Celebrating the Art and History of Caribbean Carnival

Join us for the book launch of All Ah We Is One by Aisling Serrant.

Friday 25 September

Doors Open 6.30pm Event 7pm

Drop City Books, Hanley

Tickets via Eventbrite

More Information Drop City What’s On

Earlier this year, while making costumes with Gabriella Gay Writing - GKA Gay to support Six Towns Carnival - Reloaded, we were introduced to a snapshot of traditional Mas and the rich history behind Caribbean Carnival costume.

Now we’re excited to have the chance to learn more in person!

Our friends at Kwanzaa Collective UK are collaborating with Drop City Books to welcome Aisling Serrant, author of All Ah We Is One, a book exploring the history of Caribbean Carnival through one of its most vibrant features: costume.

Parade and costume are important parts of our work and that of our partners, so we’re really looking forward to this one. Come and join us!

Instagram links:

@aislingserrantauthor

@dropcitybooks

Join us for the final In the Balance event “Renewal” - an inspiring artist talk with Anna Berry, who will be sharing her creative practice and the making of her site-specific installation for Longton Exchange.

Anna’s work transforms public spaces with tactile, ephemeral interventions that shift perception and spark connection. Her installation Renewal reflects on regeneration and fragility - personal and urban - encouraging us to slow down, notice, and reimagine our relationship with place.

This is a special chance to hear directly from Anna about her creative process, community-focused approach, and how her work sits at the intersection of art, activism, and environment.

We’ll also be celebrating the end of another creative year with seasonal refreshments and warm conversation among artists, partners, and friends. 

About the Artist

Anna Berry is a UK-based artist working across installation, sculpture, and participatory projects. Often responding to urban landscapes, she uses delicate, handmade materials to create immersive environments exploring impermanence, control, and engagement.

annaberry.co.uk

urbanwildernesscic.com/guest-blog/2022/11/22/renewal

Book your free tickets on Eventbrite

About In the Balance

In the Balance is a series of artist talks exploring creative practice, transformation, and our connection to the natural and built environment. Presented by Urban Wilderness CIC, the series offers space for reflection, conversation, and creative exchange.

urbanwildernesscic.com/in-the-balance

Access

The venue is step-free and wheelchair accessible. Toilets are gender-neutral but located up two flights of stairs, which may be difficult for those with accessibility needs. The nearest accessible toilet is at Tesco Extra, a five-minute walk away.

There are various parking options in Longton. Longton Train Station is less than a 5-minute walk from the venue. There are multiple bus stops along The Strand, with services to and from Newcastle and Hanley.

Step into an evening of creativity and experimentation at Xenon Sessions, hosted by Will Okoh and supported by Urban Wilderness CIC.

A Scratch Night is a live event where musicians, videographers, and artists share short, unfinished or work-in-progress pieces for the very first time — testing new ideas, inviting feedback, and growing their craft in a supportive, low-pressure space.

Expect raw talent, emerging performances, and the buzz of fresh creative energy — all shared with a welcoming audience.

Call for Artists!

If you’re a musician, videographer, or artist and would like to perform or showcase your work, get in touch with Will at williamsokoh211@gmail.com

Book your tickets on Eventbrite

Access

The venue is step-free and wheelchair accessible. Toilets are gender-neutral but located up two flights of stairs, which may be difficult for those with accessibility needs. The nearest accessible toilet is at Tesco Extra, a five-minute walk away.

Longton Train Station is less than a 5-minute walk from the venue. There are multiple bus stops along The Strand, with services to and from Newcastle and Hanley.