By Alex Nicholson-Evans, City Curator
This Sunday marks the half way point for 100 Days of Creativity and what a 50 days it’s been! We’ve had incredible festivals like Birmingham Design Festival, BSIDE and Flatpack. We’ve been treated to a whole host of fantastic exhibitions at galleries across the city and in outdoor spaces too. Music lovers have had their pick of world renowned artists and theatre fans cannot possibly have been disappointed with the vast selection of plays and musicals. This and SO much more!
But now, looking to the future, another jam packed creative week…
Here are my four recommendation for 8 – 14 July:
Yarningham Festival
Uffculme Centre
13 – 14 July
I was always clear that I wanted 100 Days of Creativity to introduce people to events they perhaps hadn’t heard about before, and in this week’s highlights I get to showcase an event that 100 Days of Creativity introduced me to personally – enter Yarningham!!
A two day celebration of yarn and stitch set in the former home of the Cadbury family. The Uffculme centre will be packed full of the best dyers, suppliers and producers so head over to Moseley to shop (and swap!), attend a workshop or admire the work of a whole host of designers.
RBSA Summer Show 2024
RBSA Gallery
On until 20 July
The RBSA’s largest open call exhibition of the year with nearly 250 mixed-media artworks to enjoy across all 3 floors of this Jewellery Quarter gem.
Read about some of the highlights of the exhibition, as selected by an esteemed panel of judges, here: https://rbsa.org.uk/summer-show-2024-prize-winners-announced/
Do check the website for details of the Artist talks coming up in July too, for a deep dive into the show.
Birmingham Mela 2024
Victoria Park, Smethwick
13 – 14 July
I’ve snuck this one into the listings because it’s Birmingham by name, even if officially it’s in Sandwell. Experience the largest South Asian music festival in Europe (yes you did read that correctly). Enjoy music, dance, food, arts & crafts and more!
Tickets and more info here: https://www.birminghammela.com/?utm_medium=culturehosts&utm_source=Visit%20Birmingham%20-%20Simpleview&utm_campaign=Birmingham%20Mela%202024
SFE’s Youth Proms
Symphony Hall
8 – 11 July
If you’re looking for an uplifting and inspirational glimpse into the young musical talent in this city then look no further.
Services For Education Birmingham Youth Proms bring together over 3,000 young performers each year for a series of concerts. This four night series is a fantastic opportunity for those aged 8 – 18 to perform in a world-class venue but it’s also a great opportunity for you to enjoy an evening of music from a variety of genres for just £15.
Alex Nicholson-Evans