Event: Magdalen Road Creative Street Festival
Malaika Kikongo savours the delights – and gets crafty – at Exeter’s newest festival
Before I stepped onto Magdalen Road, the lively energy of the festival was evident. I arrived soon after the event had begun, and already the street was bustling with people, music and an array of local businesses.
I first went over to Maker Maker, an independent, family-run shop that sells all things creative and homely. Owners Rupert and Anita Oxlade, along with their daughters, warmly welcomed visitors to browse the unique selection of items they had on display – some of which were made by the girls themselves. “It’s lovely to see all the stallholders and different crafts,” Rupert said, “the music, the food - it’s just got a great vibe about it.”
Photos by Malaika Kikongo
Delicate aromas of citrus and lavender floated through the air as I got closer to the Tappermade stall, where I was drawn in by the fresh scents. Originating from her academic background in chemistry, Sophia Tapper told me how each product – from seaweed-infused skincare to solid shampoo bars – is the result of blending science with nature.
The organicARTS stall caught my eye as I saw an array of felt designs and colourful woven crafts, which I later learnt are called God’s Eye. I was welcomed in and encouraged to make my own God’s Eye, which I struggled to put down once I got the hang of it. organicARTS is an educational charity that hosts creative workshops and projects at West Town Farm just three miles from Exeter.
Further up the street a crowd gathered as the Big Noise Chorus, all coordinated in striking shades of blue, prepared to perform. The sun had shone for most of the day, but just as the choir began to sing, a light drizzle began to fall. Undeterred by the change in weather, the choir and audience joined together and sang familiar favourites, including well-known ABBA classics.
L to R: Making a God’s Eye with organicARTS; at the spinning wheel for the Devon Guild of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers. Photos by Malaika Kikongo
The talented women of the Devon Guild of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers spun fleece into yarn using traditional spinning wheels. The Guild members shared their knowledge with me, explaining the patient process of making a bag from sheep’s fleece. They also spoke of the unique sound that fills the room during their monthly gatherings as 85 spinners work in unison, their spinning wheels humming in harmony.
At the top of the street stood a marquee buzzing with activity, where children and families gathered around tables, enthusiastically diving into a variety of crafts.
I tried my hand at needle felting at the So To Felt stall, and I found it required a surprising blend of focus, patience and dexterity. Initially, I underestimated the technique – how hard could it be to poke wool with a needle? But as I began shaping each piece, I realised how precise each motion needed to be. I created, albeit slightly misshapen, a landscape of sheep in a field.
Malaika getting crafty with So To Felt!
As I created my needle-felted craft I watched Jane Welsh, who has crafted baskets for 24 years, skilfully weave locally grown willow into what would become an intricate basket.
Magdalen Road had transformed into a vibrant hub of creativity, where people came together to celebrate local crafts, music and talent. I left, holding my handmade creations, feeling inspired to develop my newfound creative skills. My time at the Creative Street Festival was a joyful reminder of the important role that independent businesses play in the Exeter community.