Wolverhampton's Grand Theatre has teamed with the University of Wolverhampton and the Arena Theatre to celebrate Artsfest – a festival of arts and culture within Wolverhampton and surrounding areas.

Artsfest is a multi-disciplinary festival which takes place from Monday 2nd May to Friday 24th June. The event programme includes over 100 events, showcasing work from across the University of Wolverhampton’s Faculty of Arts alongside professional work housed in 20 different venues across the city as well as Walsall and Stafford. 

As a key partner to Artsfest, the Grand Theatre contributes a variety of productions, striving to offer entertainment for all ages and extra activities designed to engage local interest in the city’s flourishing arts scene. 

On Thursday 5th May, the public can enjoy a taste of life backstage at the Grand Theatre learning about over 120 years of colourful history in a tour costing just £10 per person including tea, coffee and biscuits. Tickets must be purchased in advance by calling the Grand Theatre Box Office on 01902 42 92 12.

Sales and Marketing Manager for the Grand Theatre, Scott Bird said:

“Artsfest is the perfect opportunity to remind people what a great city Wolverhampton is – with its growing arts scene just one of many reasons to visit this year. At the Grand Theatre we always strive to offer a diverse programme with entertainment for all ages and interests and this is echoed in the aims of Artsfest.

"Artsfest expands upon, and celebrates, all of the fantastic work that arts organisations are doing year-round and puts the city of Wolverhampton well and truly in the spotlight.”

The Grand has an exciting programme across the seven weeks of the festival, starting with 'Priscilla, Queen Of The Desert - The Musical' starring Duncan James which will begin on the opening day of Artsfest - Monday 2 May. West Bromwich Operatic Society’s production of 'Made In Dagenham' will see local talent on a professional stage from May 24th and Richard O’Brien’s 'Rocky Horror Show' will run from Monday 13th to Saturday 18th June.

Artsfest Co-Ordinator Fran Richards said:

“Artsfest is a wonderful opportunity to not only see the city’s students work being showcased alongside professional work, but also a time for the cultural venues across the region to join together under the Artsfest banner, and truly celebrate what Black Country has to offer.

Other highlights include 'ZIMBE!', an African Jazz fusion involving over 150 performers from local choirs at Lichfield Cathedral on Wednesday 18th May and 'The Very Magic Flute' on Friday 27 May is a family friendly new musical that includes puppetry and is fully sign-language interpreted at the Arena Theatre.

A full list of events can be found in the brochure available in participating venues or online at wlv.ac.uk/artsfest.