Say what you want about Birmingham (and trust me, people do), the fascinating history here is undeniable. In every inch of this city, there is a unique story to uncover and learn. But it’s only during Birmingham Heritage Week, which now heads into its 11th year, do we often have the chance to hear many of them.
The 10-day festival (September 12 to 21) is designed to inspire and surprise locals with the Second City’s rich history and heritage. Many of Birmingham’s buildings and sites, especially those you wouldn’t normally visit, will open their doors for the event—with over 150 guided tours, talks, open days and walks across the city.
In the past, the city council funded the festival. Following cuts to cultural and arts projects, however, Birmingham Heritage Week is now going ahead thanks to Birmingham Museums Trust, the University of Birmingham, the National Trust, Birmingham Municipal Charity, and the William A Cadbury Charitable Trust.
What is happening at this year’s Birmingham Heritage Week?
The official programme was revealed on Saturday, August 9, and many events are already booked up. But don’t worry, there’s still plenty of excitement to be had during Birmingham Heritage Week—from visiting the oldest fire station in Birmingham to a bell-ringing demonstration in St Martin in the Bull Ring.
Here are just a few new and returning highlights:
- Visit the golden-roofed Dhamma Talaka Peace Pagoda
- Tour of the Coffin Works Courtyard and Stamp Room
- Have a go at crown bowling in the historic setting of the British Oak, a Grade II listed pub
- Visit Stirchley Baths, which has been a well-loved part of the Stirchley community for over 100 years
- Follow the ‘secret canal’ to the Jewellery Quarter
- Free entry to Blakesley Hall, a fine Tudor house with beautiful gardens, built in 1590
- Explore the Chamberlains’ story with talks and guided tours of Highbury Hall and Park, or go on a family nature hunt
- Tour exploring some of Birmingham’s iconic inventions on display at the Thinktank
- Families can enjoy interactive activities at the Moor Pool Heritage Festival
- A fun-filled open day at the 1.5-hectare museum store, Museum Collection Centre
- The Museum of the Jewellery Quarter is open for self-guided tours
- A walk introducing the scenery that inspired J.R.R. Tolkien, who lived near Sarehole Mill as a child
- Experience the Pen Museum as if transported back to Victorian Birmingham
- The first purpose-built Serbian Orthodox church in the UK is opening its doors
- Visit the Oratory of Saint Philip Neri, Birmingham’s ‘Little Rome’
- Hear about some of the darker stories of the Lock-Up’s history
- A visit to the Whispering Gallery and the lower floors of ‘Old Joe’ Clocktower.
- Try weaving or spinning with Birmingham Guild of Weavers, Spinners & Dyers
- Visit to the Bell Ringing Chamber at St Martin in the Bull Ring
- A walking tour along sites associated with Birmingham’s rich music heritage
- A journey through time in Birmingham’s historic Warstone Lane Cemetery
- Visit the oldest fire station in Birmingham, the West Midlands Fire Service Museum, with lots of early equipment on display
The full programme and booking options will be available from Saturday, August 9, here.