Abigail Kelly is an accomplished, soprano opera and concert singer.

Born and raised in Birmingham, Abigail Kelly studied at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire graduating with a first class honours degree and completed her studies at the Royal Scottish Conservatoire of Scotland. Abigail facilitates workshops in conjunction for Birmingham Opera Company, English Touring Opera, Streetwise Opera and The Royal Ballet and Opera as part of their Create and Sing national school’s programme. Abigail is also a session leader for ENO Breathe. Traditional operatic roles include Pamina - The Magic Flute (OperaUpClose) and Susanna - The Marriage of Figaro (ETO). Abigail enjoyed making her directorial debut in 2022 directing the children’s opera How to Find Your Name for ETO. She has since directed devised performances for Turtle Key Arts in 2022 and 2023 and the YAM Award winning children’s opera The Wish Gatherer for ETO. In 2024 year Abigail directed two pieces by Cassie Kinoshi and lydia luke for Birmingham Opera Company as part of their ‘Brum Commissions’. She was also festival director for Streetwise Opera’s Re:Discover Festival 2023 - 2024 in which she also performed Women of the Windrush at the Nottingham Playhouse and St John’s Waterloo in London.

Exploring how arts + community can be used as a positive force for societal change, cultural exchange and activism. 

My interest and passion for the carnival arts started in my childhood as I was born and bred in Trinidad and Tobago and my parents and their friends were great supporters of the arts. Here in London, I pursued a career in nursing and midwifery, and after thirty-five years of service, I retired from the NHS, my last role being Deputy Head of Midwifery. In 2002, I became a Member of the British Empire for my services to the midwifery profession in London. My late husband Vernon "Fellows" Williams was a founder member of the carnival in1964. We started our own band called Genesis in 1980; my family and I continued running Genesis when my husband passed away in 2002. I started attending Mas arena meetings and became the arena's representative on the Board, and subsequently Interim Chair of the Board in 2008.

Annette Fagon is a British stand-up comedian and TV warm up artist.

Alongside this, she is a devout disability support worker for students in higher education alongside being a Carnival troop leader for her ensemble called The Soca Police Force (SPF). Currently talking loudly and having a good old-fashioned moan - as a backup for the therapy that is no longer affordable or available to her, Annette never fails to wow the audience with her brutal honesty and funny truths. With training in Theatre, Dance, workshops and broadcasting amongst her many skills, Annette Fagon’s performances are a very unique experience, she appears in clubs, theatres and festivals worldwide.

Watch Bidemi bring the passionate, powerful and poised Kizomba dance to our stage, and have a go yourself later!

Bidemi, a professional dancer since 2010, boasts expertise in Salsa, Kizomba, Bachata, Merengue, Latin & Ballroom, and Showdance. A champion of the International Dance Organization (IDO) Salsa & Showdance competition in Nigeria (2017), Bidemi also holds runner-up titles from 2011 and 2015. Trained professionally at SPAN (Society for the Performing Arts in Nigeria), he has over eight years of teaching experience and excels as a performer and choreographer. Since partnering in September 2024, Christina and Bidemi have been creating captivating dance content and online tutorials. They are thrilled to bring their unique styles and vibrant energy to the stage, sharing their love of dance with audiences at the festival. Get ready for an unforgettable performance and workshop!

4.15pm | KIZOMBA DANCE WORKSHOP

Exploring the intersections of culture, community and career.

Casey Bailey is an award winning writer, performer and educator, born and raised in Nechells, Birmingham, UK. Casey was the Birmingham Poet Laureate 2020 - 2022.Casey’s second full poetry collection Please Do Not Touch was published by Burning Eye in 2021. In 2023 ‘Legacy’ - an in depth exploration of 20 years of the Birmingham Grime and Hip Hop scene - co-authored with Jess Monroe was published. Casey’s debut play GrimeBoy had a sold out run at the Birmingham Rep in April, 2022. He was commissioned by the BBC to write ‘The Ballad of The Peaky Blinders’ in 2019. In 2020 the poem was internationally recognised, winning a Webby Award. In 2022 Casey won a Royal Television Society award for a film for his poem “Dear Brum”. Casey has performed his poetry nationally, and internationally. Casey was named as one of the Alfred Fagon Awards’ Black Champions of Theatre in 2021. He is a Fellow of the University of Worcester and in 2021 was awarded an honorary doctorate in Education by Newman University.

Watch Christina bring the passionate, powerful and poised Kizomba to our stage, and have a go yourself later!

Christina McIntosh and Bidemi Shokunbi are an exciting Kizomba duo, combining years of professional dance experience with a shared passion for performance and teaching. Christina began her dance journey in her teenage years with street dance and hip-hop before discovering Kizomba in 2016, which quickly became her primary focus. In 2019, she completed Kizomba teacher training with Eddy Vents and launched McKiztosh Dance in Birmingham, where she runs Urban Kiz workshops, ladies’ styling classes, and social parties. Her dedication has earned her 2nd place in the UK Open Urban Kiz Styling Competition 2023. Known for her sassy and sensual style, Christina brings energy and elegance to every performance. Since partnering in September 2024, Christina and Bidemi have been creating captivating dance content and online tutorials.
They are thrilled to bring their unique styles and vibrant energy to the stage, sharing their love of dance with audiences at the festival. Get ready for an unforgettable performance and workshop!

4.15pm | KIZOMBA DANCE WORKSHOP

Exploring the intersections of culture, community and career.

Corey Campbell is the Creative Director of the Belgrade Theatre, having previously been the Theatre’s Co-Artistic Director for 2021. Corey is also the Artistic Director of Strictly Arts Theatre Company, formerly supported by the Belgrade’s Springboard talent development programme. Through productions such as Green Leaves Fall and the critically acclaimed, Edinburgh sell-out show Freeman, Corey has used a collaborative, devising process to bring stories from real people to the stage, building long-lasting relationships with audiences through targeted workshops and outreach programmes, with a particular focus on African and Caribbean communities.

Daniel Lawrence’s artistic practice includes poetry, drama and music, with backstage operational experience and expertise at large scale cultural community events and national festivals.

Daniel read Media, Cultural Studies and Sociology at Wolverhampton University and recently completed his Event Management Diploma (Level Four). Daniel brings at-scale stage management and artist liaison experience, including supporting DJs and music artists, Norman Jay MBE, DJ Floyd, Shapeshifters and Sister Bliss from Faithless. Daniel is passionate about improving access and agency for Black Arts Professionals, with a focus on artistic development and cultural leadership.

Exploring the realities of taking up space within Arts, Culture & Creativity sectors.

Diandra McCalla is an Arts Producer from Birmingham passionate about creating provocative and engaging participatory arts experiences, especially for young people along with underrepresented and socially disadvantaged communities. A musician and former Music Teacher, Diandra recently was Lead Producer of the Birmingham 2022 Neighbourhood Festival Sites, part of the Commonwealth Games cultural programme. She currently works for Birmingham Opera Company as Creative Producer.

Exploring how arts + community can be used as a positive force for societal change, cultural exchange and activism. 

Doreen is Director of Warwick Arts Centre the largest multi artform arts centre outside London. She joined the Arts Centre from Black Cultural Archives in Brixton where she was Deputy Director. Doreen was the first Director of Bernie Grant Centre, Tottenham where she managed the £15m capital project and led the establishment of the programme, creative learning activities and an incubation hub for creative businesses. She has worked for the Arts Council leading strategic planning and governance at a national level and as Dance and Mime Officer for the West Midlands region. Roles outside the cultural sector include Director, West Midlands Social Economy Partnership, Chief Executive of Birmingham Partnership for Change. Doreen is a Trustee of Regional Theatre Young Directors Scheme and The Triangle Trust. She is a 2005/2006 Clore Fellow.

Dwain Daley is a multi-award-winning artist, DJ, filmmaker and entrepreneur.

Dwain is a multi-disciplinary freelance artist, award-winning filmmaker, DJ and music producer; he is also an experienced sound engineer and videographer, and a Master Neuro-Linguistic Programming Practitioner and executive coach. Dwain offers business consultancy, with a focus on customer acquisition, online marketing, sales strategy and training. Dwain also has extensive experience in mentoring, coaching, developing, motivating and safeguarding young people within marginalised global majority communities across the West Midlands. Dwain is passionate about music, holistic artistic development, mentoring, coaching and knowledge sharing with specific focus on social mobility, seeking to amplify voices, especially for Black men across the Arts, Culture and Creative sectors.

Exploring the realities of taking up space within Arts, Culture & Creativity sectors.

Elizabeth Zeddie Lawal is a change maker, producer, facilitator and host. She is also the Founder of createch agency, consultancy and innovation lab, More Than A Moment. Since graduating from the University of Birmingham in drama and theatre arts in 2016, she has been committed to cultural inclusion, equity, innovation, transformational leadership and most importantly care. She is a strong advocate for social mobility, empowering leaders and communities to thrive whilst using creativity as a mirror to society. She led TEDxYouth@Brum from 2019 to 2021, was Head of Community at Beatfreeks Collective and Associate Producer at Coventry City of Culture. Elizabeth is recognised for Birmingham Mail 30 under 30 and The Stage 100 for the More Than A Moment: Action With & For Black Creatives.

Step back to January 1847, when Frederick Douglass, a former slave and anti-slavery campaigner, delivered powerful lectures at St. Mary’s Guildhall in Coventry.

Emmanuelle Henry-Cottrell is a visionary cultural arts specialist whose work spans education, entertainment, Pan-Africanism, and Rastafari. Passionate about empowering individuals of African origin, he channels his dedication through initiatives that celebrate cultural heritage and promote community upliftment. As Founder of the House of Emanuel I&I C.I.C, he plays a pivotal role in fostering cultural education, entertainment, and shared experiences to inspire a brighter future for young people and their communities.

Emmanuelle’s involvement in landmark exchanges such as  ADDIS X COVENTRY which resulted in an exhibition at the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum exemplifies his dedication to forging creative bridges between global communities. Moreover, his work on the Digital Douglass audio trail at St. Mary’s Guildhall highlighted the life and legacy of Frederick Douglass, enriching Coventry’s cultural narrative through spoken word and historical storytelling.

Errol Drummond, CEO of Sunrise Bakery, will be reading from his book ‘Sea Grapes on Bluefields Beach: Searching for The Streets of Gold’ at 2.15pm and 4.30pm.

Sunrise Bakery is proud to be the largest Caribbean bakery in the UK and products are available in selected supermarket stores for Asda, Sainsbury’s, Tesco and Morrisons. Products can also be found in over 150 independent stores. In Sea Grapes on Bluefields Beach, Errol reflects on his early years in Westmoreland, Jamaica, and the challenges of adjusting to a new life in Birmingham, England, in the 1960s. His story captures the resilience, ambition, and determination that defined the Windrush Generation and the generations that followed. As chairman of Jamaican Heritage UK, he continues to champion the contributions of Caribbean people to British society. 

Fiona Faye is a accomplished singer-songwriter, performing an eclectic jazz, soul and reggae inspired set.

Fiona Faye is a versatile vocalist whose dynamic performances have graced both stages and studios. Between 1988 and 1994, Fiona trained as an opera singer, achieving Grade 5 with the London College of Music. In 2004, she recorded Tell Me Why for the Cry Baby Soul compilation, which was re-released in 2014. She further showcased her vocal range as part of Kings Ministries’ church band (2006–2008) and later joined the Birmingham Opera Company Chorus for Drums of War (2016). Since 2018, she has been a proud member of Xodus, a tribute to Bob Marley & The Wailers. She has also collaborated with Reggae Winehouse, The Marley Experience, Cutch-I & The Nu Chapta, and soul-reggae artist Danni Mayers. Currently, Fiona is working on her highly anticipated reggae album, collaborating with top producers including Craig Spence, Roy Reid (BoAsh), and Majestic Sound Works Records.

Exploring structures, objectives and ambitions of new and future generational community creation.

Hip-hop artist G3NNA, who is from Coventry, United Kingdom, is on the rise. G3NNA contributes a novel and contemporary sound to the genre with a concentration on Contemporary Hip Hop. G3NNA draws inspiration from various musical genres, fusing R&B, soul, and trap into his music to create a distinct and genuine sound that is all his own. G3NNA takes listeners on an exploration of love, self-discovery, and the human experience with each song. G3NNA is making waves in the Hip Hop world and is positioned for even greater success in the future thanks to his unique sound and tremendous talent. As he continues to push boundaries and revolutionise the Contemporary Hip Hop genre, keep an eye on this rising artist.

DON’T MISS! G3NNA & TEEDEMBA will perform a 15-minute set as part of this sharing.

Gilroy Brown will be reading from his book ‘Redeemed’ at 1.30pm and 3.45pm in the Medieval Kitchen Book Fayre.

Gilroy Brown has worked in education for over 40 years. Through the National College for Leadership Gilroy provided training for aspiring school leaders and newly appointed Headteachers on the Local Induction Programme for new Heads and the Aspire Programme for BME teachers. Gilroy was also the Co-Founder of the KWESI mentoring programme which co-ordinated 30 mentors across 30 schools (25 primary & 5 secondary); contributing to a reduction in exclusions. He has also coordinated coaching networks for aspirant BME school leaders which led to many of the participants becoming successful Head Teachers. Since 2014 Gilroy has served as the Pastor of the 'Mount Shiloh Apostolic Church' in Wolverhampton and Co Founder of the 'Nu Shiloh Initiative' (community outreach). He is also a member of the ‘Churches 4 Positive Change’ Initiative, through which Pastors work collaboratively to address issues facing the African Caribbean community.

A 3-hour deep-dive into creative writing for performance artists and creators.

Jamal Gerald is an artist, artistic director and writer based in Leeds. His work is conversational, unapologetic, and provocative with a social message. Jamal has undertaken research in Montserrat and Trinidad and Tobago through support from Arts Council England. In 2023, he did an artist residency with RISCO festival in São Paulo, Brazil. His work has also been shown at Kampnagel, SPILL Festival, Royal Court, New Performance Turku, Battersea Arts Centre, and the Barbican.Jamal is a Recipient of a Jerwood Arts’ Live Work Fund Award (2021), Another Route Fellowship (2022) and was shortlisted for the Adopt A Playwright Award (2023). He’s also a member of the Channel 4 New Writers Scheme (2024). 

KayFaraway is a rising celebrity in the hip-hop community, particularly in the Contemporary Hip Hop style.

KayFaraway introduces a new and inventive sound to the business with his distinctive approach and intriguing lyrics.
A combination of infectious sounds, thought-provoking stories, and deft wordplay make up KayFaraway's music. Their skill at fusing many musical elements together naturally results in a dynamic and interesting listening experience. Their songs, which explore themes of love, adversity, and self-discovery, are rich in emotional depth.
KayFaraway stands out as a visionary artist that pushes limits and shatter clichés in a field that is continuously changing. KayFaraway proves they are true trailblazers in contemporary hip hop, captivating and inspiring listeners.

Exploring how arts + community can be used as a positive force for societal change, cultural exchange and activism. 

Keith Shayaam-Smith is an award-winning Business Leader, Social Entrepreneur and Creative Visionary. He is the CEO at 7E Youth Academy, and Chairman of The Legacy Centre of Excellence, Europe’s largest Black owned Arts and Business Centre whilst standing as a trustee and Chair of several professional organisations, a business advisor to aspiring entrepreneurs, and has over 20 years of experience in youth engagement. With over 15 years of experience as a successful musician, he has established an independent record label/distribution company and toured internationally. He is highly regarded as being an early pioneer of UK Rap and Hip-Hop music from the UK. Keith has also gone onto transferring his experience and knowledge by becoming a published author having written 3 books; “The Secret Money Manual”, “Know the Ledge”, a book about British Black History and modern British identity pre-Brexit, and “Youth Engagement 101” a strategic manual for contemporary youth organisations.

Bestselling author Lathan Forrester will be reading from his book ‘FC Tyro: The Battle at The Barn’ at 12noon and 3pm.

Lathan Forrester is an experienced youth worker and former semi professional footballer, now a Community Mentor at Manchester City FA. His series of books for children, teaching them about the magic of football and the power of teamwork! Each book explores important aspects of football; what it takes to not just play the game, but to grow as players and as a team.

Exploring how displaced artists approach and maintain artistic practice, creativity and community.

Born and raised in Zimbabwe, Laura is a mother, creative visionary, curator, designer/maker, writer, storyteller, performer, change maker and advocate. Working to create pathways for migrant communities, her aim is to disrupt spaces, challenge policies and perceptions around race, migration, women, asylum seekers, refugees, and young creatives from marginalised communities. This passion manifests in a multidisciplinary creative practice, platformed within galleries, political think-tanks, theatre, fashion, sport, and community spaces. Influenced by her African heritage, Laura’s art fuses poetic self-expression, creative writing and centuries-old textile handicrafts to create striking sculptural body adornments and ready-to-wear pieces. She lives in Coventry where she also leads Maokwo, a cultural organisation inspiring the next generation of creative visionaries.

Lateesha Johnson is an experienced creative producer organising structures of support for community and artists alike.

Passionate about inclusivity and representation in the arts, and cultivating a sense of love, collaboration and joy within the creative sector, as a talent development producer working towards a more inclusive industry, Lateesha creates pathways, training programmes and development opportunities for underrepresented creatives in the sector.

Letitia George is a vibrant, talented and creative presenter and performer.

An experienced BBC Radio broadcaster, Letitia is a passionate, proven professional singer. She initially rose to the spotlight after featuring on series four of BBC 1’s The Voice, where she became a member of “Team Ricky” and soared her way through to the knockout rounds. She continues to soar touring the region and country, bringing magical music to the masses at large scale events, concerts and festivals.

4.45pm | POWER BALLADS & BEATS
Don't miss Letitia’s soulful classic and contemporary set.

The Coffee Ceremony - created by LULA.XYZ
Frankincense and myrrh incense burning.
Fresh popcorn popping.
Beans roasting over a hot plate.
This show is inspired by excerpts from the show I AM - OommoO.

Habesha by way of London, lula.xyz (Lula Mebrahtu) is the vanguard of creative expression. Equipped with cutting edge technology MiMu Gloves and a soulful timbre which carries the weight of her heritage, lula.xyz makes levitation through sound waves possible, singing about a lived experience of the past, present and future.

A mini-masterclass in writing and publishing your story.

Marcia M. Spence is the multi-award-winning Director of Marcia M Publishing House Ltd, a company she grew from her bedroom into a powerhouse that has supported over 250 authors across the UK in just five years. Known affectionately as "The Authors' Midwife" by her clients, Marcia’s nurturing approach helps aspiring authors "birth" their books with care and encouragement. Her expertise lies in guiding writers through the process of crafting their memoirs and autobiographies.
In 2024, came a pivotal partnership with The MBCC Awards, when Marcia took the Managing Editor and Creative Director role for the MBCC Magazine, she created ASPIRE Magazine working alongside the CEO of the prestigious MBCC Awards, a publication which memorialises in print the celebration of Diversity, Inclusion and Unsung Heroes. Marcia is also producing the magazines for The Power of a Woman and The Power of a Man Awards.

Hey, I’m Merisha, your host for the Melan8 Festival!

I’ve been holding microphones and keeping audiences engaged for over 20 years, so trust me, you’re in safe hands. As a seasoned radio presenter and event host, I thrive on creating spaces where people feel energised, empowered, and, most importantly, entertained.When I’m not on stage or behind the mic, I’m busy building businesses, coaching entrepreneurs, and reminding everyone that "Your Mindset is Your Economy." It’s not just a catchy phrase: it’s how I roll. From investing in property to running a risk management consultancy and launching a hair and beauty salon (because why have one hustle when you can have several), I know a thing or two about making things happen.I’m all about helping others build their empires, and I believe success isn’t just about working hard; it’s about working smart. So, whether you’re here to network, be inspired, or just vibe with the incredible talent at Melan8, let’s make this festival one to remember! Now, let’s get this show started!

Nyasha Daley is an award-winning, multi-disciplinary artist, poet and creative consultant.

She is also an activist focused on positive change, with more than two decades' corporate experience delivering for national and global brands at senior and C-Suite levels. Nyasha offers cultural sector business consultancy, and is a Master Neuro-Linguistic Programming Practitioner and executive coach.

In 2019, Nyasha was highlighted as a leading regional Black senior leader by the Office of Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands in 2019. She was also acknowledged as one of the leading 50 UK professionals working within Equality, Diversity and Inclusion by PricewaterhouseCooper. She is a prestigious Clore Leadership Fellowship (2022/3) alumni and West Midlands Combined Authority Cultural Leadership Board Member and Take A Part CIO Trustee.

Beautiful face painting and gorgeous glitter tattoos for children (and big kids too!), from Priscilla Lemm.

I’m a passionate face painter and glitter tattoo artist who loves bringing a splash of colour and sparkle to every event. I’ve had the pleasure of painting smiles at major retailers like Smyths Toys UK and IKEA, transforming faces into whimsical works of art. Whether it’s a birthday party, festival, or corporate event, I’m here to make your day brighter and more magical - one brushstroke at a time!

Exploring structures, objectives and ambitions of new and future generational community creation.

Founder of Fyah Kamp and LIB3RATE, Reuben Cottrell is skilled in youth work, content creation, artist management, project management and production.

Fyah Kamp has organised 'Block Radio, Coventry's first underground rap show, organised a performance of 30 Coventry artists at CVX festival, and provided young people with opportunities to perform on the Youth Stage of Godiva Festival. They have also collaborated with Punch Records, Birmingham Hippodrome and DJ Biggoss on a Bar4Bar Cypher event, as well as arranging 'Inspire The Fyah', which brought together over 10 organisations in Coventry to inspire young people to commence their journey in the industry through live performances and panel discussions. 

Exploring the realities of taking up space within Arts, Culture & Creativity sectors.

I began my entrepreneurial journey at just 17, co-founding Eloquent, a social enterprise committed to empowering communities through the transformative power of the performing arts. This work earned The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service, the highest accolade for community work in the UK. As the CEO and Artistic Director of Eloquent Dance, I lead an award-winning company celebrated for pushing creative boundaries. My choreography credits include high-profile collaborations with institutions such as Birmingham Hippodrome and the Birmingham 2023 Festival, demonstrating my expertise in bringing visions to life on national stages. My accolades include being named one of Birmingham's Top 30 Under 30 Most Inspirational Young People in 2019, Author of the Year in 2021, and the prestigious West Midlands Lieutenancy Young Active Citizen Award in 2022.Beyond the arts, I am a qualified lecturer and thought leader in education and social entrepreneurship, currently shaping the next generation of performers at Performers College. I also share my insights as a sought-after speaker and through my podcast, Move with Purpose, where I engage with industry leaders and change makers.

Smash Entertainz is an entertainer in all realms, excelling in the areas of crowd engagement and humour. 

Growing up in Birmingham, Smash had a knack for making people laugh. He would often entertain his family and friends with his witty jokes and impressions. It wasn’t until he was asked to step in at a show in his early twenties that he decided to pursue comedy professionally. Smash’s comedy is a mix of observational humour and personal experiences, often drawing on his own life and the lives of those around him. He tackles everything from relationships and family dynamics to current events and social issues. His ability to connect with his audience on a personal level has made him a fan favourite.

Smash is more than just a comedian. He is also an accomplished actor, host and award winning content creator.

6.15pm | STAND-UP COMEDY SET
Don't miss Smash's stand-up set - belly laughs guaranteed!

Based in Coventry, under the leadership of Founder Stephon Phillip, Phase One Steel Band has performed at numerous prestigious events.

These include Notting Hill Carnival and Caribbean Carnival Extravaganzas in Morecambe, Newcastle and Arundel.

As well as taking part in all of the UK carnivals, the band performed before HM the Queen in 1985 and have also performed at such fine venues as Symphony Hall, Fairfield Hall and The Wembley Conference Centre. Phase One is no stranger to television, they have made a number of TV appearances on shows such as Stop, Look & Listen, Emu’s World, Play for Today, Pebble Mill at One, The Holiday Programme, Songs of Praise (Performing for Bishop Desmond Tutu). Children in Need, Style Challenge and Going Live.

Exploring structures, objectives and ambitions of new and future generational community creation.

Rising from Coventry, TEEDEMBA is on a mission to elevate the music scene whilst creating a positive change in his community. TEEDEMBA’s bespoke style allows him to tell his story in a unique way and is looking to take this message worldwide and build a family of fans. Give him the chance and TEEDEMBA will take you on a journey of soulful melodies, tribal energy and all round good vibes! 

DON’T MISS! G3NNA & TEEDEMBA will perform a 15-minute set as part of this sharing.

A 45-minute mini masterclass in Theatre Direction from one of the region’s leading lights.

Tonia Daley-Campbell is an actress, award-winning writer, published author, director, casting director for heart casting, Host, compare and creative consultant. Tonia has been working in the creative industries for over 25 years. She is the annual host for Tedx Wolverhampton, and hosted MAWA theatre companies, all black female Shakespearean monologue slam, at the Sam Wannamaker playhouse the Globe. Tonia is the Audience Development consultant and chair of the Black African and Caribbean ambassadors for The Wolverhampton Grand Theatre. She is the elected Equity Midlands councillor and is a trustee for the charity Safety Curtain which supports actors and performers from war torn and developing countries financially. Tonia was nominated for a Black British Theatre award 2022 for her pioneering work in theatre. Tonia is an energetic whirlwind of creative energy, she creates open safe spaces for creatives to be inspired and thrive.

Bursting with creativity, Trevor Price, CEO of TV Trev Photography, offers photography, video, editing, and more.

With a tireless drive to deliver excellence, each service is tailored to meet the unique needs of clients. As a seasoned creative, backed by a decade of marketing experience and countless hours of creativity, Trevor delivers quality, dedication and attention to detail to every project he undertakes. Whether you are in need of stunning visuals or captivating storytelling TV Trev Photography will transform your vision into reality.

Exploring how displaced artists approach and maintain artistic practice, creativity and community.

Victor Iringere is a Charity Director, working to help reunite refugees with their families. In his free time, he volunteers for Out in Coventry and The Night Shelter. He also enjoys playing piano, singing and spending time with friends. With lived experience of seeking asylum in the UK due to persecution due to his sexuality as a gay man, he is an avid advocate of refugee rights and human rights.