The Birmingham 2022 Festival, one of the largest ever cultural programmes to surround the Commonwealth Games, will be bringing a series of creative events to Birmingham, Solihull, and the West Midlands over the next six months.
The Birmingham 2022 Festival will be the biggest celebration of creativity ever seen across the region, and will put Birmingham and Solihull’s creativity, ambition, heritage and diversity on a global stage. Over 200 events, including a spectacular open-air show, an immersive 3D experience on public transport and a brand-new Birmingham inspired album, will be taking place from March to September.
Several of these exciting cultural events will be taking place right here in Solihull.
Solihull residents will have the chance to get their dancing shoes on when Tappin’ In, a mass participation tap dancing and storytelling extravaganza, takes to the streets of Birmingham on 18 June.
In July, an event combining table tennis and music will take place in Solihull Town Centre with Terrapin’s Anthem Anthem Revolution. Tasmanian children have written their own Australian national anthem, recorded by the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra, but to unlock this new anthem, participants must play against a table tennis robot. As each successful return reveals a new word from the anthem, visitors will be able to test their table tennis skills whilst embarking upon a musical journey.
The Key to the City of Birmingham is also being reinvented during the summer of 2022. Rather than just a chosen few being recognised with the Key to the City, anyone will be able to award the Key to whoever they want, for whatever reason they want. From 28 May to 27 August, the Key can unlock dozens of spaces across Birmingham and Solihull that together create a portrait of the region.
Councillor Karen Grinsell, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Leisure, Tourism and Sport, said:
“I’m delighted that several vibrant cultural events will be taking place right here in Solihull this summer as part of the Birmingham 2022 Festival.
“We already know that we are blessed with a dynamic creative industry here in the West Midlands, and the six-month programme of cultural events will allow us to showcase this on the world stage.
“I really encourage residents to get involved in the exciting cultural programme – from tap dancing, to music, to table tennis, there will be something for everyone! I can’t wait to see Solihull and the wider West Midlands region come alive with creativity this summer.”
Raidene Carter, Executive Producer for the Birmingham 2022 Festival, added:
“This will be a fantastic moment for Birmingham and the West Midlands. The Birmingham 2022 Festival will throw a spotlight on the wonderful creativity of the region across many communities. The breadth of open, free and accessible work in the programme is so inspiring and exciting.
“I think the festival is going to bring so much joy and entertainment to audiences and participants alike.”
The £12million festival has been generously supported by a range of funders with the aim of animating the entire West Midlands with ambitious creative works, this includes major support dedicated by Arts Council England, The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Birmingham City Council and Spirit of 2012.