This is a space for us; in The Commons, we are both the guest contributors and the experts coming together and re-imagining the 21st century–exploring our connected past, present, and future.
No booking required — simply turn up to the screen area a few minutes prior and pick up your headset to join the discussion.
From the home of rock and heavy metal, Insurgent and Santù bring jaw-dropping live shows which merge pure passion and controlled chaos.
Birmingham’s best animation night presents animated films by Ollie Jones and Ross Butter.
Wellbeing expert Sheryl Hanna-Kumas from the Disability charity Sense will be sharing amazing experiences of inclusive sound baths all week.
“Journey of Light” brings you colours of Sufi tradition through a multi-genre performance.
Bring your small people and join B’Opera and Perry for an animal-themed musical picnic!
Content Warning
All of our performances are suitable for the public realm and will not contain graphic descriptions of harmful topics. However, some performances make reference to topics that may be potentially distressing to audiences. Please refer to each event where you see this badge to find out more about its content.
Changing Environment
This badge signifies that the performance may require audiences to move and engage with performers on-the-ground, or may feature performers moving around the audience area.
Visual Effects
This badge signifies that the performance will contain sudden and/or flashing visual elements (colourful smoke, fireworks, etc.)
Sound Effects
This badge signifies that the performance will contain sudden and/or loud sound elements (confetti canons, bangs, fireworks, etc.)
Audio Description
For audiences with a visual impairment, we have Live Audio Description available throughout the Festival. Headsets are available for pick-up and return near the Accessible Viewing Area.
BSL Interpreted
For our D/deaf audiences, the Festival’s spoken sections will be BSL interpreted on stage and on screen. Pre-recorded films will also be captioned.
Each Monday to Friday morning at 11 AM, our friends at Sense, the Selly Oak-based charity for people with complex disabilities, will bring an amazing sensory experience. Soak in the mesmerizing sounds of singing bowls, bells,…
Soak in the mesmerizing sounds of singing bowls, bells, gongs and other percussion instruments and be still in a unique city centre experience that will leave you relaxed, inspired, and excited to start your day.
He’s back! Did you meet Perry last year? Come say ‘hello’ and join in a fun party picnic, where Perry will attempt circus skills, try out Brazilian martial arts Capoeira, sing opera, and dance in outer…
Bring your packed lunch or pick up something nearby, lounge or join in the dancing, and then get the chance to high-five Perry for a fun, exciting time for all the family.
Our amazing city is packed with inspiring talent. Our performers, selected through a city-wide callout, will bring you some of the best local talent and arts, from music, dance, poetry, and more. Come witness brilliant community…
Come witness brilliant community organizations take centre stage and share the art and culture that makes Birmingham the vibrant, diverse, and joyous place we all are proud of.
Bhangra? Drum N Bounce? Boxing? Power Hour is a fun workout for everyone to loosen your body and get you moving, in any way you feel. Incredible instructors will lead you through a new exercise from…
Incredible instructors will lead you through a new exercise from the stage, getting your blood pumping to an amazing selection of genres, music, and art for an hour of pure joy.
As the summer sun sets, grab a drink, grab your friends, and soak up the sounds and atmosphere of some amazing performances. Established and newly-formed incredible arts organizations across Birmingham will bring performances especially created or…
Established and newly-formed incredible arts organizations across Birmingham will bring performances especially created or adapted for the Festival, with powerful narratives and party vibes meshing to create a one-of-a-kind experience you are sure to remember.
This interactive artwork by the New York-based artist behind 2022’s brilliant ‘Key To The City,’ Paul Ramírez Jonas, asks participants to examine the value of…
This interactive artwork by the New York-based artist behind 2022’s brilliant ‘Key To The City,’ Paul Ramírez Jonas, asks participants to examine the value of their word.
Anyone can contribute pledges declare their promises on to a monumental installation (beneath the Library of Birmingham canopy) exploring what is important to each of us.
They are asked to give their word in a way that’s consistent with their beliefs, such as swearing on a sacred text. That promise is published on a monumental marquee board, placed amongst promises made by politicians, scientists, economists, companies and weather forecasters, all chosen daily from headline news.
UK Premiere
Take yourself on the AR tour Empires, Pioneers and the New Radicals, which maps Birmingham’s cultural and economic journey from empire to innovation in ten defining moments around Centenary Square.
But how did we get to this point? We’ll be taking a deep dive into the tangled web of the empire, discovering the stories that weave our past and present, and collectively re-imagine and rebuild a just innovative future.
Take yourself on the AR tour Empires, Pioneers and the New Radicals, which maps Birmingham’s cultural and economic journey from empire to innovation in ten defining moments around Centenary Square.
10 QR codes will be placed throughout Centenary Square for you to scan and explore. If you’d like to know more, guided tours are available on the 4th and 5th of August at 1:15 PM and 3:45 PM, and 6th of August at 1:15 PM. No booking required—pop into Centenary Square and join the tour in front of our screen.
Feeling athletic? Our Have-a-Go Zone delivered in partnership with United By 2022 has something for everyone!
Challenge your family to a game of table tennis, work up a sweat in the boxing ring, take part in an impromptu squash tournament, and even learn how to wield a cricket bat. Activities are open to all ages and skills. Pop in every day for a different activity and get moving!
Watch as our Festival extends out from the stage onto Centenary Square and its surroundings with our brilliant walkabout acts. Come give them a high-five…
Come give them a high-five or join a sudden dance party as they animate the city centre!
Join us at The Exchange for the vibrant Birmingham Festival 2023! As we celebrate the one-year anniversary of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, our family-friendly programme offers free exhibitions, activities, trails and talks for…
Immerse yourself in the thought-provoking exhibition “A Place to Call Home,” which explores diverse experiences of home through the lens of the University’s impactful social justice research.
Witness the symbol of the Games’ unity and resilience by getting up close with the iconic Queen’s Baton, a testament to its incredible journey spanning 72 nations. Unleash your creativity and craft your own sports medal at our drop-in family workshop.
Unearth the hidden stories of The Exchange with our knowledgeable tour guides or embark on a self-guided family trail that reveals the secrets behind the building’s materials.
And be sure not to miss our extraordinary special events, including a Soul City Arts ‘nomadic reflection booth’ for Birmingham’s citizens to step inside and scribe and record their most cherished hopes, du’as and prayers, as well as a captivating family talk by the esteemed Professor Alice Roberts, marking the much-anticipated launch of her new children’s novel, Wolf Road.
Full details available on The Exchange website
