…about Birmingham

So, I thought I’d get the ball rolling and start to post a bit about some of the places I like to go in Birmingham and things I like to do in the city. I’m sure most people will dislike my choices, but I’m hoping that’ll generate some more discussion about what people do like, and hopefully introduce us all to some new experiences.

Ok then.

One of my very favourite things about the city is the annual Artsfest.

This year it’ll be held on 10th and 11th September, and I’m gutted to be missing it (I’ll be in New York, about to get married).

On Artsfest weekend the whole of the city gets transformed into one big free outdoor (and indoor) arts festival. Whatever your choice of performance, you’ll find it at Artsfest. Poetry, classical music, opera, world music, pop, literature, film, drama, dance…. you name it. Each performance lasts half an hour and it’s a wonderful way to spend a weekend.

We usually go into town earlyish on the Saturday morning and have breakfast while studying the programme. Inevitably there’s more on than we have time to see (it’s very difficult to be at the MAC and at the Crescent Theatre at the same time!) but with a bit of compromise we can narrow down our choices.

We spend the day watching performances and enjoying the sunshine. Saturday night there’s usually a parade down broad street – and these can be spectacular!

It’s also a chance to visit buildings you don’t normally go in – and it really makes you appreciate the great creative community we have in Birmingham!

So, if you’re local – consider giving it a go- if you’re not – consider a visit to Birmingham for that weekend. You should still be able to get accomodation at a reasonable rate in one of our many hotels, bed and breakfasts or guesthouses.