Birmingham music acts unite to help save Digbeth venue The Night Owl

Some of Birmingham’s best-known grassroots acts are joining forces for a special gig aimed at protecting a Digbeth music venue threatened by major rail works.

Jeepster, Diddy Sweg, The Friendly Fire Band and GANS will perform at The Night Owl on Sunday, October 4, as part of the campaign to secure the venue’s future.

The Save Our Scene Live event will run from 2pm until late and will also feature The Night Owl’s resident DJs.

It comes amid concerns over plans by the Midlands Rail Hub Alliance to widen sections of the historic Bordesley Viaduct as part of major rail infrastructure works between Birmingham Moor Street and Bordesley.

The proposals could affect a number of independent businesses in Digbeth, including The Night Owl, with work expected to begin from 2030.

Bosses at the Lower Trinity Street venue say its future could be at risk whether the building is directly affected, needed as a construction site or left unable to operate because of works taking place around it.

The upcoming event aims to highlight what campaigners say could be lost if the plans go ahead in their current form.

Since opening in Digbeth, The Night Owl has established itself as a grassroots live music venue and a home for alternative and underground music, as well as providing a platform for emerging artists.

Birmingham duo GANS played only their second ever show at the venue before going on to perform at festivals and shows across the UK and Europe.

Members of Diddy Sweg are meanwhile part of the team behind Digbeth Jazz, which holds events at The Night Owl.

Clare Edwards, general manager of The Night Owl, said: “This event is incredibly important for showing decision-makers of our future the value of what we do here on Lower Trinity Street.

“We have a fantastic showcase of amazing local talent that The Night Owl adores, nurtures, and – as with all of our wonderful shows over the last decade – is immensely proud to host.

“Please come support and party with us to help raise awareness of our plight and some much-needed funds for our ongoing fight.”

She also thanked Save Our Scene for supporting the venue with the event.

The show forms part of the wider Save Digbeth campaign, which is seeking to protect independent venues, businesses and cultural spaces potentially affected by the Midlands Rail Hub proposals.

Campaigners have raised concerns over the impact widening the Bordesley Viaduct could have on the area's independent businesses and nightlife.

Tickets for Save Our Scene Live cost £10, with people also able to pay more if they wish to support the campaign.

Money raised will go towards campaigning to protect The Night Owl and secure its future.

Save Our Scene Live takes place at The Night Owl in Digbeth on Sunday, October 4, from 2pm until late.