Birmingham, a vibrant city in the heart of England, boasts a rich and diverse cultural scene. One of the highlights of the city’s cultural calendar are the many arts and literature festivals that take place throughout the year, which are visited by people from far and wide to experience the excitement and creativity.
From the Birmingham Literature Festival, which brings together some of the most acclaimed writers and poets of our time, to the Flatpack Film Festival, which showcases innovative and boundary-pushing cinema, there is something for everyone to enjoy. The city’s numerous galleries, museums and performance spaces come alive during these festivals, with exhibitions, talks, workshops and performances that inspire, challenge and delight.
Whether you’re a passionate lover of literature, a film enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates the power of the arts to ignite the imagination and spark conversation, you’ll find plenty to inspire and engage you at the many festivals in Birmingham.
Here are 17 arts, culture and literature festivals taking place in Birmingham in 2023:
1. Birmingham Fest
From 14-30 July, this performing arts festival celebrating the second city’s venues & arts scene, will be taking place in the city. It gives the perfect platform for artists and companies from across the UK and abroad to showcase their work in an exciting two and a half week programme of events. (Photo - alphaspirit - stock.adobe.com)
2. Sandwell & Birmingham Mela, Victoria Park, Smethwick
The huge South Asian festival will return in 2023 to Smethwick. Music, food, shopping, fun fair, and lots more awaits people at this family-friendly event. Date - July 22-23.
3. Black Country Festival
This festival runs throughout July and includes events such as the Halesowen Carnival, Musicom, Stourbridge Carnival and Brier Fest.
4. Victoria Square festival
Birmingham City Council announced the Birmingham Festival 2023. The 10-day festival - including free live music and performances - will take place from July 28 to August 6. Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight and former gold-medal winning Team England Netball Captain, Ama Agbeze, are the patrons of the fest. (Photo - Verity Milligan)