Smithgate Social, taking place on Friday 14 August from 11am to 6pm in Market Square, will celebrate Wolverhampton’s creative talent through live art, music, food and family-friendly activities, while giving local people the opportunity to contribute to one of the city’s most significant regeneration opportunities.
The free to attend event is being organised by Solid Ground on behalf of delivery partners ECF and City of Wolverhampton Council. It is part of the wider placemaking programme supporting the delivery of Smithgate, a new neighbourhood being created in the heart of the city centre. Other event supporters include Caddick construction, Howells, Cadence and Core 5, who are all part of the Smithgate project.
Throughout the day, artists curated by High Vis Festival will be live painting sections of the Smithgate hoarding, creating a colourful and lasting piece of public art. Young people from the neighbouring The Way Youth Zone will also have the opportunity to get involved through a series of hands-on workshops, helping to shape the final artwork and leave their mark on the future of the city centre.
Alongside the live painting, visitors can enjoy performances from local musicians and DJs curated by High Vis Festival and The Way, creating a platform for emerging talent from across Wolverhampton. A selection of local street food operators will be serving food and refreshments throughout the day, while children’s craft activities and relaxed seating areas will create a welcoming environment for families and visitors.
The event forms part of a wider programme of activity designed to ensure local communities can engage with the Smithgate project as it progresses, while bringing culture and creativity into the heart of the city centre.
Basit Ali, Development Director at ECF, said “Smithgate aims to be a thriving, vibrant neighbourhood attracting people from across the city and region. The Social is our first opportunity to welcome communities to Smithgate and give people a flavour of the exciting place it is becoming.
“The event will celebrate the creativity, talent and community spirit that already exists in the city while creating a space for young people to help shape the regeneration of Smithgate. We’re delighted to be working with local partners to bring this event to Market Square and create opportunities for people to get involved.”
Councillor Stephen Simkins, City of Wolverhampton Council Leader, said: “Smithgate Social is yet another example of the fantastic free family-friendly events we are delivering in Wolverhampton with the help of partners – and an excellent opportunity to engage with this game-changing regeneration scheme where local people can shape future growth for all in our city centre, bringing communities together.
“The Smithgate development marks a new chapter for the area, and this summer event in Market Square will provide a taste of how this space will be activated in the long term as part of a new emerging neighbourhood, enabling new and existing communities to thrive. “It’s going to be great to see local emerging talent get a platform to show-off their talents – and I would urge people to get along and enjoy the day.”
Smithgate Social is free to attend and no booking is required.
WHEN: Friday 14 August
TIME: 11am to 6pm
WHERE: Old Market Square, Wolverhampton WV30NL (skill.tile.caller)
WHAT: Live Art, Music, Breakdancing, Crafts, Face painting,
Street food and drinks (to purchase)
For more information visit Smithgate Social.
