The free Commonwealth Games Festivals at Smithfield with Mostly Jazz, Fun and Soul & more

Smithfield will simmer with colour and art from 29 July to 7 August as local artists take over the iconic Beacon Stage to celebrate the different cultures of Birmingham during the Commonwealth Games.

Each day, a new community will take over the Beacon Stage to share their art and culture. From Bhangra to Jazz to Swing music, there’s something for everyone here.

Meanwhile, the Pride House will host interviews with queer athletes at 2.15pm every day. There will also be daily performances by dance-circus ensemble Motionhouse.

Of course, not to forget the reason why the Beacon Stage will bring various cultures together - the Commonwealth Games. From live coverage of sporting action on a big screen to live feed of performances, Smithfield will be bustling with life.

Here is a list of all the free events that will take place there:

Simmerdown Festival Friday 29 July

2pm onwards: Smithfield will host a mini version of the annual celebration of music and arts in Birmingham. The festival celebrates the reggae genre and Birmingham’s multicultural background.

Illuminate Saturday 30 July

From 8-10pm, ACE dance and music, the UK’s top black-led dance company, presents a carnival in full swing. You can join in with them and enjoy the spectacular energy and move to Caribbean music.

Mela Sunday 31 July

Sandwell & Birmingham Mela will bring multiple South Asian artists to the stage, including an all-female DJ line-up.

2:20pm-2.50pm: Ultimate Bhangra - workshops and performances

3-3:20pm, 4.40pm-5pm and 5.30-5.50pm: Dhol Frequency Brass Band

6:45-7:15pm and 7.55-8,25pm: DJ Nav

7:15-7:45pm and 8:25-8:55pm: DJ Kizzi

9:15-10pm: Local artist Muki

Swingamajig Monday 1 August

1pm - 10.45pm: Swingamajig festival brings back 1920s music. So, dress up and get ready to get moving. The festival will make vintage-style cool again. Keep your eyes peeled for some cabaret too.

BBC Asian Network Tuesday 2 August

1pm - 10.45pm: BBC Asian Network will present the best Midlands DJs, artists and special guest sets, including Virdi Mazaria, Dipps, 2NV, AJD and Limelight, and Kan D Man.

Selextorhood Wednesday 3 August

1pm - 10.45pm: A Birmingham-based community that supports and empowers women and gender minority* DJs within the music industries, Selextorhood, will take over the site. There will be DJ workshops as well.

MADE Thursday 4 August

1pm-10.45pm: MADE festival will bring West Midland’s best musicians, DJs, street and visual artists for a day packed with entertainment. Keep your senses open for a collab between British and Irish Modern Music (BIMM) Institute and Girl Grind.

Mostly Soul Jazz Fun & Soul Friday 5 August

9.30am-10.45pm: Mostly Jazz Funk & Soul will take over the site. There’s going to be dance workshops throughout the afternoon and at dusk, DJ Yoda will take over the decks.

Queer-Side Saturday 6 August

1.30-10.45pm: Break Mission and Eric Scutaro (House Of Scutaro) present Queer-side, a celebration of identity and individuality from the Queer Community. This will include acts from the Ballroom and Hip-Hop communities.

Birmingham International Dance Festival Sunday 7 August

1.30-10.45pm: Birmingham International Dance Festival will take over the Smithfield site and host a day of activities and performances. So, don’t forget your dancing shoes if you want to enjoy this.

For more information please click on Smithfield

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