Birmingham 2022: Commonwealth communities to be celebrated at festival in Perry Barr

Families who have settled in Birmingham from Commonwealth countries to be honoured at This Is My City festival
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The annual This Is My City festival - which celebrates the identity of the Commonwealth communities that settle in Birmingham - is set to reach its biggest audience yet - with an incredible programme of events.

This year the event is forming part of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Cultural Festival - as part of the build up to the Birmingham 2022 games - and it will be held on Saturday July 9 at The Pavilion, Moor Lane, Perry Barr, in association with Birmingham City University.

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The family friendly daytime event will feature a selection of Birmingham’s best food vendors, including dishes from the Caribbean, Africa, Europe and Asia.

The Pavilion is a multi-purpose sports and community centre with plenty of space for outdoor activities - and an opportunity to get sporty ahead of the Commonwealth Games which will take place just a few weeks later on July 28.

This Is My City coming to The Pavilion, Moor Lane, Perry BarrThis Is My City coming to The Pavilion, Moor Lane, Perry Barr
This Is My City coming to The Pavilion, Moor Lane, Perry Barr

Dedicated sports activation zones are being set up for This Is My City, including hockey, squash, boxing, bowls, athletics and more.

In the competitive sports zone, This Is My City will be running an organised Kabaddi competition and an open-air boxing show.

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For keen runners, a 5k run series will also take place, in partnership with Birchfield Harriers, one of the most successful athletics clubs in the country. The series will include a 5k elite run, 5k fun run and a 5k corporate run.

Music fans can enjoy performances from local talent during the day. Headlining the festival this year is emerging Brummie artist Creezone.

This Is My City coming to The Pavilion, Moor Lane, Perry BarrThis Is My City coming to The Pavilion, Moor Lane, Perry Barr
This Is My City coming to The Pavilion, Moor Lane, Perry Barr

What have the organisers said in their own words?

Mark Jeffreys, Chair of UCAN, said: “As chair of UCAN I am extremely proud to be hosting the This is My City festival in July. The festival is a real celebration of sport, food and culture and will provide the opportunity to bring the community together to engage in all the activities that the festival will bring.

“During the summer of the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, it will be great to bring together the local community as members of the Commonwealth to a festival in Perry Barr to celebrate sport, food and culture.

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“I would particularly like to thank our partners, including the Birmingham Commonwealth Association, Birmingham City University, Lakis Greek Kitchen (LGK) and Birchfield Harriers Athletics Club who have made the hosting of the event possible.”

This Is My City coming to The Pavilion, Moor Lane, Perry BarrThis Is My City coming to The Pavilion, Moor Lane, Perry Barr
This Is My City coming to The Pavilion, Moor Lane, Perry Barr

How can I get tickets and more information?

The family day festival is free to attend and commences from 10am – 4pm. The 5k run series has an entry charge in which will need to be pre-registered here: http://thisismycity.entry4sports.co.uk

This will lead runners to the Entry4sport portal in which that can follow instructions on how to register.

The festival will be closed with the grand finale event: the black-tie premiere of the Queens of the Commonwealth documentary.

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The premiere is a black-tie ticketed event costing £20pp, including light refreshments and snacks.

Tickets for the premiere of Queens of the Commonwealth can be purchased through the website: lgk.org.uk/queens-of-the-commonwealth

For further information visit the This Is My City Festival site at This is My City Festival – This is My City Festival (thisismycitybham.org)

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