The summer holidays are finally here, so brace yourselves for an exciting and action-packed August! This month, we’ve got festivals, concerts, competitions and even a history lesson or two. Whether you’re in the mood for enchanting candlelight performances in beautiful botanical gardens, or seeking the adrenaline rush of the ultimate sporting showdown, our city really does have it all – promising a month of unforgettable experiences and entertainment. So go ahead, keep scrolling to discover your August bucket list.
Attend Birmingham Weekender 2023
I know they say to save the best ’til last, but come on – this one is just too exciting.
First up, we have Birmingham Weekender, an incredible annual arts festival this August bank holiday weekend. Taking place at the Bullring and Birmingham Hippodrome, expect an explosion of colour in our city’s streets, with fun installations, pop-up performances, and interactive games and experiences.
They really do have something for everyone on the programme this year. Silent disco walking tours, a life-sized interactive arcade game zone, an escape room experience, circus performers and face painting – just to name a few! Oh, and I haven’t even mentioned the best part – the festival is entirely free! Take a look at the schedule here – you really don’t want to miss this.
Experience a magical candlelight concert
Summer holidays already getting a bit too much?
If it’s a much needed night off from the kids you’re after this month, why not take a look at attending one of these enchanting evenings by Fever, surrounded by nature and immersed in candlelight?
Candlelight Open Air concerts bring their beautiful, multi-sensory musical experiences to some of the country’s most stunning locations. This month, the people of Birmingham have the chance to listen to a selection of classic songs being performed under the gentle-glow of candlelight, surrounded by one of the UK’s most historic botanic gardens.
This month, there are two performances in Birmingham Botanical Gardens. On the 10th of August, there will be a Tribute to Whitney Houston, with iconic hits such as “I Will Always Love You” performed by a talented string quartet. This is followed on the 11th by a Tribute to Pink Floyd, playing classics like “Time” and “Comfortably Numb”. This will no doubt be an unforgettable night.
Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Westbourne Rd, Birmingham B15 3TR
Head to the ultimate chicken wing showdown
In case I haven’t already given you enough for your calendar, Birmingham also happens to be hosting the world’s most popular chicken wing festival this month. Yes, that is a real thing.
Ever year, this event showcases the best chicken wings the UK has to offer – with the ultimate goal of deciding who makes the best wings in the UK. The competition is split into two categories: best buffalo wing (the search for the perfect classic spicy sauce) and best wild wing – where traders can quite literally go wild with their wings, unleashing their creativity with flavours and toppings. All wings are priced at £1.25 each, and sold individually, with the aim of allowing guests to try as many as possible.
Visitors can also expect a whole host of additional attractions – from some of the more easy-going stuff such as live music and cocktail masterclasses, to some slightly more intense action… anyone up for a bit of axe-throwing? The festival will also feature the Lava Wing Challenge, an eating competition where competitors are set to be tasting some of the spiciest wings available.
The Bond, 182 Fazeley St, Birmingham B5 5SE
Check out this action-packed cricket competition
The Hundred 2023 competition is underway, so make sure you catch it when it comes to Birmingham this month!
In case, like me, you aren’t exactly well-versed in the world of cricket, don’t worry – I’ve done all the research for you! Described as “one of the biggest shake-ups to cricket in generations”, The Hundred is an action-packed 100 ball cricket tournament, involving world-class players and huge names in the sport from around the world. The competition will see eight teams trying to score as many runs as possible from 100 balls for a portion of the £600,000 prize pool.
This event is only in its third year, designed to engage a younger and more diverse crowd in the sport by making the game faster. When the competition comes to Edgbaston, we’re set for a full day of unmissable entertainment, with four double-header match days. There will also be a variety of food and drink offerings, from milkshakes and crepes to halloumi fries and burgers.
Edgbaston Stadium, Edgbaston Rd, Birmingham B5 7QU
Watch Disney’s award-winning musical at the Hippodrome
Returning to Birmingham for the first time in a decade, Disney’s The Lion King will be at the Hippodrome until 16th September – so if you ask me, now is the perfect time to see it before it closes next month.
The Lion King tells the powerful story of the young lion prince, Simba, and his epic journey to fulfil his destiny and become King of the Pridelands. Described as ‘a piece of theatrical magic’, this musical features an iconic score from music legends Elton John and Tim Rice, as well as incredible stage sets and costumes – and over 200 puppets!
Tickets can be booked now from the Hippodrome’s website, but you’d better be quick – they’re going fast!
Birmingham Hippodrome, Hurst St, Southside, Birmingham B5 4TB
Learn about Birmingham’s model village
This month, why not join the Selly Manor Museum on a walking tour of Bournville, exploring the historic village and learning about its past – and discover why alcohol was banned for over 100 years!
A town with an undeniably fascinating history, and known for its connections with the UK’s favourite chocolate. Having recently moved their factory to the area for its fresher air quality, George Cadbury, appalled at working class living conditions, designed a model village of well-built houses with large gardens for his workers.
Taking place on 11th August, what better way to spend a summer afternoon than strolling around this beautiful village, the smell of chocolate in the air? Tickets are just £10, which also includes entry to Selly Manor Museum – a 500 year old building which houses an incredible insight into Tudor history, with its collection of 16th and 17th century furniture and domestic objects.
Alternatively, you can also do a self-guided trail, available here – no excuses now!
Selly Manor, Maple Road, Bournville, Birmingham B30 2AE
Celebrate 100 years of Disney
To celebrate their 100th anniversary, Disney have announced the re-release of ten of their best animated films in cinemas across the UK. With classics from Peter Pan to Toy Story, its time to re-live your childhood and finally see these films on the big screen.
On Sunday 6th and Monday 7th August, The Electric Cinema will be showing Disney’s first ever full length animated feature film – Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. A quintessential fairytale of love, jealousy and kindness, this iconic musical fantasy film tells the story of a charming princess, saved from her wicked stepmother’s evil by the kindness of seven friendly dwarf miners.
Fun fact – when adjusted for inflation, this is actually the highest-grossing animated film of all time! A true Disney classic, this is one you don’t want to miss – after all, when will you next have a chance to see it on the big screen? Book your tickets here, with prices starting from just £5.50!
