In this city, it feels like we never stop talking about transport. From new train stations to metro extensions, traffic laws and electric scooters, there’s always something to moan about. But what if this summer we set aside the complaints and celebrate the region’s transport legacy with the arrival of Brum Transport Fest?
Taking over on Friday, September 18 and Saturday, September 19, from 11am to 5pm, Brum Transport Fest will celebrate the West Midlands’ “motor engineering excellence and innovation.” A packed festival programme will bring together classic vehicles, heritage transport, expert speakers, live entertainment and family-friendly activities.
“Brum Transport Fest will be a fantastic celebration of the Midlands’ proud transport heritage and the people who helped build it,” said Melanie Williams, Board Director at Birmingham Colmore. “From classic cars and heritage buses to expert talks, live music and family activities, there really will be something for everyone.”
What’s happening at the free-to-attend festival?
Brum Transport Fest will be centred around the four main squares: Victoria, Chamberlain, Hippodrome and Centenary—with more than 100 heritage vehicles owned by individual enthusiasts on display across the weekend, creating a trail of transport heritage throughout the city centre.
Centenary Square will also host an impressive display of heritage vehicles from the likes of British Motor Museum, Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust, Aldridge Transport Museum, Reflective Car Care and Raw Rides, alongside a special exhibition marking the 40th anniversary of the Birmingham Super Prix.
Here, an entertainment stage will also host well-known names from across the motoring world, including Practical Classics magazine editor Danny Hopkins, television personality and engineer Fuzz Townshend, event and presenter Phil Oldershaw, broadcaster Ed James, and transport historian John Lakey. Highlights include:
- Introduction to Classic Cars
- Building Cars in Birmingham
- Classic Buses
- From Bikes to Cars and Back Again
- Pride of Longbridge
- 40 Years Since the First Birmingham Super Prix
- Champion Tinkerers: The People Who Keep Classics Going
- Trams, No Trams and Now More Trams
For younger visitors, a dedicated family zone will feature special transport characters, while a creative workshop at Birmingham Library on Saturday will provide hands-on fun for children.
Hippodrome Square will host a special display from the Gay Classic Car Group, showcasing a collection of lovingly maintained classic vehicles while celebrating the diversity and inclusivity of the UK’s motoring community.
Victoria Square will feature heritage buses courtesy of Transport Museum Wythall, allowing visitors to enjoy the lovingly restored vehicles and learn more about the region’s public transport history. Additional classic vehicle displays are planned for Chamberlain Square.
