11 unmissable events in Birmingham to book now for 2017
There is so much to look forward to in Birmingham this year. Don’t miss out and get booking these now so you have plenty to look forward to over the next 12 months.
Strictly Come Dancing Live: January 20-22
The stars of 2016’s Strictly Come Dancing will arrive at the Barclaycard Arena in January. Judges Len Goodman and Craig Revel Horwood will be joined by Karen Hardy and host Anita Rani on the evenings that will see winner Ore Oduba take the dancefloor as well as other finalists Danny Mac and Louise Redknapp. Fashionista Daisy Lowe, former treasury minister Ed Balls ad Lesley Joseph will also be joining the tour. Find out more here.
Black Sabbath: February 2 and 4
Birmingham band Black Sabbath, who have been on the scene for nearly five decades, end their journey at the Genting Arena in February. Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi and Geezer Butler return home for their final ever tour. Don’t miss out on your opportunity to say goodbye to the band who created heavy metal and is one of the most legendary bands in history. Find out more here.
Müller Indoor Grand Prix 2017: February 18
See the talents of global athletes in the flesh at the Barclaycard Arena in February. The Grand Prix will bring together some of the very best athletes in the world and heroes from the Rio Olympic Games. See them compete for yourself at the event that will be a pivotal part of the indoor season for the athletes ahead of the European Indoor Championships. Find out more here.
Crufts: March 9-12
The world’s largest dog show returns to Birmingham’s NEC this March. Over 22,000 dogs are set to compete for the world class title of Best in Show at the event, with a wide range of displays and competitions to enjoy. There will also be over 400 trade stands at the venue where you will be able to treat your pooch. Find out more here.
Flatpack Film Festival: April 4-9
Flatpack film festival takes over Birmingham every spring and celebrates cinema at venues across the city. The event aims to mix brand new talent with forgotten classics and festival-goers can get involved in live scores, late night parties along with surprises whilst having the opportunity to explore some of Birmingham’s unusual venues. Find out more here.
Who Do You Think You Are? Live: April 6-8
Ever wanted to know more about your ancestry and your family’s history? Who Do You Think You Are? Live is returning to the NEC in April where there will be over 120 genealogy experts on hand to help you with your research. The event will also have specialist exhibitors, workshops and experts from the biggest names in the business as well as previous celebrities who have appeared on the popular BBC series. Find out more here.
Birmingham Pride: May 27 & 28
The largest LGBT festival in the UK returns on May’s Bank Holiday weekend. The festival, which is held in the gay village on Hurst Street also features a carnival parade through the city centre, a dance arena and funfair. The festival also has a range of acts take to the stage as well as a street party to get involved in. Find out more here.
ICC Champions Trophy: June 1-18
The top eight ranked international cricket teams will contest the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 in June at Edgbaston Stadium. The venue will host four matches in the group stages matches, including England v Australia and Pakistan v South Africa, as well as the second semi-final. Find out more here.
Dinosaurs in the Wild: June 24-August 24
Dinosaurs in the Wild arrives at The NEC this summer. The event will combine theatre, theme park fun and the very latest scientific research. The event, which is the first of its kind in the UK, has been created by the award-winning producers behind Walking with Dinosaurs and will transport you back over 60 million years to witness dinosaurs as they have never been seen before. Find out more here.
Vélo Birmingham: September 24
Starting in Birmingham city centre, Velo Birmingham will take place over 100 miles of closed road that will take riders of all abilities on an incredible route through Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Staffordshire, Sandwell and Dudley before returning to Birmingham. Velo Birmingham is the perfect opportunity to get the family fit and it is completely free, although booking is essential. Find out more here.
Birmingham International Marathon: October 15
Birmingham’s first marathon for 30 years will take place in October. The 26.2-mile event will start at the home of UK Athletics Alexander Stadium, before taking in iconic landmarks in Bournville, Cannon Hill Park and Edgbaston, before finishing in the heart of the city centre. Find out more here.
