We’ve just hit the longest day of the year, and with excellent weather and all those extra hours of sunshine, suddenly it feels like there is lots more time in the day for us to get out and about! We’ve rounded up some of the most interesting events happening in the West Midlands over the next few months to make the most of those summer vibes.
Birmingham 2022 Festival
Organised as part of the Commonwealth Games, this festival of culture has been running since March and finishes in September. There is a real range of events on offer from concerts to plays to art installations and much more. Find out more here: https://www.birmingham2022.com/festival
Portraits from the National Portrait Gallery
Some of the most notable portraits from the National Portrait Gallery will be on show at Compton Verney in Warwickshire this summer, which is set to explore the role of modern Britain in the 21st Century. The collection also features portraits of individuals who have helped shape British society and who have connections with the West Midlands. Find out more here: https://www.comptonverney.org.uk/event/portraits-from-the-national-portrait-gallery/
Birmingham Indian Film Festival
This acclaimed film festival includes a host of premieres including some films home grown in the Midlands. You can watch at one of the Birmingham venues, which include the newly restored Electric Cinema, or tune in from home between 23rd June and 6th July. Find out more here: https://birminghamindianfilmfestival.co.uk/
Mostly Jazz Funk & Soul Festival
Taking place in stunning Moseley Park, the Mostly Jazz, Funk and Soul Festival attracts visitors from all over the world. This year’s line-up between 8th and 10th July includes The Specials, Earth Wind & Fire, and many more. The festival prides itself of being family friendly, and features a whole host of Birmingham’s most celebrated street-food vendors to keep hungry tummies satisfied! Find out more here: https://mostlyjazz.co.uk/
TILT Festival
Taking place between 12th and 23rd July, TILT festival celebrates all things aerial circus and physical theatre! Accessible live and online, there are performances, masterclasses, workshops, and many other events all geared towards beginner and professional circus artists. If you’ve ever fancied trying out the trapeze, now’s your chance! https://www.tiltfestival.com/
Summer in Southside
Organised by Birmingham Hippodrome, this free festival is billed as fun for kids of all ages! Taking place in the streets around the theatre on 12th and 13th July, there will be pop-up performance, craft workshops, face painting, and other family activities, as well as the chance to tour the auditorium.
Shelsley Wash Classic Nostalgia
If you’re a car enthusiast then you’ll love this opportunity to celebrate the glory days of motorsport featuring hill climb racing, rally cars, and vintage vehicles, all wrapped up in a ‘garden party’ style event featuring live music and plenty of stalls to browse. Head to the oldest motorsport venue in the world on 16th or 17th July to join the fun. https://www.classicnostalgia.co.uk/
Picnic, Pizza and Pimms
For a low-key night out look no further than Forge Mill Needle Museum in Redditch on 17th July, for its Picnic, Pizza and Pimms night. Featuring an eclectic musical programme including Brazilian dance folk music, and classic tunes from the 40s to the 80s performed by the Violettes, you can bring your own picnic or purchase pizza and drinks on site. Find out more here: https://www.forgemill.org.uk/web/events/
Shrewsbury Folk Festival
This world-renowned festival takes place from 26th-29th August at the West Midlands Showground in Shrewsbury. With excellent camping facilities on site, you can make a holiday of it with your whole family, watching internationally famous musicians on the open air stages, participating in a range of family-friendly activities and workshops, and of course sampling the delights of the food court! You can even take part in a dance workshop and then show off your new-found skills at one of the social dances. Find out more here: https://shrewsburyfolkfestival.co.uk/
Sandwell & Birmingham Mela
The biggest South Asian music festival in the UK, the Mela showcases the best in music, dance, food and arts and crafts from South Asian culture. Taking place in Victoria Park, Smethwick on 27th and 28th August, this festival features big names from the UK alongside international artists, and up and coming UK home-grown talent. Find out more here: https://www.birminghammela.com/
