About

Bearwood Shuffle 2026 Returns to Lightwoods Park for a Joyful Celebration of Music, Community and Creativity
Saturday 6th June 2025 | 12:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Lightwoods Park, Adkins Lane, Bearwood, Smethwick, B67 5DP
FREE ENTRY

One of the West Midlands' most loved grassroots festivals is set to return this summer as the Bearwood Shuffle 2026 transforms Lightwoods Park into a vibrant celebration of live music, performance, food, creativity and community spirit.

Taking place on Saturday 6th June, the free, family-friendly event will once again bring together local residents, artists, independent traders and performers for an unforgettable afternoon in the heart of Bearwood.
Run as a not-for-profit community festival, the Bearwood Shuffle has grown into far more than just a day out. It has become a showcase for the creativity, warmth and independent spirit that defines Bearwood and the wider Black Country.

This year's programme is the biggest yet, featuring a packed main stage line-up, immersive performance, artisan markets, children's activities, street food from across the globe and pop-up opera performances throughout the park.

Main Stage Highlights:
Friendly Fire Band
Katie Malco
Mantis Defeats Jaguar
The Ceilidh Band
Sweaty Wednesday

Adding a unique interactive element to the day, Black Country Touring presents ARCADE — an internationally celebrated interactive dance performance experience nominated for 'Outstanding Alternative Space Production' at the Hong Kong Dance Awards.

The festival is also delighted to welcome back the acclaimed Birmingham Opera Company for a series of surprise pop-up opera performances throughout the afternoon.

Independent Traders & Artisan Market

The Bearwood Shuffle's hugely popular artisan market returns with more than 30 independent traders showcasing the very best of Bearwood and beyond, with a focus on art, craft, design and food.
Featured traders include:
Bettys Bakes
Building Stuff Since Birth
Second Spring Jewellery
Simon Fenton Arts
Punks and Chancers
Rockville Records
Plus face painting, handmade goods, baked treats and many more local favourites.

Food & Drink

A carefully curated street food line-up will offer flavours from around the world, including:
Smoke and Ash Pizza
Mookies Indian Street Food
Street Souvlaki
Hotdoggu
Denash's Taste of the Caribbean
Hi Karage Japanese Street Food
What A Load of Waffle
Alongside Lellipop, HappyCoffeeMan, Amalfi Lemons, The Little Donut Co., De Fruit Bar and more.

Festival bars will be provided by independent favourites:
1000 Trades On the Park
Fixed Wheel Brewery
Plonk

Family Activities

Families can enjoy a wide range of free activities across the afternoon, supported by Go Play Sandwell, including:
Interactive play zones
Giant games
Arts and crafts
Complimentary glitter tattoos
Rugby Tots will also be running fun taster sessions and activities for younger children throughout the day.
A Festival Rooted in Community

Organiser Matt Taylor said:

"The Bearwood Shuffle started as a simple idea — to bring more great live music into Bearwood and create something that genuinely brings people together. What's grown from that is something really special: a free, community-led festival that welcomes thousands of people into Lightwoods Park for a day of music, creativity, food and connection.
At a time when so many people are feeling isolated or priced out of cultural events, it feels more important than ever to create spaces that are open, welcoming and joyful. The Shuffle is built entirely by volunteers and powered by an incredible local community, and we're hugely proud of what people in Bearwood have created together."

The Bearwood Shuffle 2026 is supported by Black Country Touring, Arts Council England and 13 Project.