2026 BLF Conference & Gathering

This year’s BLF Annual Conference & Gathering will take place from 4^th to 6^th September 2026. Based at Northumbria University in the vibrant city of Newcastle, we’ll divide our time between the university, where we’ll hold lectures and presentations, and Jarrow Hall Anglo-Saxon village, where we’re planning an exciting day of practical activities. There are also other visits and tours planned, including to the university’s materials testing labs and Tynemouth Castle & Priory. Even a trip to the seaside for fish and chips! We’ll let you know when tickets are due to go on sale.

In the meantime …

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Could you lead a practical demonstration or activity at this year’s Conference & Gathering?

This year, we’re planning a whole day of practical activities and demonstrations, based at the Anglo-Saxon village at Jarrow Hall. If you have ideas for a lime-related activity that you would like to lead, please get in touch. It could be limewashing, timber crafts, making cob or wattle-and-daub, lime burning and slaking, mortar mixing, harling or plastering, or any other of a host of possibilities. This is a volunteer role – your chance to contribute to the exchange of skills and knowledge within the BLF – so we can’t pay you, but we may be able to cover some of your expenses. Please get in touch as soon as possible via conference@buildinglimesforum.org.uk to explain your idea and outline any experience you have of delivering practical training or demonstrations, and we’ll be in touch to discuss.