no doubt that together our academic experts, students and guests will weave a rich and colourful tapestry.”

For more details, visit eventbrite.co.uk/e/spinning-a-yarn-fabric-identity-language-and-storytelling-through-time-tickets-721113298287.