Walsall MakerFest is coming to the town centre this September with a vibrant celebration of our creative community.
This free one-day festival, taking place on Saturday, September 7, from 11 am to 5 pm, will showcase the best of Walsall and the Black Country’s artistic talent through live music, dance, a makers’ market, street food, workshops, storytelling, a fashion show, and pop-up shops.
The festival will highlight the local music scene with a series of live performances at The Crossing at St Paul’s in the town centre, featuring a wide range of musical genres from reggae and blues to Latin and Motown.
Music Lineup:
- Rhythms Del Toro (4:00 pm – 5:00 pm): A seven-piece international collective known for their explosive Latin renditions of popular classics.
- Asifa Lahore (3:10 pm – 3:40 pm): A celebrated drag queen and multilingual advocate for intersectional rights, Asifa will not only deliver a stunning cabaret performance but also serve as the compère for the live music stage.
- Janel Antoneshia (2:35 pm – 3:05 pm): A Jamaican singer from the Black Country, recognized for her distinctive blend of nu soul and reggae.
- Millicent Chapanda (2:00 pm – 2:30 pm): A Zimbabwean Shona cultural artist based in Walsall, celebrated for her traditional mbira playing, percussion, and vocal artistry.
- Elle-J Walters (1:25 pm – 1:55 pm): A Birmingham-based songwriter who has toured nationally and internationally, supporting artists such as Shalamar, The Real Thing, and Hot Chocolate.
- The 2Ds (12:50 pm – 1:20 pm): Kicking off the event with an infectious performance of old-school Motown and Northern Soul hits.
The musical festivities will continue into the evening with a free concert at St Matthew’s Church. From 5 pm to 7 pm, local choirs including St Matthew’s Community Choir, Blue Lights, and Voices Entwined will come together for “People Sing,” a powerful showcase of community spirit through song.