The countdown is officially on — there are now just 3 weeks to go until WOW! Fest 2026! This July, Walsall Arboretum will once again come alive with an exciting celebration of outdoor arts, dance, movement and creativity. Returning for its 2nd edition, WOW! Fest brings together some of the most inspiring dance and movement-based […]
WOW! Fest returns on Friday 3rd & Saturday 4th of July! Read More »
If you’re able to support us, please consider making a donation today. There truly is no donation too small – every £1 makes a difference and goes directly towards creating an incredible programme featuring local touring companies, next-generation performances from schools and community groups, and ensuring WOW! Fest is as accessible and inclusive as possible
Sarah Butler Performer, Rehearsal Director, Creative Leader and Champion for Dance in the Midlands For this edition of our Artist Spotlight, we’re delighted to shine a light on the brilliant Sarah Butler, a long-standing collaborator, performer and leader within the Autin Dance Theatre family. Based in South Derbyshire, Sarah is a freelance dance and theatre
Team Spotlight: Sarah Butler Read More »
As WOW! Fest preparations continue to build momentum, our Education & Community Participation projects have been keeping us wonderfully busy. Here is a look back at the past month from our Education & Participation Manager, Natasha Boyes. “ This month has been a vibrant and impactful period for our Education & Outreach team, marked by
Education & Community Participation Read More »
As we return for another exciting season of touring Up in the Sky, it feels like the perfect moment to introduce the incredible team bringing the show to life—both familiar faces and new additions who will have you looking up in awe. Back on the rig, we have our very own Artistic Director, Johnny Autin.
Introducing Up in the Sky team Read More »
We are thrilled to be launching the tour of our brand new outdoor show Zig Zag! and even more excited to introduce the incredible artists bringing it to life. This charming, non-verbal duet invites audiences of all ages (5+) into a playful world built from the simplest of objects—wooden reels—where small actions grow into big
Introducing Zig Zag! Cast Read More »
We’re inviting schools and community groups from across Walsall and the Black Country to take part in a special performance opportunity at WOW! Fest on Saturday 4th July. This is a chance for your participants to join a free dance workshop, either creating a new piece or developing an existing work, before showcasing it on
Perform at WOW! Fest 2026 – Call for Community Groups Read More »
‘ It’s been a busy and exciting month as we kicked off the first wave of after-school workshops for our upcoming WOW! Fest 2026 festival. We’ve had the pleasure of working with students from Hargate School, Goldsmiths School, and Beechwood Primary across the Birmingham and Walsall area, reaching around 45 young learners. These sessions have
Youth Groups getting ready for WOW! Fest Read More »
Following the success of last year’s WOW! Fest, we are inviting local and regional businesses to be part of this vibrant celebration by becoming a festival sponsor. Whether you are a small independent business or a larger organisation, your support can make a real difference. Sponsorship helps us deliver free and accessible workshops for
Become a Sponsor for WOW! Fest 2026 Read More »
We are very excited to announce that WOW! Fest – Walsall Outdoor Wonders is returning this July. Save the date for Friday 3rd and Saturday 4th July 2026 as Walsall Arboretum once again transforms into a vibrant celebration of outdoor dance and performance. Now in its 2nd edition, WOW! Fest is an exciting outdoor arts
WOW! Fest returns this July! Read More »
