About us
Sugarcraft North is the trading name of the England North area of the British Sugarcraft Guild (formerly BSG Region 2).
As the England North area, we represent both local BSG branches and Individual members across our region, supporting their activities and promoting sugarcraft throughout the North of England.
Since 2004, we have organised a wide range of sugarcraft events under the Sugarcraft North banner, encouraging learning, creativity, and community engagement. We welcome anyone with an interest in cake decorating or sugarcraft. Participation in our events does not require BSG membership; all enthusiasts are invited to join us!
Our work is overseen by an area team of volunteer members, led by Judy Banks, our Area Coordinator, who also represents England North at the BSG National Committee. The team brings extensive experience in cake decorating and sugarcraft, with members having served in various committee roles at branch, regional, and national levels within the Guild over many years.
We arrange two area meetings per year – in spring and autumn – where BSG members: branch and individuals, are invited along to discuss, determine, and vote on our activities and wider BSG policy. Details and invitations are posted in our eNews, on our website, and on social media.
The British Sugarcraft Guild
Established in 1981 by sugarcrafters for cake decorating enthusiasts everywhere.
The British Sugarcraft Guild is a non-profit organisation dedicated to the promotion of cake decorating and sugarcraft. Members include hobby cake makers, home bakers, specialist retailers, manufacturers and renowned sugarcraft professionals.
With the motto "my craft is my art", the Guild's aims are to: promote and stimulate interest in sugarcraft, develop talent, share knowledge, improve standards.
Learn more about the benefits of membership and join online: https://bsguk.org/
Or go along to your local branch in the England North area.
Online Demonstrations
Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, we arranged monthly Zoom meetings with invited guest demonstrators to provide entertainment.
These online sessions proved to be invaluable for so many people, particularly during the various lockdowns and social restrictions when we couldn't meet in person.
NEW for 2024/2025 we announced a season of monthly live online demonstrations running from October to March - perfect to help us all through the dark nights. We're thrilled to host a second season commencing October 2025 through to March 2026. Learn more and join in the fun!
Subscribe to Our Free Newsletter
Stay connected with everything happening across Sugarcraft North!
Our free email newsletter brings updates, event news, demonstrations, and community highlights straight to BSG members and sugarcraft friends throughout the North of England.
Want to receive the next edition?
Simply subscribe HERE or click the newsletter image — we’ll take care of the rest.
And if you ever change your mind, unsubscribing is quick and easy.
Join our mailing list and never miss out on the creativity, inspiration, and friendly community that make Sugarcraft North so special.
Local Branches
The England North area shown on the map includes a number of local BSG
branches that hold regular monthly meetings. You can join as a BSG member
at any branch, or are welcome to go along as a visitor.
The programme at each branch varies and will include invited demonstrators,
have a go sessions, workshops, and other activities. Admission fees are
chargeable and vary between locations and the respective activity on the day.
If you are interested in cake decorating and sugarcraft, go along to your local branch, meet new friends, and enjoy the shared love of our craft.
Skills School
Established in 2006, our annual Skills School Weekend has become a regular fixture on the Sugarcraft North calendar.
A popular residential retreat; we have hosted a wide range of sugarcraft tutors and topics over the years, and our students have benefited from the opportunity to learn useful cake decorating skills in a friendly, welcoming and social atmosphere - accompanied by wonderful food and great company.
Exhibitions and Shows
We have organised numerous exhibitions in the north of England over many years, as BSG Region 2, and under the Sugarcraft North banner.
In the 1990’s we held a number of shows at York Racecourse.
In 2002 we moved to the brilliant 'Pavilions of Harrogate' venue where we returned time and again to hold hugely successful exhibitions in 2005, 2007, 2009, 2011, and 2013.
Sadly, our planned 2015 show had to be cancelled when a national media company scheduled a one-off caking
and baking show during the same month
in the centre of Harrogate.
We were delighted to return with a
brand-new show in April 2024 at York.
Demonstration Days
We have arranged several popular demonstration days – some have incorporated competitions too!
Enjoy these photos, and look out for details of our next exciting Day of Demonstrations coming soon…
Workshops
We arranged a wonderful workshop day at Pannal, Harrogate, when we got together to work on our tier for the restored Queen's Wedding Cake. Learn more about the extraordinary project HERE
More recently, we hosted a special Charity Workshop in memory of Nadene Hurst ‘Queen of Royal Icing’ which raised an incredible £580 for the nominated charity.
Our events are open to anyone who is interested in sugarcraft and cake decorating - come along to our next one!
