Over 50,000 flock to the inaugural Walsall MakerFest, celebrating local creativity

Walsall town centre was abuzz on Saturday, 7 September, as over 50,000 people celebrated the local creative community at Walsall MakerFest. Gallery Square showcased a variety of dance genres, from Bhangra to breakdance, with highlights including the new performance ‘The Elephant and the Drummer’ by Sonia Sabri Company and Autin Dance Theatre’s 13-foot puppet Eko, who slowly promenaded down Park Street, interacting with and captivating the public, curiously investigating market stalls along the way.

Makers from Walsall and the surrounding area, along with the town’s regular market traders, spanned Park Street selling their wares. These included ceramics, leather goods, cakes, bath products, prints, illustrations, cards, street food, jewellery, and more.

Live music at The Crossing at St Paul’s got feet tapping, the Global Storytelling Village at The Bridge featured stories shared in the cozy setting of a bell tent, and units at the Saddler’s Shopping Centre were bustling with workshops ranging from robotics and musical theatre to jewellery making, sound wave investigation, and special effects makeup. The day also saw a takeover by Walsall Creative Factory, whose hands-on creative sessions proved so popular that they had to restock on workshop materials twice!

The Mayor of Walsall, Councillor Anthony Harris, said, “From live music at The Crossing to all the performances in Gallery Square, workshops in the Saddler’s Centre, and the makers’ market, it was a fantastic day to showcase the incredible creative talent we have here in Walsall and the surrounding area. It was a proud day for Walsall, and I hope everyone enjoyed themselves.”

Councillor Adrian Andrew, Associate Leader and Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, said, “The festival was a fantastic success, with footfall in the town centre 31% higher compared to the equivalent Saturday in August. It has given us the chance to showcase the exciting opportunities available for the creative industries and local businesses in Walsall today and in the future. The organisers and partners have been absolutely brilliant, and we look forward to announcing the date of the 2025 festival soon.”

Shine Duggal, Festival Lead - Walsall MakerFest, said, “The festival brought together a diverse community of creators, innovators, artists, and performers. Walsall is committed to investing in and elevating its creative industries, and it’s been a privilege to lead such an important initiative. A huge thank you to everyone who participated and made the first Walsall MakerFest an unforgettable celebration of creativity and collaboration.”

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.