Taking place over September 25-27, the Birmingham Weekender is the city's largest arts festival – a weekend of free, family friendly, outdoor performances, arts and activities from world-class artists, taking place across the centre of town.
This year, the event promises to be even more special, as it also marks the recent opening New Street station and Grand Central, and coincides with fashion and shopping event Style Birmingham Live and the Rugby World Cup.
Over the course of the packed weekend, there are more than 70 separate events at which to enjoy music, movies, food, arts, sports and more. Here are some of the highlights:
Maudits Sonnats
Birmingham Weekender
Presented by Birmingham Hippodrome, this night-time performance from Compagnie Transe Express sees an orchestra of baroque bell-ringers play from a musical chandelier hoisted above Centenary Square by a huge mechanical crane.
September 25 and 26, 8.30pm
Kapa Haka Tale
Birmingham Weekender
During the festival, there'll be the chance to watch several new commissions from Birmingham Repertory Theatre, with performances from Mem Morrison Company, Birmingham Contemporary Music Group, Birmingham Opera Company and more.
Once such show is Kapa Haka Tale on September 25, which is currently touring the country alongside the Rugby World Cup. Kapa haka is the collective performing arts of New Zealand's indigenous Māori people, showcasing their cultural identity through song, dance and folklore.
Speaking of the rugby, sports fans will be able to catch all the action from the Rugby World Cup, which will be shown live on big screens in Eastside City Park.
Dia de Muertos Block Party
Birmingham Weekender
On September 26-27, this festival-within-a-festival in Centenary Square will celebrate Mexican culture with a range of craft activities, including skull painting, face painting, veil and flower garland making. This Day of the Dead event will also feature lucha libre wrestlers, live music, DJs, food, performers, dancers and a parade.
Everyman Mailbox
If you're looking for to catch a movie, there'll be several popular and classic films screened over the weekend. In addition to a late-night screening of the award-winning 'Whiplash' (September 25, 10pm) and quotable comedy classic 'Clueless' (September 26, 10.30pm), there'll be another chance to watch the animated family favourite 'Frozen' (Saturday 26, 10am).
Urban Astronaut
Fans of physical theatre will be spoilt for choice when it comes to performances. Along with athletic dancing and impressive lifts from Motionhouse with their duet Lost, you might also happen across the highly trained dancers from InfuseDance, who'll be offering protection to the public as part of their act entitled Bodyguard: Protect and Serve. Plus, there will be two-wheeled choreography from the Bicycle Ballet Company with their show Strictly Night Cycling.
One of the shows most likely to catch your attention will be Urban Astronaut by Highly Sprung. This performance offers a glimpse into a future where air pollution has left the world in crisis. Urban Astronaut combines stunning design and a unique travelling flying machine with simple storytelling and a moving dance performance.
For full Birmingham Weekender programme details and listings take a look at the website and in the printed brochure, which will be distributed widely around the city. Some shows will require booking, so check the website for more details.
Birmingham Weekender, September 25-27. Various locations.
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