As the eclectic and multi-cultural center of the UK, Birmingham’s festival scene is vast and varied.
There are a whopping 50 festivals on every year in Birmingham, celebrating everything from St Patrick’s Day to Caribbean culture and 1920s swing! To help you choose from the abundance on offer, we’ve compiled a list of our favorites.
MADE Festival, Perry Park
First on the list is Birmingham’s biggest music festival, bringing together the best urban music acts and showcasing the city’s top creative industries.
Taking place every summer since 2014, MADE Festival has grown year on year, consistently booking internationally acclaimed house, drum and bass and garage acts.
The one-day festival pays homage to Birmingham’s long-established rave culture and warehouse clubbing scene and if you still have the energy, you can continue the party the following day at the Sunday dance festival, Legends in the Park.
Birmingham Pride, Gay Village
This is the largest, two-day LGBTQ festival in the whole of the UK and an extravaganza that’s not to be missed. Welcoming people of every gender, race and religion, this huge street party brings together the whole community every May bank holiday for a fabulous celebration.
There are six stages to choose from, including a cabaret tent and lip-sync stage, each showcasing world-famous musicians, the UK’s best-known drag queens and top local talent. Also check out the amazing shows on at the local pubs and clubs where the party continues into the early hours.
St Patrick’s Festival, Digbeth High Street
Birmingham’s St Patrick’s Day celebrations are the biggest in the UK and the third biggest in the whole world!
Every year the beginning of the parade kicks off with a giant confetti blast followed by the drums of the marching band as they lead the procession through the city center.
But it’s not just Irish culture being celebrated, Birmingham’s Paddy’s Day has a long running tradition of celebrating the city’s multicultural heritage, which explains why you will also see Caribbean dancers, Welsh dragon flags and Chinese dragons dancing down the street.
Foodies Festival, Cannon Hill Park
Birmingham also puts on one of the biggest food festivals in the UK, this time bringing together top chefs, incredible food, creative cocktails and live music for a two-day foodie celebration in one the city’s most loved parks.
There are a huge range of activities to choose from. Sharpen up your culinary skills and take part in a masterclass led by a Michelin-starred chef or join in the chili eating competition if you’re feeling brave!
What’s not to love about a weekend spent sampling the very best of the city’s food and drinks scene? Best of all, it’s free!
Swingamajig, Botanical Gardens
Set amidst the beautiful backdrop of Birmingham’s Botanical Gardens, this one-day festival celebrates all things 1920s.
Expect electro swing music from live bands and DJ sets that put a fun, modern twist on vintage tunes. Join in the fun by getting dressed up in 1920s costume and learn the classic moves in a swing dance class.
There are also gravity-defying circus acts, spectacular dance performances and an extravagant burlesque finale to finish off an incredible day of entertainment.
Mostly Jazz, Funk and Soul Festival, Moseley Park
Recently celebrating its 10-year anniversary, this has become a firm favorite in Birmingham’s festival calendar.
Over the years it has drawn huge acts such as The Jacksons, Grandmaster Flash and Craig Charles for a celebration of jazz, funk and soul music. Taking place over three days, you’ll have plenty of time to soak up all the action at a leisurely pace and relax in the beautiful surroundings of Moseley Park.
They also have some incredible food on offer, with Indian and Caribbean street food stalls as well as pop-up stalls from some of the city’s top restaurants.
Lead image: metrogogo (Flickr)
