Recap of the Black History Month Pop-Up Market and Workshop Weekend at The Galleria Shopping Centre in Hatfield

hertsculturalconne
Nov 6, 2024
5 min read

Updated: Jul 7

The October Black History Month Pop-Up Market and Workshops Weekend, held in collaboration with The Galleria Shopping Centre, was an unforgettable experience. People from the local community and beyond gathered to celebrate Black heritage, support small businesses, and engage with services and networking opportunities. The event featured vibrant performances, inspiring exhibitions, and interactive spaces, attracting a large and enthusiastic crowd. Feedback from attendees, businesses, and services has been exceedingly positive. The public's anticipation for future events has fuelled excitement, and plans for next year are already underway. Here's why our event was so successful…

Woman and children sampling sauces at a stall

Highlight: A Surprise Visit from Nurses and Midwives Featured in the Strength in Service Exhibition

A highlight of the weekend was the presence of medical professionals featured in our Strength in Service exhibition, celebrating black healthcare workers from Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire and their significant contributions. They were pleasantly surprised to reunite and spent time reminiscing and sharing experiences, connecting over their careers. Observing them read each other’s stories and reflect on their journeys was moving. Other nurses present expressed appreciation for the recognition of their profession and their colleagues, emphasising the importance of honouring those who selflessly serve our communities despite the challenges they encounter.

Woman and man curated stories from nurses on a wall in the Strength in Service Exhibition, the stories are on yellow and black columns — Visitors reading the Strength in Service Exhibition of curated stories

Express Yourself Wall: Creativity and Inspiration from Young Minds

The Express Yourself wall was a standout feature for children at the event. Created as a place for kids to express their thoughts on kindness, self-love, and creativity, the wall swiftly transformed into a vibrant mosaic of heartfelt messages. It was adorned with drawings, affirmations, and personal dreams, with every inch covered each day, forming a piece of art that radiated positivity and resonated with visitors of all ages. Observing the children fully embrace the space was incredibly moving, and the response was exactly what we had hoped for, a safe, welcoming area where they could freely express themselves.

Two young girl children, one in pink with braids and the other in white with pink flowers and braids are kneeling down and drawing on the the wall blackboard with paint chalk. The wall has designs from other children. — Young artist drew their vision on the wall of expression and imagination

Interactive and Creative Workshops for Children

The event included interactive and creative workshops where children and young people could learn a new skill or just have fun. They had the opportunity to try hair braiding, experiment with gel printing, or enjoy making delicious treats in our culinary workshops. It was delightful to see so many young people actively participating, disconnected from technology, and absorbed in hands-on activities. The workshops were both enjoyable and educational, offering insights into new skills and creative expression. The excitement and happiness on the children’s faces highlighted the impact of these activities.

Health Checks with the Resident Doctor: A Timely and Appreciated Service

Enhancing the event with a practical and valued feature, the resident doctor provided free health checks and consultations to visitors. Given the challenges in obtaining GP appointments, attendees considered this service extremely valuable. The informal environment enabled them to talk about general health issues without feeling hurried, and the doctor's sincere concern for their wellbeing left a lasting impression. Numerous visitors appreciated this inclusion, which seamlessly aligned with our event's community-focused and health-oriented theme.

Entertainment that Brought the Crowd to Life

Our entertainment lineup left a lasting impression on the event. Both passersby and visitors were delighted by the steel band, as attendees danced to its vibrant rhythms. The African drummers and dancers mesmerised the crowd with their dynamic beats and exceptional performance. They offered interactive experiences by inviting audience members to participate, truly wowing everyone present.

Magician Trixy was undoubtedly a highlight! He captivated both children and parents with his dynamic performance. His skill in engaging the audience brought smiles and laughter, making him a clear favourite and an essential part of the weekend.

Small Business Support: Returning and New Vendors

We were delighted to receive ongoing support from the small businesses that took part in last year’s event. These returning vendors were impressed by the event’s growth—not just with the larger venue, but also with the expanded team, exciting lineup, and extensive advertising. After talking with their customers, vendors reported that attendees had traveled from as far as Oxford, Cambridge, Birmingham, London, and Kent, which made them feel honoured to be part of the event.

Alongside the returning businesses, we also welcomed new vendors who seized the chance to connect with new customers. They expressed their gratitude for being part of such a welcoming event and valued the exposure this platform offered for their brands. They contributed to the variety of products and experiences available to attendees.

Supporting a Good Cause: Raising Funds for Endometriosis UK

Over the weekend, we successfully raised £215 for Endometriosis UK, surpassing the total for 2023. The organisation joined us for half a day on Saturday, where we focused on raising awareness and promoting raffle participation, thanks to generous prize donations from businesses. These included The Galleria's Regatta Great Outdoors, Beauty Outlet, Marks & Spencer’s Outlet, Nando’s, The Baggage Factory, TK Maxx, Pro Cook, The Body Shop, Nipa’s Hair & Beauty, and Pure Gym. Additionally, local businesses such as Misya Mezz in Welwyn Garden City, and ASDA, The Barbers in Parkhouse Court, and Bob’s Family Butchers in Hilltop, Hatfield, contributed. Information about the condition was available, facilitating ongoing conversations and donations.

Emma from Endometriosis UK and our organiser Davinia inform the public about the condition

The Black History Month Pop-Up Market and Workshop Weekend provided a wide range of attractions, including impactful exhibitions, interactive areas, energetic performances, and engaging vendors. This mix of culture, education, and entertainment fostered an inspiring atmosphere for people to connect, learn, and celebrate collectively. The excellent attendance and positive responses highlight the crucial role such events play in championing unity and embracing diversity.

Many Thanks to Our Sponsors

We sincerely thank our sponsors: A2Dominion, Hertfordshire Community Foundation, Cllr. Peter Hebden, and Cllr. Tony Kingsbury, whose funding enabled many aspects of the event. We are delighted that some of you attended the event, interacted with the stallholders, and witnessed the impact of your contributions.

Volunteer poses with a sponsor and a supporter of the event — Left: Cllr. Tony Kingsbury, Davinia and past Mayor of Welwyn Hatfield and supporter Barbara Fitzsimon

Beverage business owner talks with customers about his products from behind his stall — Cllr. Peter Hebden and partner engaged in conversation with one of the businesses

A special thanks to our volunteers, whose exceptional support during both the planning and execution phases made this event a reality. Additionally, we thank The Galleria Shopping Centre, whose

excellent operations team collaborated with us multiple times to ensure all our needs were met for the big weekend. The venue provided the ideal space for the event's growth to thrive.