7 things to get excited about in Birmingham for 2022

Birmingham city centre skylineBirmingham city centre skyline
Birmingham city centre skyline | Shutterstock

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2022 is looking like one of the most exciting years ever for Birmingham - and we don’t just mean the Commonwealth Games

It’s hard to believe that the curtain’s already falling on another year.

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And while we’ve been lucky to have much more freedom, 2021 has certainly had a few challenges.

That being said, there’s so much to look forward to in the next 12 months, from shiny new openings and the Commonwealth Games.

Not forgetting that the city was also recently listed as one of Conde Nast Traveller’s best holiday destinations of 2022 - and was crowned the UK’s most Christmassy city.

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To get you ready to ring in the New Year, we’ve rounded up all the incredible things to look forward to in Birmingham in 2022.

Dua LipaDua Lipa
Dua Lipa | Shutterstock

Unmissable theatre and live music

As if the Commonwealth Games wasn’t enough excitement, 2022 is looking like a jam-packed year for our theatres and music venues.

Birmingham Hippodrome has some unmissable shows lined up, including the stage adaptation of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Mamma Mia, Waitress, Les Miserables and plenty more.

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The Alexandra has some sensational shows set to take to the stage. Some highlights are The Addams Family, School Rock, Chicago, Bring It On and Derren Brown: Showman.

Heading over to music, you’ll be able to catch some of your favourite artists across venues in the city, from chart-topping stars including Dua Lipa and The Script to Elton John, Ozzy Osbourne and Frankie Valli and the Four seasons, there’s something for everyone!

There are also some fantastic performances and shows coming to Birmingham REP, Symphony Hall and the local theatres, too.

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Click here to take a look at some of the biggest gigs heading to Birmingham next year.

Birmingham Pride 2021 - back for more next yearBirmingham Pride 2021 - back for more next year
Birmingham Pride 2021 - back for more next year | Jonathan Hipkiss Photography

Festivals and cultural celebrations

Birmingham is known for putting on some unbeatable festivals that see thousands of people visit the city each year.

2022 is no different, as Brum is set to host a fantastic selection of festivals, including Birmingham Pride, Colmore Food Festival, Mostly Jazz, Funk & Soul and MADE Festival.

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Keep an eye out for announcements for dates, ticket releases, line-ups and more!

The city’s iconic St Patrick’s Day Parade is also due to return.

103 Colmore Row is opening in the first quarter of 2022103 Colmore Row is opening in the first quarter of 2022
103 Colmore Row is opening in the first quarter of 2022 | 103 Colmore Row

New bars & restaurants

2021 saw some fantastic new dining spots open up in Birmingham, so we’ve got high hopes for 2022.

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One of the main events that we’ve got our eyes on is the opening of the Rooftop Restaurant, which is located on the 24th floor of 103 Colmore Row.

Led by the reputable restaurant group, D&D London, which runs a host of lavish restaurants in the capital, this stylish rooftop restaurant is rumoured to be opening in early 2022.

Other new openings to put on your radar include wine bar, Vinoteca, which is coming to Chamberlain Square, joining Dishoom, Rosa’s Thai Cafe and Albert’s Schloss.

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Edgbaston Cricket GroundEdgbaston Cricket Ground
Edgbaston Cricket Ground | Shutterstock

Family fun at The Hundred

As if the Commonwealth Games wasn’t already enough excitement, The Hundred is returning to Edgbaston for 2022.

The competition was a huge hit in its debut year, seeing eight men’s and eight women’s teams from major cities across England and Wales battle it out for the title.

Birmingham Phoenix Men had a hugely successful competition making the final in 2021, but sadly lost out Southern Brave Men by 32 runs.

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They’ll be back for 2022 though, where they’ll once again aim to make it to the stop when The Hundred returns. Find out more about dates and how to get tickets by clicking here.

Electric Cinema BirminghamElectric Cinema Birmingham
Electric Cinema Birmingham | Shutterstock

Watching films at The Electric Cinema

After an incredibly long period where we didn’t know what the future held for Brum’s historic The Electric Cinema, new owners have come in and saved the oldest working cinemas in the country.

Work is currently being taken out to get our beloved Electric back to its former glory with the aim of getting it open by the end of the year, which means that we’ll be able to take our seats and enjoy some incredible movies once The Electric reopens to the public.

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So if you’re a film fanatic and want to show some support to one of the city’s greatest independents, make sure you pay a visit to The Electric next year for an unforgettable night at the movies.

Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery (BMAG) first opened in 1885Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery (BMAG) first opened in 1885
Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery (BMAG) first opened in 1885 | Shutterstock

The re-opening of Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery

The Electric isn’t the only place that will be reopening its doors to the public.

Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery (BMAG) was forced to close its doors last year due to the pandemic, but decided to stay shut a little while longer to carry out complex essential work.

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Due to open back up in time for the Commonwealth Games, 2022 is a hugely exciting year for BMAG, as the refurbishment work will see its signature Round Room transformed, as well as marking the 160th of Birmingham collections, featuring stunning pieces celebrating 21st Century Birmingham in all its glory.

Visitors will also be able to experience brand new exhibitions throughout the year, including ‘We Are Birmingham’ which showcases the development of the city over the years.

 Global stars Laura Muir and Kadeena Cox visit Alexander Stadium to confirm that they want to be part of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games Global stars Laura Muir and Kadeena Cox visit Alexander Stadium to confirm that they want to be part of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games
Global stars Laura Muir and Kadeena Cox visit Alexander Stadium to confirm that they want to be part of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games | From Birmingham 2022

And of course, not forgetting... the Commonwealth Games

We’ve been counting down the days, but 2022 will finally see our city host the Commonwealth Games.

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The build-up has already started, with the torch currently making its way across the Commonwealth countries as part of the Queens Baton Relay, before arriving in Birmingham for the opening ceremony, which will take place at the Alexandra Stadium.

Kicking off on July 28, the games will see some of the best athletes from across the commonwealth compete in a range of sports including diving, gymnastics, cricket, athletics, paraathletics and more, before coming to a close on Monday, August 8.

Events will run at multiple venues across the city, including the NEC, Edgbaston Cricket Stadium and Sandwell Aquatics Centre for 12 days of world-class competition.

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And if you weren’t lucky enough to bag yourself tickets to one of the events, there’s still plenty to get involved with, including the free to attend Birmingham 2022 Festival, a six-month celebration running from March, that will shine a spotlight on creativity in the West Midlands.

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