Smithgate Social

A brand-new event is coming to Wolverhampton city centre this summer as local artists and young people come together to transform part of the hoarding surrounding the Smithgate regeneration into a large-scale public artwork.
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.