Weekender: Commonwealth Social to celebrate three-year games countdown

With three years to go until the Commonwealth Games, Birmingham 2022 is hosting the Commonwealth Social, a free family friendly public celebration in the recently refurbished Centenary Square.

The Commonwealth Social is an opportunity for local people familiarise themselves with what’s in store for the upcoming games and get a first glimpse at the new Birmingham 2022 brand.

Organisers say the games, which will take place from Wednesday 27 July to Sunday 7 August 2022, will provide a unique opportunity to put the city and the region on a global stage.

Josie Stevens, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer for Birmingham 2022 said the Commonwealth Social is the start of creating a Games that will be a catalyst for transformation across the region.

“Local people are at the heart of Birmingham 2022, they are what will make these Games truly special, so we’re inviting people across the region to join us and some of our athletes to celebrating this major milestone.

“Birmingham & the West Midlands has a rich cultural heritage so what better to way to bring people together than to unite over a shared love of sport, food and live performances.”

As part of the social, communal dining tables will be set up in the centre of the square to encourage visitors to pull up a chair and socialise with fellow citizens, visitors and international athletes and local community leaders.

Pop-up performances from regional talent including dance groups, brass bands, choirs and world DJ sets will be complemented by local street food traders from Digbeth Dining Club offering cuisine from across the Commonwealth, including Caribbean, Mauritian, Indian and British.

Sports demonstrations including 3X3 wheelchair basketball will get visitors in the mood and Team England athletes from the region and beyond will mingle among the crowd.

It will also which has been created by working closely with communities from across the West Midlands to create something that is truly representative of the region and its people.

Each trader will also offer a special dish with £1 of its proceeds going to Foodinate, a not-for-profit organisation, which partners restaurants, venues and charities to provide meals to local people in need.

The Commonwealth Social, will take place at Centenary Square on tomorrow (Saturday 27t July) from 12pm -7pm.