SLAP Mag

Local creative charity Artists Clubhouse has launched a new summer series of creative wellbeing workshops for young people aged 12–15, following a growing number of local parents seeking support for teenagers struggling with their mental health. The four-session series will take place at The Artery Studios on Wednesday 30th July & 5th, 19th and 27th August, running from 1pm to 2.30pm. Sessions cost £17 each.

Another warm, humid evening and I’m sat next to the cooling waters of Upton Marina. There’s plenty of activity out on the water, but I’ve settled for a beer in front of the small garden stage. It’s the lead-up to the busiest weekend of the year in the metropolis over the bridge. As campervans and caravans fill the adjoining fields, tripling the size and population of the town, Upton Blues Festival is about to take over.

Advance Tickets Available A rising force in the UK alternative scene steps into the spotlight as ELI headlines The Sunflower Lounge on Friday 21st August, joined by special guest Gemma Ballam for a night built on vulnerability, power and fearless self‑expression. ELI is an artist who thrives in the space between genres, blending pop, RnB and electronic influences into a sound that feels both nostalgic and boldly forward‑thinking.

Advance tickets available now Get ready for a night of irresistible grooves as two of the UK’s finest funk-infused live acts hit the stage. Worcester’s Desert Boots are an upbeat four-piece serving up dusty funk breaks, deep-cut soul and infectious rhythms built for the dancefloor. Blending Northern Soul, jazz, funk, soul and electronica into their own distinctive sound, they’ve earned a reputation for high-energy live shows, with appearances at Nozstock, Cheltenham Jazz Festival and Stagfest.

Twelve student bands from Worcestershire Rock Schools filled The Marr’s Bar with live music on Saturday 4th July as the organisation celebrated another successful end-of-term showcase. Students from Worcester Rock School and Bromsgrove Rock School performed a varied set of rock and popular music to an enthusiastic audience of family, friends and local music supporters.

What a time to be alive! Across the moral divide we have the “President” of the United States starting and finishing wars on a near daily basis. Distraction therapy, in the form of comedian Ed Byrne has never seemed so inviting… The cathartic qualities of a night out at the Woo’s Huntingdon Hall are legendary and expansive. The welcome is obliging and respectful. The space is theatrical and the ambience is, always, more than agreeable.

Kick-off brought forward to accommodate some other global event, Attila the Stockbroker / John Bain / Barnstormer 1649 (in essence, of the same genesis) achieved so much more in two hours than has just about any of 100-plus matches of FIFA’s World Cup fandango / farrago / fakery – and assuredly without going into extra time.

Live music returns to the beautiful walled gardens of The Commandery this August as The DeadShots headline the latest edition of the venue’s popular Music Night in the Garden. Taking place on Saturday 8 August, the evening promises a laid-back summer atmosphere with great live music, fresh pizza and drinks, all within one of Worcester’s most picturesque historic settings.

Remi’s Blues Rock Roadshow Friday 26th June – The Marrs Bar, Worcester The tail end of an extremely arid week, with record temperatures, I considered sitting somewhere with a cold beer, but conscience demanded a walk down to the Marrs Bar. Would folk turn out on such a balmy evening? It could prove very hot and sticky inside, with just a scattering of fans. In truth, I was amazed to find the place heaving. Brian reckoned he could manage a few more at a squeeze.

Good times and friendly vibes Are you a creative? Or just enjoy friendly spaces, music and art? Then join us at the ‘Wu-Town Collab’ event at ‘Spin the Black Circle – Worcester. The man behind the collab is Ben Obi came up with the idea after moving back to Worcester who said ‘I knew there was so much talent in the city, but it felt separated. I was looking for a social space to meet and collaborate with other creatives who loved making art and expressing their ideas.