Birmingham Weekender 2024
Written by Katie for Theatre and Tonic
Birmingham Weekender is exploding back into the city Fri 23 – Mon 26 Aug, and shoving a mind boggling array of art and culture right into the faces of the brummie community.
Produced by Birmingham Hippodrome in partnership with Bullring and Grand Central, this extraordinary free festival celebrates the city's rich cultural diversity and artistic talent.
One of the standout aspects is the sheer variety of performances and activities on offer. From street performances and dance showcases to interactive installations and live music, the event brilliantly captured the eclectic spirit of Birmingham's arts scene. Here's a quick rundown of just some of what’s on offer:
TAPE THAT will be popping up in Grand Central twice a day with its charmingly silly acrobatic duo. A playful show that reignites our imaginations, watch as a roll of tape transforms from a loo roll, to DJ decks and a spy glass, creating a child-like world that you can’t help but smile at. This is such a sweet show, and almost so silly that you forget just how impressive the skills of these acrobats are!
TEABREAK by Trigger took us on a soothing audio journey that shares the rich history of tea and its beloved place in our daily rituals. 2 performers explore this universal comfort with a live dance performance that ranges from classical indian, to kathak, and even a bit of jive. This is a wonderfully gentle show that allows you to take a reflective pause amidst the hustle and bustle of Birmingham's New Street Station, with a cup of warming chai or peppermint.
Sipho Eric Ndlovu is this years poet in residence and will be weaving his way through the festival with an ear to the ground to capture your experiences and craft them into a poem that celebrates the joy, creativity and connection of this exquisite festival. After a beautiful opening poem from Sipho, I really can’t wait to hear this final festival celebration.
UNITY is a breathtaking and jaw dropping aerial show, which sees performers hanging in the sky right above our beloved bull. This is as big as it gets. This is a powerful exploration of community, protest, and hope for the future, underpinned by a poignant message from this years poet in residence, Sipho himself. Prepare to be utterly blown away by not only the talent of these incredible performers, but also the feats of engineering.
As well as all this, we are being treated to the beautiful Architects of Air luminarium, the playful Mughal Miniatures by Sonia Sabri Company, and Birmingham's reply to West End live, which is giving us 2x 90 min shows with performances from a variety of top west end musicals! The full programme is available online and is seriously not one to be missed!
The programme really is very thoughtfully curated, ensuring a mix of traditional and contemporary art forms, reflecting the city’s diverse communities. Each performance is executed with a level of professionalism and artistry that underscores why the Hippodrome remains one of the UK’s leading cultural venues.
What truly sets this event apart is the inclusive atmosphere that has been created. For me, this is encapsulated in Mark Smith’s work, SYNERGY, which champions professional dancers from the D/deaf & disabled community, including the likes of Britains Got Talents Musa Motha. To position this in the heart of the Bullring is a true celebration of these incredible dancers.
This festival really puts Birmingham on the map to be recognized as one of the leading cities for culture. You don't need to travel to London to experience exceptional art—Birmingham offers world-class cultural experiences right here at home. With performances and installations from a range of cultural backgrounds, Birmingham Weekender highlights the rich tapestry of cultures that make up the city. It is a celebration not just of art, but of community, bringing together people from all walks of life.
This event is a must-see for anyone looking to experience the heart and soul of Birmingham, and makes you proud to be a member of the 0121 gang.
All the information about Birmingham Weekender can be found here
