Birmingham Hippodrome and Bullring & Grand Central launched Birmingham Weekender on Fri August 25 with a spectacular preview event which included an opportunity to try The Swings, a giant swing set installed on Central Street and a preview performance by All or Nothing Theatre as part of the free annual festivities which took place during the Bank Holiday Weekend.

Birmingham Weekender returned to the city from Saturday 26th to Sunday 27th August, and featured family-friendly events at Bullring & Grand Central and in the Hippodrome’s home district of Southside. Visitors were able to enjoy free installations, interactive experiences and energetic performances.

The Swings was open to the public across the weekend after daring aerial duets by All or Nothing Theatre.

Festival highlights included:

Hippodrome Square

  • The Lumini by Architects of Air: A sculptural inflatable walk-through of wonder hosting African Drumming Workshops, Sensory Sessions, Drag Storytime, Comedy Club 4 Kids and Yoga Workshops across the weekend (workshops must be pre-booked online).

Rotunda Square

  • Young Advocates Stage: Co-curated by Birmingham Hippodrome’s Young Advocates (aged 14-22) and hosted by Rakeem Omar and Kaylee Golding, showcasing music from Girl Grind UK and Sisters in Dub, dance from Eloquent Dance Company and Marshon Dance, theatre performances from British Youth Music Theatre and more. 

Bullring & Grand Central

  • WILD by Motionhouse: A spectacular production at the Bullring, commissioned by the Hippodrome, performed by Motionhouse and seen by over 100,000 people across the UK and Europe. Dance-circus workshops with Motionhouse are also available across the weekend (pre-book online).
  • Brum’s Smallest Disco: A telephone box full of party tunes and disco fun, located in Selfridges.
  • Pop-Up Cinema by Flatpack: Based at Link Street, showcasing short films from the Colour Box archive themed around colour, play and joyfulness.

New Street Station

  • Concourse Performances: Energetic flashmobs by Marshon Dance and singing from Black Voices and Got2Sing.
  • Community Chest by Matthew Harrison: A collaborative escape room experience full of creative co-operation and treasure hunting, located on 1000 Trades Square.  

St Martin’s Square

  • Circus Raj: Jaw-dropping performances featuring a tantalising troop of aerialists, acrobats, musicians and giant puppets from Rajasthan.
  • Silent Disco Tour by Guru Dudu: An uplifting playlist from the 70s, 80s and 90s, with fun commentary and spontaneous dance moves.

Chaophraya Square

  • The Whale by Talking Birds: A unique solo theatre performance that visitors experience by stepping in through a giant whale’s mouth.
  • Serving Sounds by the Working Boys Club: A multi-sensory sound installation that creates connections through music.

Edgbaston Street

  • Actual Reality Arcade by Matthew Harrison: A life-sized interactive game zone for all ages inspired by classic retro arcade games.
  • The Rig!: A unique musical soundscape, which encourages audiences to explore their musicality with upcycled instruments.
  • SPARK by Glue Collective: A creative space that encourages and supports play with natural and upcycled materials. 

Across Birmingham city centre

  • Weekender Carnival by ACE Dance and Music: Kicking off from Rotunda Square on Sunday, featuring a vibrant musical celebration and dance extravaganza.
  • 3D Street Art by Sand in Your Eye: Fantastical 3D Street Art at New Street Station concourse, inside the Bullring, Southside and The Arcadian.
  • Roaming Acts: Enchanting roaming performers, including The Princess and The Peacock by Sonia Sabri Company, Rainbow Stilt Walkers by Upper Level, and magician Chris Camm-Barnes.
  • Facepainting by Sara’s Parlour: Located at Hippodrome Square, 1000 Trades Square and Chaopraya Square.

The programme had a wide range of accessible experiences for everyone during the Birmingham Weekender - which was produced by Birmingham Hippodrome, in partnership with Bullring & Grand Central and supported by Birmingham City Council, Arts Council England, Without Walls, Southside District, The Arcadian and Network Rail.