12 events you can’t miss during Birmingham Heritage Week
Locals are invited to discover Birmingham and learn about how it became the city it is today during Birmingham Heritage Week.
The celebration, that takes place from Thursday September 7 until Sunday September 17, will see over 100 events take place at venues across the city, with fun things to do and celebrations to get involved with. From theatre, music and factory tours, heritage trails, an Urban Safari and ale festivals; there is set to be something for everyone to enjoy.
Here are the events you can’t miss…
My Story, Our Journey: Sikh Migration into Birmingham and the Black Country – 7-17 September
This exhibition at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery traces the journey of the Sikhs from rural Punjab, to modern day Britain.
Middle-Earth Festival – Friday September 8
Head along to Sarehole Mill to discover the place that inspired J.R.R Tolkien, who lived nearby, to write The Lord of the Ring and The Hobbit.
Help Keep Moseley Road Baths Open Day – Saturday September 9
One of Birmingham’s most important heritage buildings and one of the nation’s most significant swimming pools will be hosting guided tours of this Grade II listed building.
A Walk around Medieval Yardley – Saturday September 9
Join experts from the Birmingham and Warwickshire Archaeological Society in a stroll around the village of Yardley and discover its hidden medieval history.
Cadbury World Heritage Weekend – Saturday September 9
Delve into the history behind the chocolate at Cadbury World. As well as a whole host of activities for the family to enjoy, there will also be guided walks around the Bournville Village and the chance to learn all about the Cadbury brothers’ vision to build the factory and community.
Blakesley Hall Ale Festival – Saturday September 16
Fans of real ale there will be a able to sample a wide variety of ales and ciders in the picturesque and historic setting of Blakesley Hall’s gardens.
Positively Birmingham Tour – Sunday September 17
Follow in the footsteps of the great Birmingham artist, Edward Burne-Jones and see some of the city’s most historic buildings and gain an understanding of the city’s origin.
Seige! at Aston Hall – Saturday September 16
Be part of the action and experience a live Civil War in a recreation of the siege of Aston Hall that took place in 1643. Sponsored by Weslyan, this event will see visitors become part of the story.
Birmingham Music Tours – Friday September 8
Birmingham Music Tours are offering bespoke walking and bus tours across Birmingham. Jez Collins will take music lovers on a tours of legendary musicians and musical landmarks, including the home of Ozzy Osbourne, clubs where Electric Light Orchestra and UB40 started out and the site of The Rum Runner, home of Duran Duran and the New Romantic Movement.
Birmingham Botanical Gardens – Sunday September 10
Birmingham Botanical Gardens are celebrating Open Heritage Day by opening its doors to visitors for free. As well as saving yourself some money, there will also be activities for the kids to enjoy and displays for keen gardeners to take a look at.
Heritage Theatre Tours – Saturday September 9
Step backstage at the New Alexandra Theatre and explore the dress rooms that have housed the stars, explore the architecture, see the backstage areas and step onstage.
Stirchley Baths – Sunday September 10
Stirchley Baths are showcasing its heritage as an Edwardian swimming baths and public washhouse. Visitors can pick up a diving brick in the deep end, add their stitches to a community tapestry and put their local knowledge to the test.
