The Voice finalist Shay Ramsey, Bhangra and break dancing to wow crowds at Walsall MakerFest 2024

Eko, a 13ft Puppet, and Wolverhampton’s singer-songwriter Shay Ramsey will be two of the many attractions to wow crowds at Walsall MakerFest 2024.

This September, a free one-day festival, Walsall MakerFest, is shining a spotlight on and celebrating the rich and diverse creative community within Walsall and the Black Country. Taking place on Saturday 7 September 2024 from 11am-5pm, the festival will feature live music, dance, a makers’ market, street food, workshops, storytelling, fashion show and pop-up shops.

Let’s Dance in Gallery Square will be the location for a fantastic showcase of dance including Bhangra, break dance, Bulgarian folk, and street dance performances.

The stage will be hosted by Shay Ramsey, who has appeared on Britain’s Got Talent, Songs of Praise, and most recently, as a finalist on The Voice in 2023.

The Mayor of Walsall, Councillor Anthony Harris, who will officially open the festival said, “Walsall MakerFest is set to be an unforgettable day of creativity, talent showcases, and community spirit.

“I am very excited that Walsall is hosting such a spectacular event right here in our town. There are some breathtaking performances lined up and a vibrant makers’ market so there’s something for everyone. Come and join us and celebrate Walsall's incredible talent and energy.”

Some of the magical performances to look out for at Walsall MakerFest include:

Ultimate Bhangra, 1.30pm, 1.40pm and 2.15pm

The Walsall-born Bhangra group will showcase a celebration of tradition and community. Two teams of dancers will entertain in a lively programme of Bhangra Dance that will make you want to join in!

Autin Dance Theatre's ‘Out of the Deep Blue’, 2.50pm

Walsall town centre will come alive with outdoor physical theatre featuring a 13-foot tall puppet. The piece tells the story of Eko, a sea giant who rises from the deep ocean to encounter a courageous little girl called Violet.

The puppet will also promenade along Park Street  at 11.50am, 12.15pm and 2.25pm

Ignite, 11.25 am

Ignite will present a new piece of dance  specially made for MakerFest

Bethel Lighthouse Centre, 11.35am

Bethel Lighthouse Centre (BLC) provides a space for young people in Walsall. In partnership with Walsall MakerFest, BLC held a one-day Dance Masterclass led by choreographer Shaun Cope. The result of the masterclass will be presented at the festival.

Studio School, 12.35pm

Studio school will be working with renowned international choreographer Shaun Cope, in a dance bootcamp leading to the creation of 2 imaginative and entertaining pieces of dance and a flash mob place at 12.35pm and a performance on stage at 12.45pm.

Linden Youth Company, 1pm, 3.35pm

Linden Dance Company is set to perform 'UNBOXED', an emotive work in which the performers engage with two giant wooden cubes.

Break Da Kode- 3:20pm, 4.05pm

Break Da Kode" (BDK),is a dance collective from the West Midlands, specialising in break dancing, hip hop and lite feet.

Sonia Sabri Company, 4.15pm

Sonia Sabri Company's Kathakaars share the diversity of South Asian dance with contemporary British audiences. Performing regularly across the UK, their repertoire includes Kathak, South Asian folk dances such as Afghani, Marathi and Balochi. They will be performing the Elephant and the Drummer Elnaz, which is a fun and empowering dance performance exploring body-positivity and self-acceptance.

There will more performances, including a fashion show, street theatre featuring Walsall College and Lollipop Ladies, and a music theatre open mic for anyone who wants their own moment of spotlight.

Walsall MakerFest is being 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.

For more information on how to get involved ,view the digital programme here https://thenewartgallerywalsall.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Makerfest-Brochure-2024.pdf and follow our updates on @makerfest on Instagram @ourwalsall on Facebook.

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