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 quit the complaints and celebrate the region’s transport legacy, with the arrival of Brum Transport Fest?
Taking over the city centre from September 18 to 20, Brum Transport Fest will be celebrating the West Midlands’ “motor engineering excellence and innovation.” While a full programme is yet to be announced, we can expect a myriad of transport organisations, partners, and enthusiasts to come together.
Just some of the incredible stories of Birmingham transport include Europe’s longest bus route that circles the city; the invention of the bicycle bell (1877) and the first commercial Maglev train (a low-speed magnetic levitation train that operated in 1984); and, of course, how could we forget the incoming HS2.
But fasten your seatbelts, as Brum Transport Fest, the free-to-attend festival, will not only mark Birmingham’s remarkable transport heritage, but give a glimpse at the city’s future ambitions—you never know, you may get a sneak peek at flying taxis, driverless cars or hyperloop pods that may one day get us around the city.
“Brum Transport Fest will be a celebration of what makes Birmingham and the West Midlands region the home of makers and innovators,” said Melanie Williams, Board Director and lead of the Colmore Placemaking Working Group. “We’re excited to invite the public to come together this September and share in the pride, creativity and ambition that continue to drive our region forward.”
Colmore Life is behind the brand‑new, free‑to‑attend festival, which will take place across multiple locations in the city centre. For more information about Brum Transport Fest, head here.
