FRI 7 & SAT 8 AUG
UPGRADE YOURSELF FESTIVAL 2026
INTRODUCING... THE CENTRAL HUB
Throughout the festival, Lancaster Room will be your central hub for relaxing, eating, reflecting, and being supported to connect, create and share without pressure.
The space will offer:
- Free food and drinks provided by Clement Worrall
- Opportunity to network and connect with others, hosted by Strangers in the City
- Craft and Connect, facilitated by artists embedded in community and regenerative practices: Tatreez Collective, Cassie Quinn and Clara Chu
- Headshots with Kwame Dapaa
- Run the Check Jobs Board with current creative opportunities
- Share your work in progress or reflect on the festival and wider themes at the end of each day in the Sharing Space
NEW PROGRAMMES
ADDED!
FRI 7 AUG, 4–7.30PM
SAT 8 AUG, 12–3.30PM
KNOW YOUR WORK. OWN YOUR STORY. 1:1 PORTFOLIO REVIEWS WITH NEWCOMMA
Bring your portfolio (or just your ideas), and we'll work through what to show, how to write about it, and how to position yourself as a creative professional.
SAT 8 AUG, 2–3PM
& 3.30–4.30PM
FUTURE FREE-PLAY WORKSHOP HOSTED BY STUDIO TIP
A hands-on creative workshop to play, invent and assemble, using natural and recycled factory offcuts.
FRI 7 AUG, 4.30–5.30PM,
5.45–6.45PM, 7–8PM
MAP // PATH
RESOLVE Collective will host a mapping workshop that explores your relationship to your local area and your journeys and influence through practice.
FRI 7 AUG, 4–7.30PM
SAT 8 AUG, 12–1.30PM
FUNDING CLINIC
Bring your ideas, questions, or draft sections of your application and receive guidance on accessing Arts Council funding.
