MakerFest, supported by Walsall Council, returns to the town centre on Saturday 26 September from 12pm to 4pm, bringing Walsall to life with live performances, creative activities, a Makers Market, street food and plenty of opportunities for people of all ages to get involved.

As part of the event, the Town Hall Takeover will offer a programme of free creative workshops and activities, giving visitors the chance to try something new, learn new skills and make something to take home.

The workshops have been brought together with the support of local artists, creatives, community organisations and businesses, showcasing the breadth of talent and creativity across Walsall.

All workshops are free to take part in, with activities running throughout the event while spaces and materials last.

Visitors can try their hand at:

• Keys to the Town with Charlotte Webb Illustration – design and emboss an oversized ‘Walsall Key’, inspired by the borough's lock making and metalworking heritage, and contribute to a community ‘Wall of Keys’.
• SoundMUSE – explore the mysteries of sound through science, art and music, with experiments using curious instruments and visual patterns.
• Sister Dora Lyric Lab with Stan’s Café – write a prescription for Walsall and help inspire a brand-new song about Sister Dora.
• Creative Writing with Ian Henery – explore travel around Walsall through the themes of the past, present, future and fantasy.
• Calligraphy and Illustration with RicNic – create and customise a beautiful bookmark to take home.
• Walsall Memory Jar with Bostin’ Creatives – share memories of Walsall's people, places, sights, tastes and sounds, helping to create giant memory jars and a Bostin’ Walsall washing line.
• Coaster Painting with MindKind Projects – get creative and make your own colourful coaster.
• Guildhall 3D Puzzle with Urban Hax – discover more about Walsall's historic Guildhall while getting to grips with a 3D puzzle of the building.
• Kite Making with Afghan Community & Welfare Centre – make a colourful kite ready to fly.
• Digital Content Creation with Digital Skills Hub – a drop-in challenge for young people to learn practical digital media skills and create a short piece of content inspired by MakerFest.

The Town Hall Takeover will open its doors at 12.45pm, following the MakerFest Street Stage Celebration, which starts at midday outside The Crossing before travelling towards the Town Hall.

“ MakerFest is all about bringing people together to celebrate the creativity, talent and imagination that makes Walsall such a special place, and these fantastic free workshops are a great way for everyone to get involved.

There really is something for everyone, whether you want to discover a new skill, make something to take home, share a memory of Walsall or simply have a go at something you've never tried before. We look forward to welcoming everyone to MakerFest for a brilliant day in the town centre.
“

Councillor Nicky Barker
Deputy Leader of Walsall Council

“ We’re incredibly proud of our MakerFest programme. Creatives from across the Midlands and beyond applied to take part in the festival and we can’t wait to see the Town Hall come to life in so many new ways. Each drop-in workshop brings something completely unique; from heritage crafts, to creative writing, music making, illustration, content creation and more.

With all activities free to access, we want families to come and enjoy the Town Hall. Take your time, drift between the workshops and relax by the stage with The Table LIVE programme of fabulous music, great coffee and homemade cakes when you need to refuel.

Look out for pops of colour and creativity from Walsall’s Creative Factory, with some of their vibrant installations on display across the festival site.

We are so thrilled to be collaborating with so many local creatives and can’t wait for Walsall to see it and be proud.
“

Emily Summers
Artistic Director of Bostin’ Creative

The Town Hall will also feature live music and local talent throughout the day, with The Table serving coffee and homemade cakes as part of a one-day-only Town Hall takeover. Walsall’s Creative Factory will also be adding colour and vibrant installations throughout the building.

Follow our updates on @makerfest on Instagram @ourwalsall on Facebook, or @bostincreative