Community Post Type: News

Daily Mirror journalist and writer Brian Reade launches his debut novel Sick Mick, published by Writing on the Wall, at WoWFEST 2024.

Writing on the Wall is proud to announce the launch of Sick Mick, the debut novel by award-winning Journalist and Writer, Brian Reade. The event will take place at Waterstones, Liverpool One, at 6pm on Tuesday 28^th May as part of Liverpool’s longest running radical writing festival WoWFEST.

Described as “Savagely funny” by The New European, Sick Mick is a darkly humorous tale of one man’s unwitting journey through the battlefield of culture wars.

In the aftermath of a tragic accident at the prestigious Chelsea Flower Show, Britain finds itself plunged into chaos. When a beloved member of the Royal family falls into a coma after a stray pergola beam strikes, the nation mourns. But amidst the anguish, stand-up comedian Mick O’Shea seizes the moment to joke about the North Korean-style grieving enforced on Britons whenever a Royal falls ill.

Little does Mick know that his comedic jabs ignite a wildfire of political outrage and public fury. Branded as Public Enemy Number One, Mick, trapped in the eye of a storm of controversy, becomes the target of a relentless manhunt.

Date: Tuesday 28th May
Time: 6.30pm 
Venue: Waterstones, Liverpool One 

Tickets on sale for £5 and can be purchased here: https://writingonthewall.org.uk/myevents/sick-mick-by-brian-reade-book-launch (Live from 10am on Friday 26 April).

The novel is now available to pre-order from the Writing on the Wall website: https://writingonthewall.org.uk/shop/sick-mick/

Shuffle, an artist-led initiative that highlights the work of contemporary artists through DIY, short-run exhibitions and events, announces its upcoming showcase at Tobacco Warehouse at Stanley Dock, Liverpool.

The exhibition will run from Saturday 27 April to Sunday 12 May, opening during weekends and bank holiday Monday. Launching with a dynamic opening event on Saturday 27 April, the exhibition offers a carefully curated selection of works by both emerging and established artists.

The exhibition venue, Tobacco Warehouse, is a spectacular Grade II-listed structure, which was the largest brick building in the world at the time of its construction in 1901 and is now being renovated into stunning luxury apartments. The prestigious exhibition venue has been offered by Tobacco Warehouse, showing its committed to integrating cultural and artistic elements into its development project.

The Shuffle exhibition at Tobacco Warehouse will launch with an opening event, running into the evening with DJ sets, art performances, delicious food, and a licensed bar. A diverse range of visual art will include large scale sculpture by Manchester based Joe Hancock (@thisjoehancock), ‘hard edge’ abstract painting from Liverpool based Gareth Kemp (@garethkemp), the mysterious paintings of Manchester based Karol Kochanowski (@karolkochanowski) and exquisitely realistic portrait drawings by Liverpool based Colette Lilley (@colettelilley). The venue will be brought to life witha live art performance from Leeds-based Glen Ogden and his team (@glenthemaker) and DJ sets from Iniquity (@iniquity.lvp), accompanied by atmospheric projections.

Co-Director Max Mallender says: “Shuffle has become known for its unique events that bring the art exhibitions to life. Shuffle visitors experience a dynamic interplay between different art forms and can immerse themselves in Liverpool’s vibrant grass roots art scene.  We are honoured and excited to have the opportunity to bring the region’s best creative talent to Tobacco Warehouse.”

For experienced and budding art buyers alike, Shuffle exhibitions offer a wide range of artworks available to buy. This can be complemented by a unique personal art curation experience offered by Shuffle, for individuals and corporate clients looking for unique artworks to transform their home or office. Alongside the works on offer in this exhibition, Shuffle curators can also guide buyers through a personalised consultation process, responding to their individual tastes, requirements and budget and resulting in an extended selection of recommended artworks to purchase.

Shuffle Co-Director Josie Jenkins says: “Our mission at Shuffle is to curate compelling exhibitions that spotlight the best artistic talent from the region and beyond. We showcase artists at different career points and a variety of artwork that offers something for everyone.”

Visiting the Shuffle exhibition during daytime hours will offer a more relaxed environment in which to enjoy and engage with the incredible and complex artworks on display. Tea, coffee and cake will be available for visitors who would like to spend time in the exhibition and there are also the nearby alternatives of Cafe Riccardo on Regent Street (Saturdays only) and Stanley Dock’s own Rum Bar in the Titanic Hotel, offering coffee, cocktails and light snacks. With the exhibition open over two more weekends, including the bank holiday, it offers a great alternative afternoon of culture for Liverpool residents and tourists alike.

For more information, please visit www.shuffleshuffleshuffle.co.uk, Follow @__.shuffle on Instagram and Facebook or contact 00shuffle@gmail.com.

The Walker Art Gallery and the Bluecoat Display Centre have partnered to present Metamorphosis, a selection of new works by sculptors Emma Rodgers and Johnny Vegas.

St Helens-based comedian Johnny Vegas is perhaps best known for his surreal sense of humour, however he originally trained in art and ceramics at the University of Middlesex. During the COVID pandemic, Johnny found solace in creativity, and three decades after he graduated, he returned to the studio following a chance encounter with Wirral-based sculptor Emma Rodgers. Together, they have created new works inspired by the Walker’s collections, exploring the idea of ‘metamorphosis’ – meaning a mental or physical transformation.

Vegas’ work draws from his experiences living with ADHD, which he has described as an ‘accursed blessing’, and concepts of flight, faith, and fear of failure are prominent in his sculptures. He has described his return to sculpture as, ‘an unfinished part of my story’.

Rodgers is recognised world-wide for her animal sculptures, including the world’s largest ‘Liver Bird’, a work comprised of giant, oversized Meccano pieces. In Metamorphosis, her works imagine demonic creatures conveying the nightmare of broken sleep, and the escape made possible through flight.

Johnny Vegas said: “Currently, flight, faith, fear of failure and broken/tested faith, are the subjects most fluent in my work. Emotional evolution and how best I can express that in 2D or 3D forms. A thought process, be it linked to hope or fear, captured in time.

“I’ve a head full of butterflies and all of them designed with unique intentions of distraction from the task at hand. When I think to exhibit I’m compelled to try and recreate in clay or oil what I’ve caught in my net that day… before it is once more set free to distract me from the hurried and sometimes ill-constructed expectations of normality.”

Emma Rodgers said: “Confrontation, energy, curiosity, essence of a moment and interaction are the main elements that initially draw me to a new subject and are indicative of the very nature of the animals I have depicted.

“When approaching a new body of work I produce a large amount of visual research. Sketching is particularly important as it provides me with a greater understanding of the form. I aim to interpret these drawn qualities into clay and remove the work from pure representation. A jagged line in ink is re-interpreted as a torn clay edge; an arc of soft pencil becomes a soft fold. The energy of the animal and the tautness of the pose are conveyed by a distortion in the medium.”

Works from Metamorphosis will be on display at the Walker Art Gallery from 30 April 2024 – 31 March 2025, while the selling exhibition at Bluecoat Display Centre runs from 3 May 2024 – 15 June 2024.

Africa Oyé have announced the next wave of acts for their 2024 festival in Sefton Park this summer.

Taking place on 22nd and 23rd June 2024, the country’s biggest celebration of African and Caribbean music and culture will take over one of Liverpool’s most picturesque green spaces for two packed days of live music, dance, workshops, DJ stages, food stalls, traders and more.

Beginning over three decades ago in 1992 as a series of shows in the city centre, the Africa Oyé Festival has evolved into one of Liverpool’s most beloved annual events, attracting artists and attendees from across the world, and this latest announcement shows that the event continues to showcase new and exciting African talent over three decades later.

Just announced for the main stage line-up are Congolese eco-friendly punks, Fulu Miziki; frafra gospel talent, Florence Adooni; and Canadian hip-hop contingent, Super Duty Tough Work.

Fulu Miziki roughly translates as “music from garbage” – an accurate description of the thrillingly chaotic eco-friendly-Afro-futuristic ensemble of punk artists from DR Congo who will be performing on the Sunday of the festival.

This multidisciplinary collective is based in the heart of Africa, in the Congolese capital city Kinshasa. Its members have conceptualised an orchestra made from objects found in the trash, constantly changing instruments, and always in search of new sounds. Making their own instruments, performance costumes and masks, their unique sound supports a pan-African message of artistic liberation, peace and a severe look at the ecological situation of the whole world.

Born and raised in the Ashanti capital of Kumasi, the epicentre of high-life music, Florence Adooni is part of the exciting Frafra Gospel scene in Ghana. Surrounding herself with the city’s best young musicians, she now uniquely combines the soul of the northern savannah and the sound of the rainforest region, fusing the best of both cultures into one unique show.

Her Sunday set in Sefton Park promises to be a party of epic proportions, connecting history and modern times through her contagious dance music.Expect local Ghanian traditions combining with inspiration from pop, rock and jazz, including lots of festive horns. Florence Adooni’s music has soul, charm and is bursting with talent from everyone involved.

Since forming in late 2014, Super Duty Tough Work have gone on to become one of Canada’s most exciting hip-hop outfits. The eight-piece hybrid rap-jazz-r&b group fronted by Brendan Grey and backed by a highly skilled group of local and international musicians, with the band’s show including an ensemble with horns, drums, bass, guitar, and keys.

Liverpool can expect “silky bass lines and honey-soaked horns, paired with exacting lyrics about sky-high ambitions” channelling ‘90s East Coast Hip-Hop. Grey himself describes their sound as “Public Enemy meets Griselda Records and Sampa The Great”.

Already announced for the festival this summer, the creative force of Les Amazones d’Afrique will close proceedings on Saturday 22nd June, whilst Julian Marley, fresh from his Grammy win for Best Reggae Album, tops the bill on Sunday with his band, The Uprising. Def Mama Def and The Zawose Queens were also announced earlier this month, adding to the already powerful female representation at this year’s event.

The final wave of main stage artists will be revealed soon, alongside the young local artists who applied to play this year’s Oyé Introduces programme, which sees up-and-coming North West talent showcased on the line-up alongside the international heavyweights. Oyé’s ethos of being ‘free and open to all’ also means that the popular Access Tent, on-stage British Sign Language translators and the Accessible Viewing Platform will all return for this year’s festival.

The Oyé Active Zone on site will once again be hosted by Liverpool’s world dance charity Movema, and audiences can expect the usual array of multi-arts workshops across the whole weekend, for all ages and abilities. The increasingly-popular DJ stages Trenchtown and Freetown are also confirmed to return with a line-up of local selectors and MCs to be announced in May.

This year’s Africa Oyé festival will take place on June 22nd and 23rd 2024, in Liverpool’s Sefton Park from 12:30pm til 9:30pm both days and entrance is FREE.

For more information on the festival and other events held across the country by Africa Oyé please visit africaoye.com

A new disability history trail at Museum of Liverpool explores the fascinating stories of the city’s disability heritage.

Created through co-production with local disabled people, prioritising their ideas, needs and perspectives, their lived experiences have enriched the trail, which will enable all visitors to discover the galleries and collections from a new perspective.

The community trail has been developed as part of Curating for Change, a workforce development programme placing D/deaf, disabled and neurodivergent curators in museums across England, challenging their underrepresentation in the sector. The project has been delivered by Screen South’s Accentuate programme and funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Arts Council England and Art Fund.

With disabled people constituting around 17.8% of the population of England and Wales as of 2021, and Liverpool having one of the highest proportions of people living with a disability in the region, this new trail has a crucial role in reflecting the lives and stories of the city.

Iris Sirendi, Curating for Change fellow, works with members of Liverpool’s disabled community to uncover fascinating stories that span decades of Liverpool lives. Alongside the trail is a new online hub full of collections, stories  and what’s on information.

Iris said: “Museum of Liverpool explores the people and stories of our amazing city. The stories of the local D/deaf, disabled and neurodivergent people are an important part of this, and our new trail aims to highlight and celebrate them.

“During my time at Museum of Liverpool it has been fascinating to see how elements of Liverpool’s disability history can be found in all sorts of places. From disability history narratives than span archaeology, sport, industry, activism, empowerment and self-advocacy, these are the kind of stories we are proud to highlight with this new community trail.”

Iris has also worked alongside communities to highlight already existing sensory content across Museum of Liverpool, aimed at improving the experience for visitors with sensory needs, to develop a tactile and sensory gallery trail. The gallery trail offers both an audio-described and a digital guide, adding a new layer of interpretation and enhancing the experience for visitors looking to explore the museum through touch.

Visitors can listen to or read the descriptions of many objects on display in the museum using a nearby QR code, and objects are marked with a distinct icon and label. British Sign Language interpretation is available for each object and a print copy of the trail is also available in the museum, as well as images, text and BSL interpretation for all exhibits.

The new disability history trail, created as part of Curating for Change, will be available to explore from Thursday 18 April. The community trail is also available online, with a complete audio-described guide to the trail.

To explore National Museums Liverpool’s Disability History Hub, visit: www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/disability-history-hub.

 

Liverpool’s Capstone Theatre will celebrate International Jazz Day on Tuesday 30th April with a double bill of North West based female fronted groups, each presenting a 45 minute set of exciting and original music.

International Jazz Day has been recognised as an official ‘International Day’ declared by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation since 2011. The aim of the day is “to highlight jazz and its diplomatic role of uniting people in all corners of the globe.”

Performing at the acclaimed Liverpool Hope University venue later this month will be Moore & Fairhall and Emma Johnson’s Gravy Boat.

Moore & Fairhall are a folk-jazz accordion and violin duo, based in Manchester. They bring together Indian Ragas, American Folk and jazz from all eras, resulting in music that is lyrical, passionate and highly rhythmic. Adam and Olivia met when they were selected for Edition VI of Serious’ prestigious ‘Take Five’ Artist Development Scheme and this duo is the result of their shared interest in a jazz approach to folk and world traditions. They have performed to enthusiastic audiences in Manchester, Sheffield and Newcastle.

Olivia Moore (violin) has studied in India with her guru Kala Ramnath, and is a long-established band leader, fusing her love for Indian music and Jazz in groups such as The Owl Ensemble and Unfurl. She has performed internationally with Elaha Soroor (Afghanistan), Mukesh Jhadav (India) and Alabaster De Plume. Much in demand for her intoxicating, microtonally-infected playing style, Olivia has recently worked with the Srishti Dance company and with Milapfest’s Indo Jazz Club band, with superstar Zoe Rahman.

Adam Fairhall (accordion) is best known as the pianist in Nat Birchall’s acclaimed Coltrane-inspired groups, and for his trademark ‘ragtime-to-free’ eclecticism as a jazz pianist. Over the past several years he has been working intensely on his accordion playing to get closer to the folk and roots music which has always informed his approach. The result is an accordion style that incorporates ostinato baselines, innovative rhythmic bellow techniques and free-flowing melodic improvisation.

Emma Johnson’s Gravy Boat is a cinematic, melodic instrumental group based in Leeds, led by saxophonist and composer Emma Johnson.

Since augmenting into a quintet in 2019, the band have gone from strength to strength – moving from touring as part of Jazz North’s Northern Line Scheme that year, to being awarded the Peter Whittingham Development Award to record their first album, Worry Not in 2021. In 2022, Johnson was commissioned by Lancaster Jazz Festival to write new work to be performed that year, and out of this, the group developed the music into Northern Flame, their second album release which ‘confirms Johnson as a singular and exciting talent’ according to All About Jazz.

Their sound has been compared to a whole host of greats including Walter Smith III’s In Common project and Brian Blade & The Fellowship Band. As with most jazz acts, Gravy Boat really comes to life in the live setting, with freedom and interplay at the heart of their performances, punctuated by stories and inspirations behind the music from bandleader Johnson.

The Capstone’s Theatre International Jazz Day double bill takes place on Tuesday 30th April and features performances from Moore & Fairhall and Emma Johnson’s Gravy Boat. Tickets are available now via TicketQuarter.

Two huge jazz shows are heading to Future Yard in Birkenhead, with two of the best jazz drummers in the world on display.

On Mon 8th April, Anika Nilles & Nevell are producing a jazz funk showcase following a drumming workshop from Anika, whilst viral virtuoso Zack Grooves will be performing with Everything Yes on Thurs 2nd May 2024.

Merseyside jazz lovers are in for a treat, with two high energy jazz extravaganzas coming to Wirral in the space of a month. Expect wild, loose and frenetic rhythms oozing with funk — brought to you by progressive and exciting new events company, Events 471, who are making a big statement with these top bookings!

Anika Nilles, widely regarded as one of the best drummers in the world, is coming for her UK debut with her band Nevell prior to a huge sold out show at Ronnie Scott’s. She will offer a drumming workshop (6pm, seating available) and Nevell jazz showcase (8.30pm). Having recently toured with guitar legend and Grammy Award winner Jeff Beck, she’s force of nature and is coming to Future Yard on Mon 8th April.

With her band Nevell, she creates a masterfully innovative mixture of jazz, funk and progressive elements; carefully combining virtuosity with catchy melodies. Nevell take their audience on a journey of compositional twists and turns, conversing in an on-stage playful, musical dialogue, unfolding into an unforgettable show of passion, energy and artistry.

As if that booking wasn’t impressive enough, American jazz fusion titans Everything Yes are set to grace the Wirral venue on Thurs 2nd May. Spearheaded by enigmatic drummer Zack Graybeal, known famously as Zack Grooves on his platforms, the audience are in for a treat from these charismatic and high tempo trailblazers!

The extraordinarily talented 5 piece jazz fusion outfit are widely regarded as being one of the most entertaining live jazz bands in the US, led by Zack Grooves who has gone viral with his drumming prowess. Anyone who knows a thing or two about jazz will appreciate what a fantastic booking this is for Birkenhead.

Jazz lovers can thank Events 471 for these top bookings, who are doing great things to place big international acts alongside local talent at Wirral venues. With an ethical approach, they are helping develop local artist and bands whilst bringing a wide and diverse range of genres to the area. With over 2,000 tickets sold across 17 events in their first year, they’re doing a fine job.

Events 471’s Carrick Moran said: “We are trying to keep our offering as diverse as possible, covering all genres, whilst giving local artists and bands the opportunity to flourish and express themselves too. In terms of these particular bookings, we’re proud to be bringing such big hitters of the jazz scene to Birkenhead!”

He continued: “We also have regular jazz and poetry nights at Start Yard in Birkenhead, just around the corner from Future Yard. On the first Wednesday of every month we showcase top local jazz acts and Wordsmithery events on the third Wednesday — the evenings have gone down really well. It’s been a great start to 2024 so far and we have a diverse programme of events lined up — with something for everyone.”

Leading networking group Real5 has announced it is launching a new group in Sefton this Spring.

Real5 Networking Southport & Formby will be officially launched on Wednesday 24 April 2024 with an event at The Grand in Southport from 6.30pm.

Following the launch, monthly meetings will be held in Southport alongside regular Zoom meetings.

The new group is being spearheaded by Victoria Jones, an employee health and wellbeing specialist based in Southport.

Victoria launched her own business Pegasus Health four years ago – just six months before the global Covid pandemic struck. Not having the option to network face-to-face, she joined Real5 Knutsford in Cheshire which proved to be a master stoke as she began expanding her network online and generating new business.

The Real5 group continues to play an instrumental part in how Victoria develops, grows, and wins business.

Now Victoria is keen to share her positive experience of Real5 with other local businesses as group director of Southport and Formby.

The group is aimed at business owners, entrepreneurs, contractors, business development managers, and sole traders. The Real5 Network operates a single sector policy to enable members to maximise opportunities in their industry.

The Real5 Networking Southport & Formby launch on 24 April will take place in the Grace Suite at The Grand in Southport, starting at 6.30pm.

Guests will be welcomed by group leader Victoria, who will be joined by founder members of the new group and visitors from other Real5 groups from across Liverpool City Region.

Members of the Southport and Formby business community are invited. The event is free to attend and light refreshments will be provided.

Guests must register for the event at https://real5networking.com/real5-networking-southport-formby/

Following the launch event in April, meetings will take place on the third Friday of the month between 12pm and 2pm. The first members’ meeting is on 17 May at Lord Street Hotel in Southport.

The monthly meetings will be supplemented by an online Zoom meeting – giving members the opportunity to continue supporting each other while maximising their time.

Lord Street Hotel is part of the Mikhail Hotel & Leisure Group which also operates The Bold, The Grand, Mavericks, and Punch Tarmey’s in Southport. It also has five venues in Liverpool – ArCains, Cain’s Brewery, Doctor Duncan’s, Punch Tarmey’s, and The Brewery Tap.

As well as working with local hospitality host venues, each Real5 group has a nominated charity. The new Southport and Formby group will support the work of Queenscourt Hospice.

Queenscourt Hospice has been providing compassionate and exceptional care for the people of West Lancashire, Southport, and Formby for over 30 years. They care for patients with life-limiting illnesses, enabling them to achieve the best possible quality of life at each new stage.

Real5 Networking was first launched in Warrington five years ago by founder Andrew Hibbert. There are now 17 groups across the country.

Since Real5 Networking was established in 2019, members have made 1,000 referrals; completed more than 3,500 one-to-one meetings; and generated a staggering £31million in referred business.

Victoria Jones is Director of Pegasus Health. She is on a mission to make health businesses an industry standard. Her company works with conscious companies to create wellbeing focused employee health benefits packages. A thorough search of the market is undertaken to identify and deliver cover that meets the needs of the business – while ensuring employees have health cover that works for them.

Victoria explained:

“I launched my own business Pegasus Health just six months before Covid. Getting out there to talk to clients and in-person networking was brought to a swift standstill as we went into lockdown – but I was introduced to the Real5 Network. And I can genuinely say that I haven’t look back at all, not even a glance.

“I joined in the regular Zoom meetings, arranged one-to-ones with new contacts, and really threw myself into growing my network and connections. Real5 has elevated my business to a whole new level, with 80% of new business coming through recommendations and the connections I have made. It has definitely worked for me.

“Southport and Formby are thriving, exciting places to do business. I invite business owners to come along to the launch to find out more. Monthly meetings are engaging, informative, welcoming – and fun! No awkward stand-up pitches or strict targets. Business can be difficult and lonely for sole traders, let’s share the load and support one another on our chosen paths.”

Andy Martin is Real5 Liverpool Area Regional Director which includes Liverpool, Liverpool South, and the new Southport and Formby group.

Andy added:

“I joined as a member of the Warrington group for my own courier business and now I am area director for three Real5 areas across Liverpool City Region. The network really has made a difference to my own business and expanded my network considerably. I made the decision to become involved in an official capacity, it was a natural progression for me.

“I am excited to see Real5 head into Sefton under Victoria’s guidance. She has an infectious energy and warmth, and if anyone can make it a success then it’s most definitely her. She has already made her mark on the networking scene and boasts an extensive wealth of connections. She is on a mission to revolutionise workplace wellbeing one business at a time – and that passion extends to networking.”

To find out more visit https://real5networking.com/real5-networking-southport-formby/

One of the region’s most exciting pop-up shopping experiences is heading back to the Exhibition Centre Liverpool this spring as GoodMarket XL returns for a weekend-long celebration of independent brands. The popular event, which attracted thousands of visitors last October, is set to take place from 20th – 21st April.

Bringing more than 180 makers and artisan producers together under one roof, the event offers visitors the chance to discover a huge collection of original art, prints, gifts, clothing and homeware, as well as an opportunity to meet the people behind the pieces on display.

A perfect day out for those who enjoy shopping for artisan gifts and handmade creations, GoodMarket XL features a whole host of independents including much-loved local names such as OLIA Candles, JG Illustrations and Becka Griffin Art.

DJ sets by Coffee and Turntables will provide the soundtrack to the weekend as visitors have the chance to explore everything from sustainable accessories by ThatsSewLaura and Bean Blooming to contemporary jewellery from Shadow & Line, unique clothing from Frieda Mo’s and beautiful handmade goods by AW Leather.

There will also be lots of fascinating artisan food and drink producers to discover including Eshe Honey, Get Yer Macarons, Doughfinity, DevilDogs, Coppersmiths Rum Company, Turncoat Gin and Zest Limoncello.

The family-friendly event features plenty of activities from The Storybarn to keep little ones entertained, while visitors who are keen to unleash their own creativity can enjoy a weekend of masterclasses and workshops including candle making with Kip Candle Co.

Rebekah and Alex Frech, the duo behind the pop-up event, are both looking forward to building on the success of the first GoodMarket XL, which took place in the autumn. Rebekah said: “We can’t wait to welcome visitors to The Exhibition Centre Liverpool for our second GoodMarket XL. We were absolutely blown away by the incredible response to our first event last October and this one is set to be even bigger and better.

“As an exciting alternative to the high street, GoodMarket XL is all about creating a relaxed and friendly shopping experience where visitors can discover fabulous independent brands, enjoy a bite to eat, listen to some great music and maybe even get involved in a masterclass or workshop. This will be our largest pop-up market yet and we’re super excited to be expanding from a one-day event to a weekend-long celebration of independents with even more makers and creatives taking part this time around. It promises to be a fantastic weekend!”

Tickets for GoodMarket XL start from £3, with free entry for children under 16 and visitors over the age of 60. There is also a VIP experience available (£15), which includes early access, a complementary glass of fizz on arrival and an exclusive tote bag.

For further information, please visit goodmarketxl.co.uk or follow @goodmarket_xl on Instagram. Tickets are available here.