Autumn of Arts at the Royal William Yard

GET INVOLVED IN AN AWESOME AUTUMN OF ARTS

From a regionally renowned light festival to makers markets, artistic talent is being celebrated and encouraged at Royal William Yard this Autumn. A variety of events – most free to attend – are taking place over the coming weeks at one of Plymouth’s award-winning cultural destinations.

November marks the welcome return of the Illuminate Light Festival – and tickets are now available to book. The much-loved event from Real Ideas is back with light art and immersive digital installations that will capture the imagination.

It will combine beautiful projection mapping, playful art installations and exciting performances in a dazzling display for all ages. This year, the spectacular festival will take place at Ocean Studios in Royal William Yard and Market Hall in Devonport.

A different format from before, this will be a two-week long programme that includes as a series of family workshops. There will be a theme, focusing on the climate crisis and how to activate change, and it will involve work from more local artists.

Hailey Cattle, Regional Marketing Manager for Urban Splash, said, “Get inspired, create, and celebrate the vibrant arts scene at Royal William Yard. Whether you want to immerse yourself in the Illuminate experience, enjoy an exhibition or learn new artistic skills, we have you covered.”

Take a look at what’s planned:  

• Mini Makers, every Saturday, 10:00 – 12:00, Ocean Studios. Supervised by experienced tutors, Mini Makers offers the opportunity for children to create, interact and unleash their artistic talent!
• Portrait Clinic, every Thursday, 10:00 – 12:00, Ocean Studios. Are you a painter? Sketching more your thing? Bring your materials of choice and join artist Mark Fielding for two hours of guided life drawing.
• Make at 140 Learn to Spin workshop, Sunday 31st October 10:00 – 13:30, Ocean Studios. A course for beginners to learn how to use a spinning wheel. Materials provided, tickets £55.
• Royal William Yard Good Food & Craft Market, Sunday 7th November, 10:00 – 15:00, Melville Building. This monthly market hosts the best in regional producers and crafters. Traders include Adhock Homeware upcycled and ethical gifts, Foxy Potsconcrete homeware and pots, Southway Silver hand-crafted jewellery, and Debby Mason marine life etchings and art.
• Start Something: Print, Sunday 7th November, Ocean Studios. A pop-up event by 10 artists on a print residency.
• Make at 140 Macrame workshop, Sunday 7th November, 10:00 – 13:00, Ocean Studios. An experienced tutor who will guide you through Macrame techniques and knots to make a wall hanging or plant holder. Materials provided, tickets £45.
• Illuminate Light Festival, Monday 15th to 28th  November, 17:30 – 22:00, Ocean Studios. Back and shining brighter than ever after an absence of two years, the region’s leading light festival will run for two weeks. Find out more at illuminate-festival.co.uk
• Native Makers Market, Saturday 20th November, 10:00 – 15:00, Ocean Studios. A chance to enjoy the popular makers market in Royal William Yard’s Creative Hub.

Find out more at royalwilliamyard.com

A Flurry of Festive Markets

With Christmas just around the corner, Royal William Yard is announcing a series of weekend and late-night shopping festive markets throughout December. Shoppers will have the chance to shop, eat, drink and be merry at the events, held inside the iconic Melville building.

The festive markets will offer a wide range of locally sourced goods and handcrafted gifts. A variety of traders will feature across the month, including food and drink from The Hedgerow Hound, Barbican Botanics, and The Devon Fudge Company; handcrafted gifts from Amelia Daniels Candles, Terra Jeweller, and Peck & Chisel; plus Nook Houseplants, Earthkind Refills, and a whole host of others.

Hailey Cattle, Regional Marketing Manager for Urban Splash, said, “We are delighted to welcome back the festive markets, which showcase an array of exciting and talented independent traders. The festivities will be in full flow around the Yard; soak up the atmosphere, shop at the stalls, visit our shops, bars and restaurants, and embrace the festive cheer!”

Royal William Yard festive market dates:   

• Wednesday 1st December, Festive Late Night Shopping Market, 17:00 – 21:00
• Sunday 5th December, Festive Good Food & Craft Market, 10:00 – 15:00
• Wednesday 8th December, Festive Late Night Shopping Market, 17:00 – 21:00
• Sunday 12th December, Festive Good Food & Craft Market, 10:00 – 15:00
• Wednesday 15th December, Festive Late Night Shopping Market, 17:00 – 21:00
• Sunday 19th December, Festive Good Food & Craft Market, 10:00 – 15:00