It’s fair to say that 2016 has been a pretty big year for Birmingham and the rest of the world, albeit good or bad… 2016 will forever be remembered as the year where a few questionable political choices were made. However, the Giant Panda is no longer extinct and Bob Ross’, “The Joy of Painting” was added to Netflix, so it hasn’t been too bad!
Steven Spielberg decided to transform Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter into a dystopian Northern American city for his latest blockbuster, Ready Player One and Kingsman: The Golden Circle had their shoot-out scene filmed down Colmore Row. We’ve had some hidden gems open up in Birmingham; such as prohibition style cocktail bar, Bourne & Co and Broad Street has had a few very welcome additions. But that’s enough of the nostalgia for now – there’s so much to look forward to in 2017, and we thought we’d give you a little bit of a teaser…
Digbeth Dining Club
Every Friday – Lower Trinity Street
Digbeth Dining Club is an event like no other that takes place every friday at Spotlight on Lower Trinity Street. It is Birmingham’s flagship street food event, that sees Birmingham’s independent food vendors coming together to sell their very best dishes, whilst being surrounded by amazing entertainment and music.
The warehouse space is transformed into a New Orleans style street, with hanging lights, bold lamps and vines running up the wall. Upstairs behind dark curtains hides an absinthe bar, with a relaxed and romantic seating area. Every week there’s a different choice of street food, with a mixture of gourmet burgers, Thai, Indian, Italian, Mexican and so much more.
Verve Festival of Poetry and Spoken Word
16th – 19th February – Waterstones, Pavilion
If you love literature, storytelling and the beauty that words hold then get yourself down to Waterstones in Birmingham City Centre this February. Verve is Birmingham’s very own spoken word and poetry festival that takes place over four days during February. There will be spoken word sets, reading work-shops by award winning poets (including Melissa Lee Houghton), poetry and theatre performances that push all the boundaries and some awesome kids events.
Some events are free to attend, and others you have to book in advance, but one thing’s for sure; this event is for anyone who loves to pick up a book and get lost in the story. It’s also a great way to inspire kids to read and let their imagination run wild. It will also be a fab place to discuss those damn book hangovers, because they are literally the worst.
Cake International
17th – 19th March – The NEC
Cake International is the world famous show that celebrates the art of sugarcraft, cake decorating and baking. Whether you’re well and truly into creating showstopping bakes, just starting out, or just love looking at beautifully hand crafted concoctions, Cake International is the perfect place to go and indulge in your passion for all things food.
Alongside the cake shows, there are three other crafty shows to get stuck into; Sewing for Pleasure, Fashion and Embroidery and Hobbycrafts. So, if you’ve got some creativity running through your veins, this is the place to show it. Just remember to bring us back a piece of cake…
Birmingham Pride
27h – 28th May – Victoria Square to Hurst Street
Whether you’re part lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender community, or you want to show your love and support for LGBT, then Birmingham’s Pride is the place to go! 2016’s Pride had an awesome line-up, with Alesha Dixon and Liberty X performing on the main stage. There’s cabaret, a fun fair, a dance arena and a street party starting on Victoria Road and leading down to Hurst Street, home to some of Birmingham’s best gay bars.
Although we are still we’re still waiting on the announcements for 2017’s line-up, one thing’s for sure – it is going to be the best yet. You can volunteer, take part in the parade or just go and enjoy one of Birmingham’s biggest weekends of the year.
Colmore Food Festival
30th June – 1st July – Victoria Square
Glynn Purnell’s very own Colmore Food Festival will be back on Victoria Square at the end of June. This is one free entry food and drink festival that shouldn’t be missed, with some of Birmingham’s leading restaurants and bars selling their incredible dishes for £4 a pop.
In 2016, Colmore Food Festival welcomed 30,000 visitors, and it was an event to remember. This sun soaked event welcomes local music and top of the range talent to create a wonderfully warm and welcoming atmosphere. Just remember to wear nonrestrictive clothing, so that you can indulge in all of the incredible food.
Birmingham Cocktail Weekend
14th – 16th July – Birmingham City Centre
Birmingham Cocktail Weekend is a weekend of dreams. For £4 you get access to some of the most exclusive venues in Birmingham, and you can try their signature cocktails for a discounted price. Last year 30 venues across Brum participated, with some of the best bars and restaurants in Birmingham amongst them.
Not much has been announced for the 2017 Birmingham Cocktail Weekend yet apart from the dates. However, it is guaranteed that there will be some incredible cocktail masterclasses, taster sessions and events to get stuck into. With last Birmingham Cocktail Weekend 2016 smashing record breaking sales across venues and tickets, it’s sure to be hit.
If you’re planning on visiting Birmingham for an event, then why not make a mini-break out of it? There are some incredible places to try brunch, and Park Regis is the best hotel on Broad Street. Enjoy your event, relax in our hotel rooms and check out everything Birmingham has to offer.
Book now and start your 2017 with a bang! For more information and booking do not hesitate to call 0121 369 5555.
