Love The Great British Sewing Bee? Mark Francis is heading to Wantage this June

Great British Sewing Bee favourite Mark Francis brings stories, stitches and Doctor Who magic to Wantage in June.

If, like me, you’re partial to a bit of The Great British Sewing Bee, you’ll be delighted to hear that one of the show’s most memorable makers is heading to Wantage.

The Great British Sewing Bee favourite Mark Francis will be the special guest at an inspiring evening hosted by the King Alfred Quilters and Textile Group at East Challow Village Hall on Wednesday 3 June 2026.

Known for his immaculate style, warm humour and meticulous craftsmanship, Mark became a firm fan favourite when he appeared on the 2020 series of the hit BBC show. But life after television, he says, has taken him somewhere he never expected.

“The most surprising and rewarding part of being on Sewing Bee has been the complete change in my life since leaving the show,” he says. “None of it was planned.”

Since stepping out of the famous sewing room, Mark has swapped day jobs for dressmaking full-time, building a thriving business teaching sewing, giving talks and developing his own pattern range.

And then there’s his rather extraordinary niche.

“The biggest part of my work is making replica costumes from my favourite BBC series, Doctor Who.”

From bespoke commissions for clients around the world to creating costume pieces linked to upcoming BBC projects, Mark’s post-Bee journey has stitched together creativity, fandom and craftsmanship in the most unexpected ways.

“Six years on, what still surprises me most is the sewing community,” he says. “The love people have for Sewing Bee never fades. People still stop me and tell me stories about watching the show. It’s both humbling and incredibly rewarding.”

Together with husband Clive Bruder, Mark now runs Sew NewBo, a sewing studio in New Brighton on the Wirral, where they host workshops and courses for makers of every ability.

His advice for anyone picking up a needle for the first time?

“Take your time, enjoy the process and keep gently pushing yourself to try new things. Make the things you love.”

Mark’s talk begins at 7pm on Wednesday 3 June 2026, at East Challow Village Hall, OX12 9SU.

Non-members are warmly welcome, tickets are £5 including refreshments, and parking is free.

For more info please contact Janice on 07786 333497 or visit kingalfredquilters.org.uk

And if that inspires you to thread your own needle, the group’s summer party follows on Wednesday 1 July 2026.

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