SAVE THE DATES: 29th, 30th, 31st May 2026 (From 10am Daily!)
Find out about 2026 festival offerings, what to expect and how to get involved!
Art Gallery + Shop
The heart of Speak Volumes: located in Arch 28, our gallery will be bursting with fine art and illustrations, sculpture, large print poetry, and a bustling treasure trove for shoppers.
We’re stocking up with goods from local artists, businesses, and craftspeople. From originals and art prints to mugs, candles and sweet treats – to jewellery and stickers: we welcome it all!
Please come along and support local, emerging, and disabled artistry by having a shop at Arch 28: it’ll be overflowing with gift ideas and treasures of all sizes for you and your loved ones!
WE LOVE OUR VOLUNTEERS!
Fancy joining the festival team? Becoming a volunteer means you can join a close-knit crew of creatives who make this festival happen. Along with feeding you, we can offer a professional reference for your CV, and proof of volunteering hours for your college, Student’s Union, or other organisation.
This button leads to a google formlet: https://forms.gle/hbErAo1keLfo18rP9
Exactly As We Are: An Anthology of Disability Pride with AccessAbility Arts.
This sequel to “Celebrate You” will be a handmade zine exploring disabled identity and creativity, sold as a fundraiser item at Speak Volumes Festival 2026 to directly fund disabled artists and facilitators!
So if you’re disabled and/or living with a long term health condition and would like to donate a poem, photograph, or original piece of art to the anthology; we’d be over the moon to include your work. Send us an email to learn more. DEADLINE: 14th May
Live music and outdoor performers!
Each day we’ve booked a handful of live musicians to play and entertain the arches promenade. From sweet serenades to rock anthems, and even some award-winning dance theatre, there will be ample entertainment on offer: so why not come along and enjoy?
PARADE!
Our 2026 feature, PARADE, is a part-performance, part-walkabout on the promenade along The Arches.
Co-Produced by local student Michelle S. Turberfield exclusively for Speak Volumes Festival 2026, this folkloric piece will demonstrate vibrant colours, handmade artistry, and mystical fun woven throughout.
JOIN THE STORY @ 5pm on Saturday, 30th May on the promenade outside Arch 27.
WORKSHOPS
These are hands-on creative sessions with creative practitioners and local professionals. From collage poetry – jewellery-making – floristry – or even life drawing – each workshop will provide practical skills, knowledge, and a chance to socialise and get crafty with like-minded people from the community.
⚠️ Please note: Tickets (including free workshop spaces) may be limited to prevent overcrowding. ⚠️ Tickets public in May 2026 ⚠️
Outdoor Stallholders
Are you a more experienced artist or small business, and would prefer your own outdoor stall at Speak Volumes 2026? – Well, this can be arranged!
Are you a non-creative local business? We’re looking for commercial/info stallholders, too!
We’ll provide the outdoor covered stall on our festival grounds, but you will be liable for your stall management, taking payment from customers, and the security of your art and products. We won’t take a % of any sold items. You can hold a stall for 1, 2, or all 3 festival days. Prices start from £25.00. Interested? Email now!
Looking for more?
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Alternatively, Contact Us directly with a query or request.
Speak Volumes Festival 