Being the second largest city in the UK, Birmingham is naturally a lively, energetic and vibrant city. Birmingham boasts a colourful range of year-round activities. One of the biggest cultural events is the Birmingham Arts Fest which this year takes place from 7th – 9th September.
If you are a lover of art then the Birmingham Arts Fest is a must attend event. This annual get together is considered one of the top festivals in the UK and brings together hundreds of performing, visual and digital artists who use the event to showcase their work. During this time the city will light up in a blaze of colour and life as venues across Birmingham host many exceptionally talented actors, artists, comedians, musicians and dancers. What’s more, all events will be free for the public to attend!
The Birmingham Arts Fest at Centenary Square
Birmingham’s legendary Centenary Square will be a hub of activity throughout the Arts Fest. The Acoustic Stage will be home to an eclectic mix of superb musicians and acts, rocking into the early hours of the morning.
Art on the Railings
As its name suggests, the arts take centre stage at the Birmingham Arts Fest and this year “Art on the Railings” is part of the outdoor market, where visitors can meander and browse through art and craft stalls from the railings of Centenary Square.
The New Library of Birmingham
The Arts Fest 2012 includes site tours of the Library of Birmingham where visitors are able to get a sneaky snippet of Birmingham’s eagerly anticipated new library.
And there’s much more…..
Here is just a small selection of other events happening during the weekend that you might like to attend:
Mandala – Friday 7th September, Chamberlain Square @ 6.30pm. Watch as Birmingham Town Hall is spectacularly illuminated in colour and light, think Buckingham Palace during the Diamond Jubilee Concert and you’ll know what to expect here.
MFDA Fashion Shows – Saturday 8th September, the Council House @ 12 noon. A preview of the Midlands Fashion Design Awards, go and have a look at some Birmingham design talent.
Black Country Cider Lions – Saturday 8th September, Cafe Blend @ 8.30pm. Stand up comedy from locals Leon Clifford, Rob Jackson and Rob Kemp. Jokes about the Black Country, cider and lions are guaranteed.
The Bandstand Marathon – Sunday 9th September, The Bandstand (Victoria Square) @ 1pm. As one of the last events of the action packed weekend, Birmingham Arts Fest will be participating in a UK wide event, The Bandstand Marathon. This will bring live music performance to bandstands and outdoor spaces across the UK, all on the same day at the same time. Birmingham will be one of the largest contributors to this great event.
If you are heading to Birmingham to catch the arts festival or are simply planning a trip there very soon, why not pick up either the Big Birmingham A-Z Street Atlas or the West Midlands A-Z Street Atlas the perfect travelling companion!
