A WEEK-LONG celebration of tattooing, fashion and gaming in the heart of Worcester has been hailed a huge success by organisers.
The Rising was co-produced by The Arches Worcester festivals team and The Rising Voice, a new group of young adults established specifically to be part of the festival development and production team.
Three films produced about the festival were showcased at a post festival event alongside a discussion with members of The Rising Voice.
Throughout the week, people were able to visit a tattoo exhibition in one of Worcester’s new creative arches, experience live tattooing, enjoy live music and listen to a fascinating lecture on the history of tattooing by author and lecturer Dr Matt Lodder.
A full day was dedicated to fashion with a vintage clothing sale from Rags to Riches, interactive fashion workshops encouraging people to explore their creativity and a fashion show with a unique take on how fashion, dance and music can come together in a spectacular performance whilst also championing sustainability.
David Edmunds, festivals director said: “We’ve always said with the festivals programme we want something for everybody, and we want to experiment with how we provide this which is why we decided to test out co-creating The Rising festival with The Rising Voice.
“It was a different and interesting approach to programming a festival for us and one we would like to grow and develop. It was wonderful to see the group involved and their input was crucial in determining the three themes of tattooing, gaming and fashion and attract a diverse and new audience.”
The basement of Crowngate Shopping Centre was transformed into an underground gaming arena with virtual reality games and swings, board games, live music, food and funky lighting.
Mike Lloyd, centre manager said: “It really was fantastic to be part of such an amazing event, working closely in conjunction with Severn Arts to utilise spaces members of the public just do not see or know exist.
“This ultimately gives a much more immersive and intense experience to the participants as well as putting huge smiles on our faces watching the sheer enjoyment from all parties.”
Visit https://thearchesworcesterfestivals.co.uk/the-rising/ to watch the films made during the event.
Anyone aged between 18 and 30 years old who wishes to take part in The Rising Voice 2023 can e-mail [email protected]
