Smethwick Puppetry Festival line-up announced!
Smethwick Puppetry Festival is back for 2026, with breath-taking puppetry shows, hands-on workshops, a unique exhibition and more, all taking place across 12 community venues in Smethwick over February half-term. We’re delighted to announce the launch of the 2026 festival programme, and the opening of ticket sales for all of the events.
Come and join us for a magical celebration of community, creativity and puppet theatre. You can expect everything from laugh-out-loud family shows to bold performances for teens and adults. Little ones can splash into adventure with After the Rain, cheer on a silly librarian trying to tame her unruly books, or follow animals, dragons and stars through imaginative stories across magical worlds. Older audiences can enjoy musical canal tales, beautiful visual storytelling, and even an irreverent late-night puppet show just for grown-ups.
In addition to the performances, you can come along to the puppet-making workshops and create puppets of your own. Explore sustainable puppet-making with your little ones and create a charming marionette puppet from 90% recycled materials, or take a break from the kids and spend an afternoon crafting creations at 1000 Trades on the Park - best enjoyed with a drink in hand!
Finally, celebrate a unique form of visual storytelling with The Crankie Forest - a special exhibition at Thimblemill Library where hand-crafted story scrolls will take you on a journey of imagination and wonder. Whether you're a seasoned puppetry lover or brand new to it all, the festival is an invitation to explore, play and be swept away by the magic of puppetry.
Explore the full line-up and secure your spaces by clicking on the button below. Tickets are limited, so book now to avoid disappointment!
Smethwick Puppetry Festival is brought to you by Black Country Touring, supported by:
