In Digbeth lies a hidden gem - a place where creativity thrives and communities come together.

Digbeth's Creative Evolution

Once the beating heart of Birmingham’s industrial past, Digbeth has transformed into one of the city’s most dynamic and creative quarters. Brimming with independent spirit, it’s home to artists’ studios, street art, pop-up markets and innovative venues that celebrate originality in every form.

From cutting-edge design collectives to craft breweries and indie galleries, Digbeth thrives on creativity - making it a true showcase of Birmingham’s independent energy and cultural reinvention.

Walking through Digbeth is like stepping into an open-air gallery - every wall tells a story. Bold murals by Birmingham-based artists sit side by side with pop-up installations, transforming alleyways into canvases of colour and expression. It's this living, breathing creativity that gives Digbeth its pulse.

One venture that embodies this creative spirit is located right in the heart of the quarter and is one of the area's only independent cinemas. The Mockingbird Cinema, run by Lee Nabbs, offers a wide range of screenings from arthouse and indie films to the latest blockbusters.

Lee says,

“Community is massive to the cinema and to Digbeth. Everyone is independent here and it’s a real community passion that keeps Digbeth what it is.”

Lights, Camera, Community: How Mockingbird Connects Creatives

In recent years, Digbeth has become a significant hub for film and TV production, hosting major projects like Steven Spielberg's Ready Player One and the upcoming Peaky Blinders movie. Locations like The Mockingbird Cinema are capitalising on this momentum and helping filmmakers, producers and directors establish a home base, where they can develop their projects. They see cinema as a community project that not only helps the locals, but is also beneficial to the wider region and further afield. 

By providing a space for those from disadvantaged backgrounds, hosting events and offering elderly support - they truly give back and serve the community. They also provide screenings for schools in the area. 

Community is at the core of Lee’s work, which is why he runs film networking events each month such as ReelBrum. He says,

“It’s to connect creatives together in the city and to help bring more Brummie voices to the big screen.” Lee is a huge supporter of anyone who wants to get in front or behind the camera.

“Digbeth is kind of born on creativity - from the arts, to the music, to the cinema. It’s probably one of the most creative places in the whole of the UK.” 

Stepping inside The Mockingbird Cinema feels like entering a sanctuary for film lovers. Warm lighting and vintage posters set the tone before the lights dim and audiences are transported to new worlds. Unlike commercial cinema, the Mockingbird offers a personal touch, whether it's a themed screening night, a Q&A with a local director or a charity fundraiser, every event feels crafted with care. 

The Mockingbird offers several tiers of membership, which gives cinema-goers free tickets and ongoing discounts. The cinema is also available for private hire - with seating for up to 90 people.

Where stories meet community - The Mockingbird is the heart of Birmingham’s creative scene.