Birmingham Weekender is back! The team-up between Birmingham Hippodrome and Bullring & Grand Central returns this August Bank Holiday Weekend with bags of out-there activities for all ages to enjoy. Expect the streets of the city centre burst into life with colourful installations, pop-up performances, interactive games and plenty more unique experiences.
This two-day festival (August 26 & 27) will take place at Bullring & Grand Central, as well as in the Hippodrome’s home area of Southside. With activities such as a puzzling collaborative escape room in 1000 Trades Square; an inflatable walk-through of wonder and changing colours at Hippodrome Square; and life-size retro arcade games available on Edgbaston Street.
Other highlights include the 3D street art around New Street Station, Bullring & Grand Central and The Arcadian, where Sand In Your Eyes has created some playful pieces that will change your perspective. While we’re also excited to see gravity-defying dance circus, Motionhouse, perform their daring production of WILD outside The Entertainer (1.15pm & 4pm, both days).
Birmingham Weekender is guaranteed to be a baffling experience to remember. That’s even before we talk about the energetic Flashdance performances at New Street Station (1.30pm & 3pm) and Rotunda Square (5.50pm). Or the silent disco walking tours at St Martin’s Square (free tickets to this need to be pre-booked). There will also be giant swings, face painting and a big metal whale that will swallow you whole.
When it comes to performance, the Rotunda Stage is curated by Hippodrome Young Advocates, including music from Girl Grind UK and Sisters in Dub, dance from Eloquent Dance Company and Marshon Dance, and theatre from the British Youth Music Theatre. Meanwhile, Circus Raj will showcase a troop of aerialists, acrobats, musicians and giant puppets in St Martin’s Square.
The big highlight is on Sunday, however, with the Weekender Carnival. This vibrant musical celebration and dance extravaganza, led by ACE Dance and Music, will feature a mass procession through the streets to start and end the day (starting at Rotunda Square, 12 noon and 5pm). To see the full list of event for Birmingham Weekender head here.