3,500 capacity music venue set for Birmingham launch
A renovated 3,500 capacity entertainment space is set to open its doors in Birmingham in time for lockdown easing.
Forum Birmingham says it it ready to launch and welcome world class DJs and live acts.
The building formerly known as The Ballroom, which has lain dormant and decaying for a decade, has been given a new lease of life by Global Venues.
The Ballroom hosted iconic acts like Bob Marley & The Wailers and The Clash. In the 1980s it became the Hummingbird and hosted live shows from Nirvana, Sonic Youth and The Beastie Boys.
It closed its doors in 1994 and the venue later had a spell in the 2000’s as Carling Academy Birmingham with the likes of Amy Winehouse and Ed Sheeran storming the stage.
Billy Chauhan of Global Venues said: “Prior to the pandemic, a quarter of a million people in the West Midlands worked in the culture, media and night time industries and the relaunch of this historic venue in Birmingham will help to refuel this damaged part of our local economy.
“We’re also extremely passionate about preserving Birmingham’s musical heritage and our work culminates with Forum Birmingham.”
Some of the upgrades include restoration of the original woven wooden sprung dance floor in addition to stripped back and newly polished concrete floors and a steel mezzanine.
d&b audiotechnik will install its sound system and visuals will be provided by local DMX Productions – the production team behind stages at Glastonbury and Global Gathering.
The full line-up of events will be revealed at the end of April along with a list of promotions.
Michael Kill , CEO of Night Time Industries Association (NTIA), said: “The club scene is a huge part of British culture and heritage spanning decades. We need to preserve it so that future generations can share the experience and pursue careers and opportunities within this sector for years to come. At the moment our clubs are fighting to survive during the pandemic so it’s really inspirational that Forum Birmingham will reopen saving a cultural institution in the city and giving the local industry a much needed shot of confidence.”
Forum has also announced an exclusive ticket partnership with Resident Advisor.
The online platform said: “In the current climate, it is heartening to see venues like this rising from the ashes and helping to preserve the UK’s musical heritage. Forum Birmingham will create prosperity in the local area and support the music and hospitality industries. Forum’s music programming is diverse, exciting and forward-facing and we are proud to be affiliated with such an epic musical offering. RA will provide Forum with its own branded white label platform through which tickets will be sold, as well as offering tickets through the main RA site.”
