15 Fabulous Things To Do In Birmingham This February
Alice Lorenzato-Lloyd - Staff Writer
February has got us feeling fresh with these things to do.
Luckily, being the shortest month means we could be that bit closer to seeing more daylight and not sitting in darkness as early as 4pm. Fingers crossed! But don’t skip ahead so soon as it doesn’t have to be doom and gloom in February, or all about love (not that it’s a bad thing, by any means), as there are plenty of events and activities to enjoy. Get February off to a flying start with some of these fun-filled things to do this month in Birmingham.
1. Grab your coat and head out for a walk
It might be cold out but wrap up warm and get yourself outside for a bit of fresh air. You’ll be thankful for it later on and it’s an excuse to have another hot brew when you get in. Even if you stretch your legs for around 20 minutes, it’ll make a change from the same old scenery. The city has a range of parks, gardens and woodland areas to stroll around and they say being surrounded by nature allows us to switch off and be more grounded, which is just the trick most of us need right now. Check out these walks near Birmingham.
2. Rock out to the timeless classics of Queen at this candlelight concert
Feeling under pressure? Want to break free from the shackles of a stressful work week? Then luckily for you Fever has the the answer with Candlelight: A Tribute to Queen which puts the beloved anthems of the band in the spotlight once more. Coming to the gorgeous St Paul’s Church on February 18, a talented string quartet will be performing classical renditions of Queen’s biggest hits in a sensational evening that will have you scouring the internet for a lemon-yellow leather jacket and dusting off your vinyls. Book your tickets here.
3. Visit Millennium Point to see Earth like never before at this jaw-dropping installation
After touring the globe and leaving art lovers in absolute awe with his large scale moon, Luke Jerram’s ‘Floating Earth’ installation known as Gaia is set to get its glow on in Birmingham. Shining and suspended above visitors in Millennium Point’s impressive atrium, the huge installation, which will be on display from February 1 to March 28, and will slowly revolve within the space. Alongside high tech NASA imagery, the Gaia installation will also feature a surround-sound musical track by BAFTA award-winning composer Dan Jones, allowing the spellbinding artwork to give visitors to Millennium Point the chance to appreciate the beauty of our planet.
4. Spruce up your space with a little decorating
Why not start the spring cleaning early? With us all spending more time at home, why not transform your space into a cosy area free of clutter? This doesn’t mean you need to give the walls a lick of paint but instead organise items in terms of priority and hoover up those crumbs on the carpet. You could potentially hang some artwork up to give the place a pop of colour or even invest in some gorgeous candles or lovely houseplants which help to improve the smell and air quality of your home.
5. Belt your lungs out to your favourite tunes at this bottomless brunch
Brunch, bottomless bubbles, karaoke… the epic triple combo that you and your mates are not going to want to miss out on. Head to Luna Springs in Digbeth each Saturday this month and put those vocal chords to the test in a party pad where the vibes are immaculate, the songs are iconic and the dancing is questionable. You’ll be belting songs from a catalogue of nostalgic bangers and smash hits of all genres, backed up by a live band. So grab the microphone and let off some steam- get your tickets to this bottomless brunch here.
6. Snuggle up in this pub’s cosy winter garden
Winter is most definitely for snuggling up with a drink in a warm and cosy pub alongside great company, however one Birmingham public house has gone all out with a dreamy outdoor nest. The Plough in Harborne has created a magical winter garden complete with furs, blankets, hot water bottles and all the drinks you could want, plus it’s fully covered and heated. And with the Six Nations kicking off from February 5, you can also cosy up in the winter garden and watch a spot of rugby as the pub will be screening all the matches.
7. Indulge in a unique afternoon tea at Zindiya Streatery & Bar
Zindiya’s High Chai is the traditional treat of afternoon tea but with a twist as it brings together Indian spices and flavours through not only the range of tea blends, such as masala chai, but with savoury and sweet dishes too. Indulge in the likes of homemade cardamom scones, seasonal macarons from Birmingham’s own Miss Macaroon and street food favourite – the Mumbai sandwich – soft white bread filled with a vibrant coriander and mint chutney, masala spices and layers of cucumber, onion and tomato. Plus, you can sip on a delicious wala cocktail made from prosecco, vodka and chai blend at this Moseley restaurant, taking your average afternoon tea to new heights. Book an afternoon tea at Zindiya’s here.
8. Take part in this online lecture exploring the history of Black British heritage
This exploratory online lecture as part of the Hidden Histories series, will shine the spotlight on some of the incredible, overlooked heroes and heroines of Black British history. The lecture on February 17 will explore the fascinating stories and achievements of figures who have been forgotten or played down throughout the ages, despite their valuable contributions. You can build on what you may have learned from part one of the series, but everyone is welcome to join whether they have prior knowledge or not. Book your tickets to this insightful lecture here.
9. Get on your bike and cycle around these nearby parks
If you’re fed up of walking and want to get about a bit further in less time then hop on a bike and get pedalling. The city has some amazing cycle routes, including bicycle lanes in local parks and gardens, which allow you to see some beautiful sights even in the February frost. You can find some of Birmingham’s lake and reservoirs to cycle round here.
10. Listen to movie soundtracks by candlelight in the beautiful setting of Birmingham Cathedral
At this candlelight concert on February 24 you’ll go on a stirring journey through the great film soundtracks of history, where composers such as Hans Zimmer and Ennio Morricone have produced some of their greatest works. Music from Pirates of the Caribbean, Cinema Paradiso, James Bond, Titanic, and Edward Scissorhands will all be featured, and it’s a mesmerising way to enjoy some of the most recognisable tunes from the movies. Expect sublime performances and a stunning atmosphere at Birmingham Cathedral, which will make you feel as if you’re listening to them for the very first time. Book your tickets here.
11. Get involved in the Chinese New Year celebrations at The Bullring & Grand Central
Welcoming in the Year of the Tiger, the Bullring & Grand Central are hosting a day of free performances on February 5. Produced with Birmingham Hippodrome and supported by the Chinese Festival Committee Birmingham and Chinese Community Centre Birmingham, Chinese New Year in Birmingham is set to start off with a bang. Between 12 and 5pm, shoppers and visitors to the city centre can enjoy the traditional, and much loved, lion dance and processions through the Bullring & Grand Central as well as a packed programme featuring fan dancers, shaolin monks and face changing dancers.
12. Transform a broken object into something beautiful in this online art workshop
Bring your broken porcelain and join Azumi Uchitani in this healing online workshop exploring the traditional art of Kintsugi on February 9. Originating from Japan, Kintsugi was invented when artisans began using gold pigment to put shattered vessels back together. Be guided step by step to transform what was once broken into an object more beautiful than ever by applying gold and silver dust glue to the broken elements to create a striking network of shining scars. After this session, you will not only have your broken object transformed but you will also feel the healing effects of embracing the imperfect. Book your tickets to this online workshop here.
13. Enjoy an immersive dining experience at Grace & Savour
Built into the very walls of Hampton Manor’s Victorian Walled Garden, Grace & Savour is opening on February 25 and will provide an incredible immersive dining experience. If you’re after a special foodie occasion this month and beyond, the one at Grace & Savour is pretty unique as it boasts a cookery school and luxury accommodation. The new experience just outside of Birmingham will offer a fifteen course tasting menu from their open kitchen, as well as allow guests to tour the garden before tucking into the food, followed by an overnight stay then experience the restaurant’s cookery school.
14. Add to your music collection by heading to the Big Brum Record Fair
One of the UK’s major fairs that is the Big Brum Record Fair is returning to Birmingham’s City Centre this month. Taking place at Birmingham South & City College on February 5, visitors will find the ultimate selection of CDs, and vinyl to flick through and purchase. In addition, you’ll find sellers dealing in everything from memorabilia and books through to autographs and posters. You can buy and sell everything from Oasis to Glam rock, Take That to rock and roll, Northern Soul to Led Zep, Kaiser Chiefs to Queen and Elvis to Progressive music- it’s a music lover’s haven!
15. Sip on bottomless booze at this drum and bass themed brunch
A delicious concoction of beats and booze awaits at this Garage-themed brunch, taking place under the flower-strung rafters of live music venue The Mill. With tracks from the likes of Scott Garcia and Masterstepz pumping from the speakers and jugs of rum punch lining the tables, you are all set to dance the day away. Its not just bottomless drinks on the menu either as BIRD, finessers of fried chicken, are also serving up bottomless wings and fries, the perfect fuel to bust some memorable moves. Get tickets here.