From jewellery-making and decoupage workshops to outdoor theatre and a comic con-style Artist Alley, Worcester's Arches and The Hive are expecting a 3-day arts event boasting an array of activities, workshops and an art gallery designed to support and showcase emerging artistry.  

Taking place from Friday 29 to Sunday 31 May, Speak Volumes Festival aims to make art accessible to everyone in a variety of ways, from the physical accessibility of the venues to the prices of the events, which are all free or as low a cost as possible.

Activities, performances and workshops will take place across several of Worcester’s creative hubs, including the city’s iconic Railway Arches and The Hive library. The Artery Studios (Arches 28 and 64) and Gaumont Coffee on Foregate Street are also venues hosting creative events.

The 3-day event will feature the work of over 75 local artists and makers, with unique offerings each day.

In addition to the parade, the festival will also include outdoor ‘street arts’ activities on the promenade, including a community mural co-created by local street artist, Mr Sce, fantasy map-making, live portraiture and more than 15 workshops varying from life drawing and collage to felting, textile rosettes, and junk jewellery making.

The Hive will also host a number of literary events, including a creative writing workshop hosted by Paul Robert, the Worcestershire Poet Laureate, and a poetry slam competition on Friday, 29 May.

Many sessions, though free to attend, have limited capacity due to the size of the venues, so attendees are encouraged to book early using the festival’s eventbrite page, which can be found here.

Organisers will also be posting updates on social media - follow the latest news on Instagram @speakvolumesfestival.

Speak Volumes Festival CIC is a nonprofit organisation and grateful recipients of community funding from Arts Council England's National Lottery Project Grants and Platform Housing's Community Chest grant.