Free: Enterprise City one-day creative industries festival at St John’s

Fancy inventing the next social media platform? Perhaps you’re a producer or maker, or you’d just like to turn your home brew into something more financially rewarding? No matter what your passion, a free one-day creative industries conference has plenty to offer. The event has been programmed as part of the launch of Enterprise City which, when completed, will take in five workspaces, including areas within the Old Granada Studios and Bonded Warehouse complexes. The festival has been designed (in part) to inspire the next generation of creatives who will inhabit and work at this new, creative hub. Running from 1pm until 10pm on Wednesday 26 April, the festival takes in talks and hands-on workshops, live music (Werkha, Jenna and the Gs and more from 8.30pm), opportunities to pitch for film funding and much more. The programme revolves around enterprise in all its’ forms and the sessions are divided into ‘stages’, themed a bit like they are at a music festival. Festival goers can enjoy more than 30 free events across five stages. We’ve rounded up a few highlights below – but tickets are strictly limited, so book soon if you’d like to get involved: www.eventbrite.co.uk

1. The Workshops & Makers Stage programme ft. illustration, creativity with cardboard & linen making
This area of the Enterprise City festival offer the chance to take part in a linen-printing workshop by Ren London, screen-printing sessions with the Ministry of Craft, and a series of innovation and illustration workshops with  illustrator Tash Willcocks. Essential for getting your foot in the door – 0r just spurring you into creative action. A particular treat is a ‘Material Manipulation Workshop’ by Lazerian’s Liam Hopkins which sees the Hull City of Culture exhibitor showcase his trademark cardboard product-making, including lights, vases and bowls.

2. Publishing & music debates on the Disruption and Discussion stage ft. James Brown, Everything Everything & Wallpaper* magazine
Round table debates include The Power of Publishing, featuring representatives from Creative Review, Wallpaper* magazine, James Brown (ex-GQ) and newsletter guide, Emerald Street and a Sustainability in Music debate which explores how to make money from music in a digital era. Chaired by Elizabeth Alker (BBC Radio 3 & 6) panelists include Jeremy Pritchard (Everything Everything), Andy Moss (Melodic Records) and Jesca Hoop.

3. The Fairy Godmothers of Fashion interactive workshop for new designers (pictured)
During this live, interactive workshop, fashion industry professionals will offer advice and direction to up and coming designers. The Fairy Godmothers include photographer Rosie Butcher and industry insiders from Branded Lab PR, Pepper Your Talk, We are Gntlmn & more.

4. Street food, wine, small plates and more from Beastro, Idle Hands coffee & friends. 
Make a bee line for the  festival’s ‘Food Island’ for meaty small plates from 5pm with healthy options by Soulmate Foods and coffee from local stars, Idle Hands from 1pm. Wine lovers note: sommelier Nick Fildes is hosting a wine tasting throughout the day, and there are sure to be a few samples to try.

Wed 26 Apr, St John’s, Atherton Street, Manchester M3 3GS. Tel: 0161 834 8640, 1pm-10pm, FREE, tickets: www.eventbrite.co.uk. Full programme: www.enterprisecityuk.com