Creative workshops and live art at Drake Circus for families this weekend

By
Louis Chadwick
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Sue Lewry is an experimental printmaker whose practice explores hands-on processes with paper, textiles, and woodwork. Calling herself a 'visual magpie', curious about visual thinking and the creative flow state, which sets the stage for new ideas to bubble up.

Drake Circus shopping centre will be transformed into a space for art, poetry and community creativity on Saturday 18 October, as it hosts City Layers, a one-day cultural event celebrating Plymouth’s creative talent.

The programme features live art, hands-on workshops and poetry displays, highlighting artists and writers from across the city.

Live Art from Jon Lilly

Plymouth-based artist Jon Lilly, known for his bold, layered spray-paint style, will create a large-scale canvas live in the Upper Mall throughout the day. Visitors will be able to watch the piece take shape and view the completed work on display in the centre afterwards. Lilly was selected through an open call to local artists for the paid commission.

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John Lilly’s artwork has been popping up around Plymouth for years, making his work a staple of the city’s artistic canvas

Printmaking with Sue Lewry

Printmaker Sue Lewry will bring her mobile screen-print studio to Drake Circus for a series of free drop-in workshops at the Cornwall Street entrance. Sessions take place at 10am, 11am, 1pm, 3pm and 4pm, allowing participants to create their own colourful, city-themed prints to take home.

Sue Lewry printmaker’s studio in Plymouth Devon, UK march 2023

Family Activities at Wild Things

Younger children can take part in a special City Layers activity at Wild Things from 9am to 2pm, using Plymouth-inspired stencils and paints to create artwork for a mini “Toddlers’ Gallery” inside the play area.

Poetry on the Big Screens

Throughout the day, poetry written by local writers will appear on Drake Circus’ digital screens and social media channels. The pieces explore Plymouth’s people, places and identity through words and reflection.

A Celebration of Local Talent

Greg Lumley, Centre Director at Drake Circus, said:

“City Layers is about celebrating the many creative voices that make Plymouth unique. With Jon Lilly and Sue Lewry leading the way, and contributions from local poets and children too, we want to give visitors something unexpected and inspiring.

This is a chance to watch, create and get involved – and to feel connected to Plymouth’s creative spirit.”

Event Information

  • Date: Saturday 18 October 2025
  • Time: 10am – 5pm (Wild Things: 9am – 2pm)
  • Location: Drake Circus Shopping Centre, Charles Cross, Plymouth PL1 1EA
  • Cost: Free (Wild Things normal entry fees apply)
  • More information: www.drakecircus.com
  • Social media: @DrakeCircus

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