The idea
WOW! Fest is full of wonder. It is a free, community-driven dance and outdoor arts festival in Walsall, produced by Autin Dance Theatre in partnership with Walsall Council. In the spring, our Next Gen Pathway will empower local children and young people to create, move and thrive together. On Friday 3 July and Saturday 4 July 2026, this programme will culminate in a vibrant, inclusive celebration at Walsall Arboretum, a creative village for all to experience.
Festival-goers can expect performances from young people, community groups and professional companies, plus movement workshops, interactive installations, play zones, sensory-friendly spaces and well-being activities.
Walsall Outdoor Wonders (WOW!) is free to attend, removing financial barriers and creating opportunities and training for the people of Walsall. It brings the Arboretum to life with creativity and community spirit.
Your donations are essential to help us ensure WOW! is free, accessible and inclusive for all.
What we'll deliver
- Free creative workshops and after-school clubs in 10 local schools and with 8 community groups
- A 2-day, completely free festival at Walsall Arboretum
- Opportunities for hundreds of children and young people to perform alongside professional artists
- Inclusive movement workshops for all ages
- Dedicated quiet and sensory-friendly spaces with specialist equipment
- BSL interpretation so performances are accessible to Deaf audiences
- Expenses covered for local volunteers and Community Ambassadors
- Mentoring and volunteering opportunities for 16+ young people, including placements, references and progression support
- Community wellbeing and information stalls connecting families to local services
- A 'living' community mural representing residents stories of the Arboretum
Why it's a great idea
WOW! Fest brings social, cultural and well-being benefits to local residents.
The festival will:
- turn the Arboretum into a village full of fun activities and experiences to join in with
- give local children, young people and community groups a chance to perform and be celebrated on stage
- help young people build confidence, friendships and skills through our Next Gen Pathway and Community Ambassadors programme
- create ‘feel-good’ community pride by shining a light on the brilliance of Walsall’s people and the Arboretum
- add to the town’s shared story through an interactive living mural
- support healthy activity and well-being by getting local residents active with movement workshops & well-being stalls
- increase local access to high-quality arts with leading dance companies putting on a top-drawer programme of dance
- offer play zones, interactive installations and sensory-friendly spaces so more families can take part
Steps to get it done
- Project Planning & Partnership Development
- Outreach Workshops & Engagement
- Creation, Rehearsal & Skills Development
- WOW! Fest 2026 Delivery
- Evaluation, Progression & Legacy
