We’re kicking off the summer on a high note in Birmingham this July – despite what the weather has to say. With all-new immersive cinematic experiences, family-friendly festivals and the much anticipated unveiling of Ozzy the Bull, there really is something for everyone here – from the die-hard Friends fans to ultimate foodies.
Ozzy the Bull Unveiling
If you’ve been to New Street lately, I’m sure you’ve more than likely noticed the enormous mechanical bull that’s appeared in the centre of it.
This 10m animatronic sculpture is affectionately known as Ozzy the Bull, star of last year’s Commonwealth Games opening ceremony, and was originally designed for a one-off performance. After being on temporary display in Centenary Square throughout the Games, where thousands came to see him, a public campaign was started to save Ozzy from being dismantled and scrapped.
Ozzy has recently arrived at his new home in New Street Station, and will next week be unveiled to the public. Taking place just before the anniversary of the opening ceremony, the day will also include face painting, a brass band and dance performances.
A little tip from us – be there around lunchtime if you want to witness Ozzy’s first performance, with his moving head, roar, swishing tail and glowing eyes.
New Street Station, Station St., Birmingham, B2 4QA.
Crepe City
No, it’s not about pancakes.
I know, I was getting hungry too.
But if you’re looking for something a little different this month, Crepe City is a lifestyle, footwear and fashion festival showcasing the leading streetwear brands from across Europe. Considered ‘Europe’s biggest sneaker festival, guests can expect street food, top sneaker vendors and a live host and DJs, all in Birmingham’s NEC – a bigger venue for an event twice the size of its last one.
With a huge selection of brands, Crepe City will also be offering an on-site authentication team, providing verification checks. In addition, ‘Crep Protect’ cleaning services will be available to keep your sneakers looking brand new. With a series of surprise giveaways and games, this definitely sounds like an unmissable event for sneakerheads and streetwear fans.
The festival takes place on 22nd July, from 12:30pm, and all ages are welcome.
North Ave, Marston Green, Birmingham B40 1NT
The FRIENDS Experience
Calling all Friends fans: it’s the episode you’ve been waiting for – that’s right, ‘The One in Birmingham’! This month, the FRIENDS Experience arrived at the NEC, following its massive success in the US, France and Belgium.
This is your chance to step inside the world of the show, exploring original props, costumes and set recreations. Recreated with incredible attention to detail, guests can wander through Joey and Chandler’s apartment, Monica and Rachel’s kitchen, and, of course, the Central Perk coffee shop.
Described as ‘the most immersive FRIENDS experience ever’, this is a must for fans of the show. There’s even a chance to sit on the iconic orange couch – an Instagram-worthy photo opportunity if there ever was one!
Still not convinced? We were lucky enough to visit, so take a look at our review!
Hall 10, NEC, North Ave, Marston Green, Birmingham, B40 1NT
Barbenheimer
21st July. One of the most legendary days in modern cinema: the simultaneous release of Greta Gerwig’s Barbie and Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer. Two star-studded productions that couldn’t be less similar – one a sweet and subversive fantasy-comedy based on the Barbie fashion dolls, and the other a three-hour drama about the making of the atomic bomb.
‘Barbenheimer’ has become an Internet phenomenon, suggesting that people should watch the films as a double feature – which has even been encouraged by the actors themselves. Of course, you could go to any cinema to watch these films, but allow me to tell you what events are happening in Birmingham that will help you truly honour Barbenheimer day.
Firstly, The Electric Cinema, the oldest working cinema in the UK, is showing Oppenheimer in 35mm – the only cinema in the city to be doing so. Not only this, but the first 100 people through the doors on opening weekend will receive a collectible Kodak 35mm filmstrip.
Meanwhile, the Mockingbird Cinema are offering a ‘Barbie Brunch’ in collaboration with Digbeth cocktail bar Passing Fancies, which includes a screening of the movie, two themed cocktails and a three course brunch. They are also holding a Barbie release party from 21st-23rd July, with themed music and cocktails, a fancy dress competition and pink Cadillac snack boxes – plus a life-size Barbie Box for an iconic Instagram photo.
But, alas, the question remains – which movie will you see first?
Colmore Food Festival
Named the ‘most exciting food destination’ in the Good Food Guide 2022, Birmingham’s epic food scene is certainly no secret.
And what better way to experience some of our city’s award-winning cuisine than at this year’s Colmore Food Festival, celebrating its 10th anniversary from July 21st to July 22nd in the grounds of St Philip’s Cathedral?
Offering a mouth watering spread, the Colmore Food Festival will showcase the ultimate selection of food and drink from restaurants, coffee shops, bars and hotels within the Colmore Business District. Find family favourites like ‘Wayland’s Yard’, to gourmet fine dining such as the Michelin star ‘Purnell’s’ – you’ll certainly be spoilt for choice.
The best part? Not only is this event completely free to attend, but Colmore BID have also made the decision to place a price cap on food and drinks, ensuring that menus are affordable for everyone in the current economic climate.
Cathedral Square, Colmore Row, Birmingham B3 2QB
Grease: The Live Experience
Get ready to step back in time to the 1950s and enter the iconic cinematic world of Grease, as Secret Cinema come to Birmingham for the first time on 26th July.
If you haven’t heard of Secret Cinema, it’s essentially an interactive, immersive experience, recreating legendary fictional worlds. From Stranger Things to Back to the Future, Secret Cinema allows you to literally step inside your favourite film, meet the characters and experience the story for yourself. Sounds pretty cool, right?
This 3.5 hour immersive experience will feature live music, dancing, 50s food, themed bars and a carnival, all while brushing shoulders with some truly iconic characters. Hangout with the T-Birds in the auto shop, join the jocks on the sports field and share secrets with the Pink Ladies – enjoy a taste of those summer nights in 1959, all just a short train ride from New Street.
Pendigo Way, Marston Green, Birmingham B40 1NT
Birmingham Festival 2023
I’m sure we all remember the energy, pride and community spirit surrounding the 2022 Commonwealth Games. I’d never seen anything quite like it, and it seems to have left quite a significant legacy. That’s why the announcement of the Birmingham Festival 2023 – the official festival of the Commonwealth Games – was so exciting, bringing back the buzz and liveliness of summer 2022.
Birmingham Festival aims to reflect the city’s rich culture and talent, showcasing the diversity of the city and everything we have to offer. With 10 jam-packed days of music, dance, activities and entertainment, there really will be something for everyone, from Perry’s Party Picnic (yes, the Commonwealth Games mascot Perry is back!), easy-to-follow Power Hour workouts, and live music – all free to attend.
The festival will take place in Centenary Square from 28th July – 6th August, just a 10 minute walk from New Street, with the opening event One City, A Thousand Memories starting at 6pm. It definitely sounds like the perfect fun and family-friendly event to kick off the rest of the summer!
Encanto in Concert: The Film with Live Orchestra
In its first ever UK tour, this Academy Award-winning Disney film comes to Birmingham’s Symphony Hall on the 31st of July, accompanied by a full orchestra performing its iconic score.
Encanto tells the story of the Madrigal family and their magical home in the mountains of Colombia, which protects them from harm. When Mirabel, the only Madrigal without a magical gift, discovers the house is in danger, it’s up to her to save her family and her home.
The film’s soundtrack was written by Grammy-winning ‘Hamilton’ composer Lin-Manuel Miranda, who found its success “mind-blowing”. The score truly has been a phenomenal triumph, with songs such as ‘We Don’t Talk about Bruno’ going viral on TikTok and hitting Number 1 in the charts.
The ‘film in concert’ format has also proven to be incredibly popular, with films such as Harry Potter, The Lord of the Rings and Home Alone offering a “spine-tingling experience”. It’s definitely not your ordinary concert experience, and is very family-friendly – so if you’re looking for something to do with the kids this month, look no further!
