Commissioned and supported by Birmingham City Council, B.Fest 23’s (Birmingham Festival 23) 10-day programme of free events continued to showcase the city’s rich cultural on offer as ‘lady’s day’ took over in Centenary Square, with the likes of the sounds of SHE Choir Birmingham, a community choir for women with their original arrangements of pop, rock, indie, R&B and more, Natty Ola’s showcase from her new album Stories, Shine Girl Shine by IAM West Midlands celebrated Black female talent in the underground music scene, in the West Midlands.
What If led by founder of Girl Grind UK, Namywa Hutchinson, dancer and founder of Eloquent Dance Company Romanah Zhane, and Bianca Passelle-Reid, vocalist and founder of Vocal Nova Academy took their respective places on stage, as Birmingham’s music, nightlife, economy, and culture throughout was front-and-centre, with references to places, sounds, food joints, and events that give you that true Brummie pride.
“This is a real legacy from the Commonwealth Games, continuing the fantastic celebration of all that is great about the culture and creativity of the city,” said Councillor Saima Suleman, Cabinet Member Digital, Culture, Heritage and Tourism at Birmingham City Council, as Birmingham Festival 23 continues to shine a blazing light on the city’s thriving, diverse entertainment scene.
Councillor Saima Suleman, Cabinet Member Digital, Culture, Heritage and Tourism at Birmingham City Council, said: “Birmingham City Council is proud to have commissioned and funded Festival 23, showcasing the creativity across our communities and the city’s rich cultural offer through programming committed to diversity, inclusion and homegrown talent.”
