The European Athletics Indoor Championships is being held at the NIA today, Saturday and Sunday.

Apparently Brindleyplace is the official entertainment zone. The fun kicks off tonight with a City Mascot race held in Central Square from 5.30pm. This will involve the mascots from the Blues, Villa, Baggies, Walsall, Warwickshire Cricket, Sea Life Turtle and several others. The Sports Cafe on Broad Street is even taking bets, for you gambling types. Read on for a breakdown of all the events taking place over this weekend!

Today

A special mascot race is taking place in Brindleyplace to kick start the weekend of activities in the Official Entertainment Zone. Charlie Jordan, from Heart FM, will be the compere for the evening.

Central Square
5.30pm Birmingham Pussycats, who are the University of Birmingham’s nationally recognised competitive cheerleading squad, will open the proceedings

6.00pm Bannatyne’s Health Club are going to lead a warm-up for the mascots.

6.30pm The race will commence, come and watch mascots from around the region, including Baggy Bird from West Bromwich Albion Football Club and Beau Brummy from Birmingham City Football Club battle it out to win the trophy.

Bandstand
6pm to 8pm The Elements, popular covers band

Slug & Lettuce
9pm to 11pm Heart FM Club Classics Night, hosted by Jim Davis

Saturday 3rd March

Central Square:

10.15am to 10.45am Birmingham Pussycats, cheerleading squad
11.00am to 11.15am Spirit Salsa, salsa dancers
11.30am to 12.00pm Shikidim, belly dancing
12.15pm to 12.45pm Transit Trix, break dancers
1.00pm to 2.45pm Del Camino, salsa band
3.00pm to 3.30pm Shikidim, belly dancing
3.30pm to 4.00pm Transit Trix, break dancers
4.15pm to 4.30pm Spirit Salsa, salsa dancers
4.30pm to 5.00pm Transit Trix, break dancers
5.00pm to 5.30pm Birmingham Pussycats, cheerleading squad
5.30pm to 6.00pm Reflex Youth Dance, contemporary dancing
All Day Athletics Quiz, this will be situated in Central Square throughout the whole weekend

Heart FM Alfresco Feelgood Zone
A place to listen to great tracks played from Heart’s Club Classic mix and luxurious deckchairs for people to relax under the bright red sun parasols. Parents can chill out while the kids are entertained with giant games such as Jenga and Connect Four

Bandstand:
3.00pm to 4.00pm Swing Theory, Jazz Band
5.00pm to 7.00pm Streetwise, popular covers band
7.15pm to 9.15pm Fat Lip, popular covers band

Slug and Lettuce
2.00pm to 4.00pm Heart FM Family Pub Quiz hosted by Warren Moore (register at heartfm.co.uk).

Sunday 4th March

The final day features the Children’s Atheletics, giving kids a chance to compete in several different events, including:
• Sprint Challenge
• Hi-Stepper
• Standing Long Jump
• Soft Javelin
• Speed Bounce

Central Square:
11.00am to 11.30am Birmingham Pussycats -Children can come and learn a routine with the Pussycats and then perform it with them afterwards
12noon to 12.30pm Hina & Co. Bollywood Dancing Group
1.00pm to 2.00pm Heart FM Hulaerobics
2.00pm to 2.30pm Hina & Co. Bollywood Dancing Group
3.00pm to 3.30pm Birmingham Pussycats (2nd routine)

And don’t forget to enter the Athletics Quiz in Central Square.

Bandstand:
19.00 to 21.00 The Ryder’s, popular music from the 1960’s to current day