People and communities
Call for makers to be part of new Walsall festival
Published on
Makers from across Walsall and the Black Country are invited to be part of a new festival celebrating creativity taking place in Walsall town centre this September.
Walsall MakerFest, delivered by Walsall Council in partnership with local non-profit Urban Hax, The New Art Gallery Walsall and Walsall Cultural Compact will take place on Saturday 7 September. It will showcase the creativity, innovation and entrepreneurial spirit of Walsall.
Makers, artists, crafters, creatives, designers, food artisans and more are invited to apply for one of 50 stalls available that will form this year’s Makers’ Market.
Applications can be made via this form. Applications will close on Sunday 14 July 2024. Applicants will be contacted by week commencing 22 July 2024 if they have been successful.
The festival is also set to feature performances, food stalls and showcases from talented art and crafts makers. The full programme will be announced in early August.
“ Walsall MakerFest will showcase the fantastic work being made in Walsall by people from all over the world. We are calling on all makers to join us for this exciting event. If you are a local maker keen to showcase your creativity, I would encourage you to apply and be a part of this fantastic celebration. “
“ Walsall and the surrounding areas have been known for making, ever since the first Industrial Revolution. Walsall MakerFest builds on that tradition and aims to give local creatives the opportunity to display their goods or services in an exciting festival setting. As the scheme operator for the new Creative Industries Enterprise Centre in The Guildhall, we’re on the lookout for new and emerging creative talent and Walsall MakerFest will be a great opportunity for us to do that. “
ENDS
Application FAQ
- 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 5pm on Sunday 14 July 2024.
- Applicants will be contacted by the week commencing 15 July 2024 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.
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 can not change the position of their allocated stall. We can not 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.
