Birmingham’s iconic Centenary Square will be transformed into ‘Champions Square’ for the European Athletics Championships 2026. Europe’s best athletes are set to compete at the Alexander Stadium from August 10 to 16, and if you haven’t got tickets to this incredible event, you can catch a lot of the action in the city centre.
The ‘Champions Square’ Fan Zone will welcome locals from August 13 to 16, where you can watch the likes of Josh Kerr and Keely Hodgkinson on the big screen, alongside an exciting programme of live music, dance, circus, street theatre and interactive activities across the weekend.
Building on the success of Festival Sites during the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games and the legacy Birmingham Festival 23, Outdoor Places Unusual Spaces has been appointed to curate the four-day Cultural Programme in Champions Square.
What will I find in Champions Square?
Champions Square will be open Thursday and Friday from 10am-10pm and on Saturday and Sunday from 7am-10pm for four days of live sport broadcast from Alexander Stadium. The cultural programme will celebrate the creativity and diversity of Birmingham, platforming artists and communities from across the city.
Go For Gold: Silent Disco (7.30pm-9pm, daily)
With finals shown each night on the big screen, the Silent Disco will end the day on a high—challenging you to athletics-inspired dance floor games and light-hearted competitions, with golden rosettes up for grabs.
Join Autin Dance Theatre’s Silent Disco Street Games for an active twist on a classic silent disco (Thursday), Kaylee Golding’s ‘Go for Gold’ promises the music of Champions (Friday), DJ Soriah brings the best of House (Saturday), and Sampad South Asian Arts and Heritage presents with DJ Palak and India Island (Sunday).
Race along Finish Line by Megan Reddi (Throughout)
A striking new visual arts commission is coming to Centenary Square. Co-commissioned by OPUS and Ikon Gallery, Finish Line will transform the fountain into a playful running track, designed by Stirchley-based Artist Megan Reddi. The work allows the energy of Alexander Stadium to spill over into the city centre with an open invitation to challenge friends, family or fellow fans to a race.
Jump for Joy! (Daily)
Open to everyone, the Jump for Joy! workshops invite you to get moving ahead of the evening’s sporting action. Join in with Sofunk Dance Fitness with Sharon and DJ Miss Maxine (Thursday and Saturday), be energised with lunchtime Zumba with the Fitzelles (Thurs) and get your steps in to the best soul classics with West Midlands Sisterhood Soul Stepperz (Friday).
On Saturday, get ready to move your feet and turn up the heat with a vibrant Cuban Salsa community party. Celebrate the Latin rhythms, passion and spirit of salsa while connecting through dance. Following the last runner crossing the line in the community Unity Races on Sunday, an extra fun Jump for Joy session will be run by Birmingham-based Drum n Bounce Fitness.
Music & Dance (Daily)
A stellar line-up of local musicians from across the West Midlands is programmed daily, including: Live Vibe Music in Motion Takeover (Thurs, 6pm), which will showcase independent musicians and artists; Track By Track, from Ashley Allen & Friends in collaboration with B:Music (Friday 6pm); and for the youngest participants, Ready, Steady, Sing! an interactive concert for 0-5 year olds by B’Opera (Saturday 1:30pm).
Expect thrilling dance performances of UNBOXED from Linden Dance (Friday, 1:40pm and 5pm); graceful demonstrations by Wan Sheung (Saturday, 2:55pm and 4:30pm) representing the city’s Chinese community; watch vibrant performances from Afrocave Dance (Saturday, 4:45pm) celebrating African-inspired movement, creativity and confidence; and be wowed by athletic circus performances from Rogue Play (Saturday 2:40pm and 5:15pm).
Bab the Bull Appearances (3-3:15pm, Thurs-Sat)
Keep your eyes peeled for Championship mascot, Bab the Bull will be storming into the Fan Zone. Whether you’re looking for a victory high-five, a legendary selfie, or showing off your best champion pose, Bab is brimming with energy and ready to charge into action. Don’t miss your chance to meet the bigger-than-life star of Birmingham 2026.
“Having a fan zone in the city centre provides a chance for even more people to join in the celebrations and programme of the European Athletics Championships, with four days of live sport, entertainment and culture taking place at Centenary Square,” said Cherry Alexander, Championship Director for Birmingham 2026. “We can’t wait to welcome spectators at both the stadium and Champions Square from Thursday to Sunday.”
If you’re looking for other ways to catch the action, you may still be able to snap up tickets to the main events—with 44 gold medals to be won across the seven evening sessions, tickets start from just £5 for children and £10—while the elite marathon and race walk events will be free to watch in the city centre, with both finishing at Victoria Square.
