Annabelle Dickson From mysterious oriental lands, a rich cultural heritage has enchanted westerners for years. And this September there will be a chance to learn more about the East's striking textile heritage and buy oriental-style goods.

Annabelle Dickson

From mysterious oriental lands, a rich cultural heritage has enchanted westerners for years. And this September there will be a chance to learn more about the East's striking textile heritage and buy oriental-style goods.

Collections of costumes from kimonos to kaftans will also be on display at the fair in Wolterton Hall, near Aylsham. Experts will give talks and stalls will sell oriental-style wares.

It will be the eighth year that Lady Walpole has hosted the annual fete on behalf of the Costume and Textile Association, which is based in Norwich, and work has just started to pull the exhibition together with the arrival of the first robes and garments.

Each year has seen a different era or style on show and this year's theme will tie in with the Beijing Olympics.

It is hoped that the money made from the group's biggest fundraiser of the year will eventually pay for somewhere to house the association's extensive collection of garments and fabrics which are currently being cared for at Carrow House in the city.

Stalls in the grounds of the hall will have an oriental twist. There will also be a craft marquee with a series of talks and workshops so that people can have a go at embroidery and other techniques.

Oriental expert Anna Jackson, deputy keeper of the Asian department of the Victorian and Albert Museum, will talk about the history of Japanese clothing, in particular the kimono, on the Saturday.

Organiser Diana Thurley said the fair was a great place to get ideas about costume design and learn about textiles in the Orient.

The costume and textile fair is in the hall at Wolterton Park on September 13 and 14 between 10.30am and 5pm. Tickets cost £5.