Uncovering Sheffield's community creative talents

The MOBO Fringe Showcase at the Winter Gardens was possibly the first time that the quality and quantity of the city’s black creativity had been visible outside that community. Natasha Farrell, from Crookes, was part of this daytime celebration of black music and culture, and it inspired her to create an event that would allow more ‘hidden’ talents like hers to take part.

Sunday Best is being held at The Steamworks on Randall Street on Sunday, April 20 from 11am-6pm. A family-friendly celebration of the stars within all of Sheffield’s communities, with food, music and stalls plus an Easter Bonnet Parade for children.

Natasha’s designs are mostly sold through her online store – Amanikush. Natasha channelled her creative forces into the MOBO domino sets that were part of the musicians’ goody bags, but her work is best known in the US. Her hairpieces have been worn by Emmy award-winning actor Tanisha Arnold, featured in the Disney Black Princesses photography project from LaChanda Gatson and Creative Soul and they are used by many stylists in the music industry, looking for something bespoke for their clients. She also creates unique fashion items for people with pizzazz!

Natasha said: “Sheffield is a city with many diverse communities who tend to hold events within their own local venues, so the quality of what is actually here in Sheffield is often hidden from view. Almost all my pieces are exported to America and Australia and I realised that I cannot be the only Sheffield artist looking for a quality venue which is a bit more mainstream.

"I want to recruit creatives from all of the city’s minority communities - new and old, artists young and mature and give everyone a chance to shine and be seen.”

After the venue was chosen, Natasha paired with Land A Party, an event services and planning company that recently celebrated its second year of business in Sheffield; they have been helping to source vendors. Mackeda and Natasha are both making a name for themselves in the city and see Sunday Best as the start of a new wave of truly inclusive events.

If you are interested in trading at Sunday Best, email Natasha at [email protected] or complete this form https://docs.google.com/document/d/19lO8vfbXIr8w_w-DUpqJB4AqHvbh_Vaevoino5koxQ0/edit?usp=sharing