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Programme of events from arts collective unveiled

Clare Lissaman
BBC News, West Midlands
Nue A band performing to pub goers in the Tamworth Tap Stop pub garden. The band wear blue, dark blue or burgundy jackets with gold trim on their shoulders and play brass instruments. One plays while standing on a wooden bench. The band is watched by pub goers, some who are taking footage on their phones. Nue
Mr Wilson's Second Liners were among acts at Art of Tamworth last year

A giant dragon made from recycled materials is among the 2025 events in Tamworth unveiled by an arts collective.

The dragon, featuring 1,100 scales hand-painted by residents, will be paraded through Tamworth, Staffordshire, on 19 July to mark the 1,100th anniversary of Athelstan, the first king of England.

It is among events organised by arts collective New Urban Era Community Interest Company (NUE CIC).

Others include the free Kids Create Mini Arts Festival on 25 July, and two-day Art of Tamworth Festival in August, that includes live music performances.

Nue A man in a grey jumper stands next to a large cardboard animal head which has large teeth and is made from shield-shaped tiles. Nue
The head of the dragon is being created by a student from South Staffordshire College in partnership with the artists' collective, Up Creative

Vic Brown, founder of NUE, said this year was set to be its "most ambitious yet" and embodied "our commitment to providing free accessible arts experiences for everyone in Tamworth".

"Our focus remains firmly on delivering high quality, impactful events that showcase the incredible talent within our community and beyond," he said.

"We invite everyone to join us and experience the vibrant cultural landscape of Tamworth."

He said NUE CIC will provide a "pivotal role" in the Athelstan 1100 Festival, which includes events across the town organised by Tamworth Castle and partners.

Mr Brown also confirmed the Kids Mini Arts Festival at Ankerside Shopping Centre and Tamworth Castle grounds will feature workshops and introductory sessions to various art forms, including dance, beatboxing, drumming and recycled arts.

Nue A woman with brown hair in a pony tail and wearing a patterned grey top decorates a brown shield with yellow and red dots. She is in a wheelchair and there are several other people in the background. Nue
People have taken part in creative activities in the town ahead of the summer programme

Tamworth summer arts programme includes:

  • Athelstan 1,00 Festival participation from 19 to 27 July, including 'art battle at the castle' on 27 July
  • Kids Mini Arts Festival on Friday 25 July
  • NUE Beatbox grand finals take place at Tamworth Assembly Rooms. The event includes beatbox and loopstation competitions and performances on Saturday 2 August
  • Art of Tamworth Festival from 16 to 17 August
Nue Two artists painting brightly-coloured pictures. One painting is of a purple elephant with tusks. The other painting has letters and numbers Nue
Street artists are involved in workshops at the summer events

The programme also includes the Art of Tamworth Festival which features an acrobatic and drumming performance by Dubafrique, trapeze and circus skill demonstrations and free workshops.

Mr Brown said the festival involves the creation of new murals, while the wider project would see bus shelters be transformed into public artworks.

He added the extensive programme was made possible by funding from Arts Council England, borough council, Staffordshire Space Scheme, Support Staffordshire and local businesses.

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