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 home-grown talent.
Slide 1 of 6 PreviousNext Sonia Sabri Company with Mughal Miniatures: The Peacock & The Princess (Current slide)Anne Scrimshaw, Director of Urban Hax with Sir Killalot from Robot WarsAutin Dance Theatre led a performance of MawimbiThe Makers' Market on Park StreetSign spinners across the town centreCouncillor Andrew with Mayor of Walsall, Councillor HarrisonSonia Sabri Company with Mughal Miniatures: The Peacock & The Princess
“ 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. “
Shine Duggal, Festival Lead.
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.
