On a muggy wednesday morning, I hopped on to the X8 to reach the Library of Birmingham for the launch of Birmingham Festival 2023.
Once I entered the library, I made a mental note to return sometime soon because no matter how many times I visit - it’s never enough to appreciate all that this iconic Birmingham institution has to offer.
On level 2, in the Book Rotunda, a tiny stage had been set up for the exciting announcements. After grabbing a leaflet of the festival programme - it became clear that Brummies are going to be hit with the most interesting cultural experience that the city has to offer next month..
Birmingham Festival 2023 starts on July 28 and goes on till August 6. It will celebrate all things Brummie by continuing the legacy of the Commonwealth Games 2022.
Creative director of Birmingham Festival 2023 Raidene Carter told BirminghamWorld: “The culture in Birmingham is really hard to define or put in a box. When you look at what we look like as a city - we come from all different places. We are not just one thing so we had to make sure that the programme reflected that. As long as the artists look and sound like the city, we didn’t have to worry about a programme that really reflects Birmingham.”
And, the programme looks and feels exactly like the vibrant city we live in and is one of the highlights of this summer.
If you are on the fence about attending Birmingham Festival 2023, here are nine reasons that will sway you:
1. It’s a free festival
Whether you take part in the activities or want to watch the performances - you won’t have to spend a single pound on accessing these. (Photo - Verity Milligan)
2. Perry the Bull is returning after his 2022 success
People will be encouraged to picnic, instead of spend at food stalls, with Perry and Eternal Taal,a local, all female Dhol drumming and dance group, for an explosive start to the day. (Photo - Bread and Butter PR)
3. Brummie musician Apache Indian aka Steven Kapur BEM to perform
He is best known in the UK for the song “Boom Shack-A-Lak”, which reached the top ten during August 1993.(Photo - Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
4. Professional performers will take the stage
You will see professional performers who took the stage at the Commonwealth Games 2022 opening ceremony without having to spend on tickets.