Walsall Fireworks Spectacular
Walsall Arboretum is set to come alive on Saturday 7 November 2026 as Walsall Council’s Fireworks Spectacular brings an evening of live entertainment, fairground fun, food and a spectacular fireworks display to the town.
This family-friendly event will welcome visitors from 5pm, with the entertainment getting underway from 5.30pm before the evening culminates in a fireworks display at 7.30pm.
Get ready for live entertainment from Slady, Nayra J, hosted by Dicky Dodd. Alongside Pat Collins funfair, food and drink vendors.
To buy tickets, visit https://www.ticketsource.com/healthyspaces
The event will be hosted by popular Black Country presenter Dicky Dodd, who will keep the crowds entertained throughout the evening.
Walsall's Winter MakerFest
Saturday 21 November, 3.30pm–6.30pm, Walsall Town Centre
Walsall Winter MakerFest will bring the town centre to life with a vibrant evening celebrating Walsall’s creativity, communities and festive spirit in the run-up to Christmas.
Throughout the evening, visitors can explore an action-packed programme of live music, singing, dance, creative performances and hands-on makers’ workshops, with activities taking place across the town centre.
From local artists and performers to makers, musicians, dancers and community groups, Winter MakerFest will showcase the creativity and talent found across Walsall, while inviting everyone to get involved.
Whether you want to make something, watch a performance, follow the lantern parade, experience the projection mapping at The Crossing and the Guildhall, or simply soak up the festive atmosphere, there will be something for everyone.
Wrap up warm, follow the lights and join us as we spread some festive cheer across Walsall with an evening of creativity, light and entertainment for the whole community.
Follow our updates on @makerfest on Instagram @ourwalsall on Facebook, or @bostincreative
Walsall Arena and Arts Centre
Walsall Arena presents various exciting programmes including music, comedy and live events. Highlights below.
Let Me Entertain You
Date: Saturday 3 October 2026, Time: 7:30 pm, Price: £32.00 (Note: Published ticket prices include a £2.00 per ticket booking fee).
Be captivated by the world of the great pop star Robbie Williams in this full-stage production, celebrating the music of our UK-born icon with huge stage sets, a host of talented musicians, and that hint of Robbie magic.
Starring JK, widely regarded as a leading global star, Robbie Williams tribute performer who has toured 22 countries and performed to over 3 million people, the show transports audiences from the famous Knebworth concert over to the Royal Albert Hall swing show and back through the decades.
Age Guidance: Suitable for all ages.
Celebrating 50 Years of the hits of ABBA
Date: Friday 23 October 2026, time: 7:30 pm. Price: £29.50 (Note: Published ticket prices include a £2.00 per ticket booking fee).
Marking 50 years since ABBA’s iconic Arrival album first lit up the charts, the multi-award-winning show of the same name is back with a brand-new production. This year's show is more immersive than ever, featuring interactive video projections that let you sing along to the lyrics on screen at the top of your lungs. Packed with sensational vocals, expert musicianship, dazzling costumes, and breathtaking visuals, the performance takes you on a nostalgic journey from Waterloo to disco anthems like Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!, Mamma Mia, Voulez-Vous, and Fernando.
Age Guidance: Suitable for all ages
Brownhills Musical Theatre Company presents: We Will Rock You
Dates: Wednesday 14 – Saturday 17 October 2026, Times: Evening performances at 7:30 pm, with matinee performances available (including Saturday at 2:30 pm).
We Will Rock You follows a group of rebel Bohemians fighting to bring rock 'n' roll back to life, guided by the prophecy of 'The Dreamer' as outsiders Galileo and Scaramouche challenge the powerful Killer Queen and the evil Globalsoft Corporation. Packed with greatest hits from Queen such as "Bohemian Rhapsody", "Somebody to Love", and the iconic title track, this high-octane show is a true celebration of freedom and the enduring spirit of rock.
Attention All Shipping: A Celebration of the Shipping Forecast
Friday 2 October, time: 7:30 PM, £22.50
Celebrate a century of the iconic shipping forecast with Charlie Connelly’s hilarious and informative show. Discover the fascinating history and quirky phrases behind the broadcast, explore tales from his extraordinary journey across all 31 sea areas, and finally find out where on earth North Utsire actually is.
For full details, dates, ticket prices and booking information, visit Walsall Arena’s website at: https://www.walsallarena.com/whats-on/
The New Art Gallery Walsall
Location: Gallery Square, Walsall, WS2 8LG, Opening times: Tuesday–Saturday, 10am–4.30pm | Sunday, 11am–4pm | Closed Mondays and Bank Holidays.
Creative Activities
Sunday Art Club
The New Art Gallery runs weekly art club for children and young people offers a fantastic space to meet artists and creatives while learning how to paint, print, sculpt, craft, and more. For more information, visit www.thenewartgallerywalsall.org.uk. Time: 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm, Age range: Ages 4+, Free, drop-in.
Activities and learning workshops at the new Art Gallery Walsall
Artist in Residence
Laura Onions- Dates: 15 September — 6 December 2026, location: Artists’ Studio.
The New Art Gallery is delighted to welcome our new artist in residence Laura Onions who will spend 12 weeks working in the Artists’ Studio.
Laura has a printmaking practice focused on local ecologies and our oneness with nature.
She is actively involved with arts, nature and culture networks in the West Midlands and uses printmaking as a tool for dialogue and community-building. Laura will use her residency to explore the processes of contact, transference, and pressure in her printmaking practice and how these actions correspond to wider personal, social and environmental themes.
Laura Onions is a dedicated printmaker who approaches printmaking as a dynamic way to explore, experiment, and create. Drop by the studio during her residency to gain insight into her artistic process.
Contemporary Exhibitions
Charmaine Watkiss: The things we hold sacred
Dates: 3 October 2026 – 11 April 2027
Preview: Friday 2 October, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm (Free, all welcome).
The New Art Gallery Walsall is delighted to announce a major new solo exhibition of drawings and sculptures by British artist Charmaine Watkiss (b. 1964, London, UK). Alongside significant loans from private and museum collections, the exhibition showcases newly commissioned sculptures and the artist’s most significant sculptural installation to date. Watkiss is widely known for her research-based drawing practice focused on plant knowledge handed down through generations of Caribbean families, as well as tracing the lineage to Africa through the transatlantic slave trade, reflecting these themes through constructed narratives and rich symbolism
What Grows In Between: Artists- Dan Booth, Abraham Babajide Cole, Hannah Rollason
Exhibition open until: 11 October 2026, Floor 4.
What Grows In Between is a compelling group exhibition featuring newly commissioned work created during the third iteration of Assembly, a development programme for local artists held in partnership with the arts organisation Multistory. This year, the gallery has supported Dan Booth, Abraham Babajide Cole, and Hannah Rollason. Through painting, sculpture, and installation, these artists explore connection and transformation as essential ways of navigating uncertain times.
Tereza Bušková: Mothers without Hands
Exhibition open until 15 November 2026, Community Gallery.
Mothers without Hands presents outcomes from an international project initiated and developed by Birmingham-based artist Tereza Bušková. Curated by Dr Nicola Baird, the project engaged diverse communities in Folkestone, Prague, Brno, Erdington, and Walsall through creative workshops and public processions designed to raise awareness of violence against women and girls. The exhibition takes its title from The Girl Without Hands, a 12th-century fairy tale collected and revised by the Brothers Grimm, serving as a powerful story exploring survival, strength, healing, and the confrontation of trauma.
Artist Tour of Mothers without Hands
Due to popular demand and following on from the success of the Celebration Event, join artist Tereza Bušková for a tour of her exhibition Mothers without Hands in the Community Gallery of The New Art Gallery Walsall.
Saturday 24 October, 2pm. It’s completely free.
Mothers without Hands, Public Procession, Walsall High Street, Walsall, 2025. Photo credit: Carl Gibbons
October Half-Term Activities at the New Art Gallery
Amulets of Protection workshop with Tereza Bušková- This workshop is for adults aged 18 and over.
Saturday 7 November, 10am-4pm
£22.50 – £25. Booking is essential. Numbers limited.
Join artist Tereza Bušková for a day-long workshop, which begins with an exclusive tour of Tereza’s exhibition Mothers without Hands in the Community Gallery, then explore the concept of amulets of protection and the chatelaine. This was a historical, wearable, fashionable garment, dating back to medieval Europe that was both a status symbol and a utilitarian necessity for women, long before women’s clothes featured pockets. Under the expert guidance of the artist, participants will create wearable garments incorporating Tereza’s ready-made bread amulets and participants’ personal objects, found in their handbags.
Refreshments and materials provided.
Mini Makers
Tuesday 27 October | 11am–1pm | Ages 2–5 | £4 per child
Party Time Tubes will give little makers the chance to create their own colourful, portable party using paper twists, tissue paper and stickers.
Wednesdays for All — Warrior Arm Bands
Wednesday 28 October | 11am–3pm | Ages 4+ | FREE
Drop in and make a striking warrior arm band using simple craft materials, inspired by artist Charmaine Watkiss. No booking needed, just come along and get creative.
Young Masters
Our skills-based workshops for aspiring young artists are also back this half-term. A great opportunity for young people to develop their creative skills, try new techniques and spend time making alongside other young artists.
Leaf Printed Tote Bags
Thursday 29 Oct: Ages 6+ Workshops: 11am - 12.30pm or: 1.30 - 3pm. £5 per child Booking essential, numbers limited.
Learn how to print the botanical shapes and patterns of autumn leaves onto a fabric tote bag with artist Sam Mace Note: this session might get messy so please wear old clothes.
Halloween Heads
27–31 October | 10am–4pm | All ages | FREE
Drop in and create a spooky or silly character head that’s full of personality. No need to book, just bring your imagination.
Whether you have a little one who loves making things, a budding young artist, or you’re simply looking for something different to do together, there’s plenty to get stuck into this half-term.
🎟️ See the full programme for details and booking information through the website at: www.thenewartgallerywalsall.org.uk. or call 01922 654 400 or visit the gallery’s main reception.
Christmas Makers’ Market
Saturday 28 November 2026, 11am-3pm. Free, drop-in.
Pop along to our Christmas Makers’ Market to discover unique and original crafts from local makers and craftspeople. Pick up a Christmas gift, or treat yourself to something special.
Diwali Community Day 2026
Saturday, 14 November 2026, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
Celebrate the Festival of Lights with us at our free, family-friendly annual community event. All are welcome to drop in and enjoy a vibrant day of culture and connection.
Experience classical Indian Bharatanatyam dance by Jnan Deep Kundu, poetry by Rupinder Kaur, and dynamic dance performances from Angeli Das & Co. Get creative with hands-on arts workshops led by Daya Bhatti and Nilupa Yasmin, and enjoy traditional Mehndi artistry by Mrs Bedi. Be sure to sample tasty treats from Hargun Sweet Centre while you are there.
Parks and outdoor activities
Get Cycling with On Ya Bike
Why not learn to ride, build your confidence or improve your cycling skills through our free On Ya Bike cycling sessions at Willenhall Memorial Park throughout October?
Every Sunday in October:
The sessions are suitable for all abilities and provide a great opportunity to enjoy the outdoors while developing a valuable life skill.
