A new two-day festival celebrating photography, creativity and visual storytelling is coming to Walsall town centre on Saturday 9 May and Sunday 10 May 2026.
FotoFest 2026 will take place across three venues in Walsall town centre and is being developed as part of the wider MakerFest Fringe programme.
The event builds on the success of MakerFest and MakerFest Fringe over the past two years, as well as last year’s Photography Symposium. It is being delivered by Walsall Council, working with Walsall-based photographer Andy Kruczek, alongside a number of partners.
FotoFest 2026 will bring together photography professionals, creatives and visitors for a weekend of panel discussions, guest speakers, exhibitions, FotoSocial, workshops, hands-on demonstrations and portfolio reviews.
A visual expo will form part of the programme, with brands including Fujifilm and Sigma showcasing the latest photography and imaging technology. Visitors will also be able to explore current trends in photography and content creation, with interactive workshops designed for a range of skill levels.
The programme will also include keynote talks from industry experts on a variety of topics, as well as a panel discussion featuring model agents, make-up artists and creative directors.
As well as appealing to established professionals and aspiring creatives, the event is also intended to offer an accessible introduction for young people who are interested in photography for the first time.
Shine Duggal, MakerFest and Fringe Festival Director, said:
“Through the MakerFest Fringe programme we’ve been developing FotoFest to celebrate the power of photography and the stories it tells about people and place. It’s an exciting visual expo bringing artists, photographers industry specialists and audiences together to share perspectives and connect.”
FotoFest, as part of the MakerFest Fringe programme, is delivered by Walsall Council in partnership with Urban Hax CIC, The New Art Gallery Walsall and Walsall Cultural Compact, with support from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport Cultural Development Fund 3 through Arts Council England.
People are being encouraged to save the date and follow updates on Instagram at @FotoFestWalsall.