Birmingham Festival 23 grand finale: 25 photos from the successful event showcasing Brummie spirit

After 10 days of action-packed fun, games, and music, Birmingham Festival 23 in Centenary Square came to a close yesterday (Sunday, August 6) with a grand finale. The show closed with B: Music: NEXT TRACK where former poet laureate Casey Bailey worked alongside Musical Director, Ashley Allen, and a host of the city’s finest established and emerging music, poetry, and spoken word talent.

The festival’s last day initially saw fewer people in the audience due to heavy showers in the afternoon but the sunshine and dancing warmed the audience back up. The festival line-up began with Rainbow Voices, the West Midlands’ community choir for LGBTQIA+ people and their friends, yesterday (August 6), and was followed by  A School’s Out Disco, Headquarters of Groove, Ginny Lemon’s Schools Out Disco Party, and more.

During the 10-day free festival, friends and family came together to participate, spectate and just enjoy the vibe. From active workout, including a regular morning slot hosted by Games Mascot Perry, and dance sessions to calming meditation, the festival had a wide range of activities for people of all ages.

Councillor Saima Suleman, Cabinet Member Digital, Culture, Heritage and Tourism at Birmingham City Council said: ‘What a fantastic 10 days this has been! The talent and creativity on display from across the city and region has been phenomenal, and the crowds have clearly been having a wonderful time and refused to be defeated by the weather! Festival 23 has been an amazing advert for our brilliant city and people.’

Creative Director, Raidene Carter said: ‘We’re over the moon with how things have gone - in some ways the weather has really brought out the best in audiences who’ve showed up to support every single act. We can’t thank audiences enough for helping us prove that the love and pride this city has for culture and community is stronger than ever. For me, this is one of the intangible legacies of the Games  - the spirit that comes through in adversity. We’ve seen all walks of life on the square in the last 10 days and incredible moments of kindness, from people who have shared brollies to personal stories and promises with one another. Birmingham’s done itself proud, yet again’.

Here are 25 amazing photos of the Birmingham Festival grand finale: