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Regeneration

Call for makers to be part of second Walsall MakerFest

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Following the success of last year’s inaugural event, Walsall MakerFest, the town’s celebration of creativity, returns this September bigger and better. Makers from across Walsall and the Black Country are once again invited to be part of the festival’s Makers’ Market which will take place in Walsall town centre on Saturday 13 September 2025. 

Makers Market stalls along Park Street at the inaugural Walsall MakerFest
The Makers' Market at last year's Walsall MakerFest

The Makers’ Market will return with 50 stalls available for artists, crafters, designers, food artisans, tech creatives, and more. Applications are now open and can be submitted via this form: https://online1.snapsurveys.com/maker-fest-2025. The deadline to apply is Sunday 13 July 2025, and successful applicants will be notified during the week commencing 21 July 2025. 

In addition to the market, the one-day festival will once again feature a vibrant mix of music, dance, performance, workshops, storytelling, fashion and more from the region’s most talented creatives. The full programme will be announced in August. 

“ The inaugural Walsall MakerFest was a fantastic success, with 50,000 people enjoying the festival in the town centre. Once again it will shine a spotlight on the fantastic creativity that exists in our borough and region, in advance of the opening of Walsall’s Creative Enterprise Centre next year. Last year’s Makers’ Market in particular was a fantastic success, and I encourage local creatives to take part. “

Councillor Adrian Andrew, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Prosperous Places and Investment at Walsall Council.

Walsall MakerFest is delivered by Walsall Council in partnership with local non-profit Urban Hax, 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.  

 

Application FAQs 

  • Walsall Makerfest is designed to showcase the creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit of Walsall and is being organised by Walsall Council in partnership with Urban Hax, The New Art Gallery Walsall and Walsall Cultural Compact
  • Stallholder applications will close at 11.59pm on Sunday 13 July 2025
  • Applicants will be contacted by the week commencing 21 July 2025 if they have been successful. 

 

What We Expect From Stallholders 

We want to create an enjoyable and respectful environment for all our attendees, stallholders, and team members. To achieve this, we ask the following: 

  • Please share information about the event on your own social media pages.
  • Please set up and maintain your stall to a high standard. If you are new to trading, we are happy to offer help and advice on setting up your stall.
  • You should operate strictly within the boundaries of your own stall and be considerate of your market neighbours. Don't approach attendees who are looking at other stalls. 

 

Walsall MakerFest has a zero-tolerance policy for aggressive and abusive behaviour. Please avoid using abusive language and behaviour, whether in person, through social media, or through direct communications. Aggressive or abusive behaviour will not be tolerated and  will be considered a breach of these conditions and may result in immediate removal from the festival. 

If you witness abusive behaviour, please report it to a Festival Team member immediately. 

We understand that from time to time there will be disagreements between stallholders. If such disagreements do arise, please contact a member of the Festival Team or Festival Volunteer immediately so we can support you in reconciling this. 

Terms & Conditions 

  • Completing the application form does not guarantee you a stall at Walsall MakerFest.
  • Only one standard stall per applicant is permitted.
  • Stalls at Walsall MakerFest are free this year.  

Cancellations 

We understand that sometimes it's necessary to cancel due to unforeseen events. If you need to cancel, please let us know by email as soon as possible so that your stall can be offered to someone else. No shows on the day of the festival without prior communication will be charged £20. 

Preparation 

We will send stallholders a Makers' Market Information Pack, including arrival times, unloading instructions, and important contacts 14 days before the festival. 

Insurance requirements 

You will be required to have public liability insurance and must provide evidence of this when you apply. 

Stall positions 

We are responsible for the allocation and position of stalls. Stallholders cannot change the position of their allocated stall. We cannot guarantee a space to late arrivals.  

Setting up and safety 

All stallholders should ensure their stall is set up safely. It is essential that walkways are kept clear, products are stacked securely and in line with Health and Safety requirements.  

Any instructions given by the MakerFest Festival Team regarding risk management or accident prevention should be followed at all times. 

The Festival Team will issue guidance on Health & Safety and Risk in the Makers' Market Information Pack. 

Stallholders may not use equipment or practices that could risk the health and safety of any attendees. Doing so may result in immediate removal from the festival. 

In preparation, we recommend you complete a risk assessment. Risk assessment templates are available at  

https://www.hse.gov.uk/simple-health-safety/risk/risk-assessment-template-and-examples.htm

During the festival 

  • Stallholders must strictly operate within the bounds of their stall and ensure that surrounding passageways are kept clear.
  • Smoking is not permitted by any stallholder in the vicinity of the stalls. 

Packing down 

  • Stallholders should remain until the end of the festival. If you need to leave early due to an emergency, please notify a Festival Team member as soon as possible.
  • When leaving the festival, please ensure you take all your own waste and dispose of this appropriately.
  • Please leave the stall area in the same condition as when you arrived. 

 

Sales and visitor numbers 

No warranties are given regarding the number of sales and visitor numbers. 

Theft and damage 

Stallholders agree that Walsall MakerFest is not responsible for any theft of goods or property, or any damage or loss to goods and equipment that may occur at the MakerFest. 

 

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