An estimated 54,000 filled Walsall town centre on Saturday for the return of Walsall MakerFest, a free one-day festival dedicated to celebrating making, creativity and local talent. Visitors and residents alike enjoyed a packed programme spanning live music, dance, hands-on workshops, storytelling, as well as local food and a makers’ market.
A person dressed as a fairy holding flowers high in the air surrounded by colourful papier mache sculptures
Walsall Creative Factory’s Magical Mythical Garden
At the heart of the festival was the bustling Makers’ Market along Park Street, where over 50 local artists, crafters, designers and food artisans showcased and sold their creations, plus audiences had the chance to engage with a Magical Mythical Garden, as well as hear and create stories at the Story Village. Elsewhere, Walsall Town Hall was filled with hand-on workshops where attendees built robots, created wearable art and explored special effects makeup; Walsall Society of Artists took over the Crossing at St Paul’s; the rarely open Memorial Gardens hosted a Mad Hatter’s Tea-Party; Walsall Leather Museum offered leathercraft activities and fashion showcases and Gallery Square came alive with live music from
Anne Scrimshaw, Director of Urban Hax with Sir Killalot from Robot Wars
Autin Dance Theatre led a performance of Mawimbi
The Makers’ Market on Park Street
Sign spinners across the town centre
Councillor Andrew with Mayor of Walsall, Councillor Harrison
“ Walsall MakerFest has once again shown the incredible creativity, talent and community spirit we have here in Walsall. The festival drew huge numbers into the town centre. Events like this not only bring pride and enjoyment to our residents, but also highlight Walsall as a place of opportunity and innovation. MakerFest has helped us build momentum towards the opening of The Guildhall, our new Creative Industries Enterprise Centre next summer. “
Councillor Adrian Andrew, Deputy Leader at Walsall Council.
“ For a second year, the festival brought together a diverse community of creators, innovators, artists, and performers. It’s been a privilege to lead such an important initiative. A huge thank you to everyone who made the festival such as success. “
Events in Walsall town centre continue with a Continental Market on Park Street from 19-22 November. A Festive Market and Christmas light switch on will also take place on Saturday 29 November. This special free event will see makers’ markets, live music, performances and family-friendly workshops.
Walsall MakerFest was delivered by Walsall Council in partnership with local non-profit Urban Hax CIC, The New Art Gallery Walsall, and Walsall Cultural Compact. It has been supported by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS)’s Cultural Development Fund: Round Three through Arts Council England.