Credit: Mark Rhodes
Birmingham isn’t just the birthplace of heavy metal. It’s very much part of its future, too—and nothing proves that more than Supersonic Festival’s return to Digbeth this August. What started as a one-day event in 2003 is now an internationally renowned experimental music and arts festival 22 years later.
With a line-up that includes Backxwash, Moin, Rich(ard) Dawson, The Bug feat Warrior Queen, and Witch Club Satan, Supersonic will take over (August 29 – 31) many Digbeth venues like XOYO, O2 Institute, Eastside Projects, and Zellig. There’s a reason it’s received four consecutive 5-star reviews from The Guardian.
Supersonic was created by Capsule, the Birmingham-based arts organisation also responsible for the groundbreaking heritage project, Home of Metal. And have worked closely with Black Sabbath to champion their global legacy and Birmingham’s place in music history. But Capsule’s work—which won the Arts and Culture Award at the 2024 Birmingham Awards—is as much about shaping the future.
What are Supersonic’s family-friendly kids gigs?
Supersonic is nurturing the next generation with family-friendly kids gigs, Big Sounds for Little People, designed to introduce children to experimental, live music. In the past, Kid Carpet and Matana Roberts have performed, but catch Mermaid Chunky at MAC on Saturday, August 30—could it inspire your little one to be the next Ozzy Osbourne?
Festival co-founder and Artistic Director Lisa Meyer said: “Supersonic is a homegrown success story that continues to bring global recognition and economic benefits to Birmingham. But the pressures we’re under are growing. To keep this internationally acclaimed event in the city, we need meaningful support and recognition of the vital role independent culture plays in Birmingham’s identity and future.”
Supersonic’s unique programme brings together pioneering artists from across the globe. This
year’s line-up features UK exclusive performances from Zambian-Canadian rapper Backxwash,
Sweden’s Funeral Folk (Maria W Horn & Sara Parkman), and Norway’s Witch Club Satan, alongside
artists from Nigeria, Ireland, North America, and beyond. The festival also proudly champions local
talent, with rising Black Country duo Big Special joining the bill.
To learn more about Supersonic head here.