Credit: Leonid Andronov, Shutterstock
Say what you want about Birmingham (and trust me, people do), the history here is undeniable. In every inch of this city, there is a unique story to uncover and learn. But it’s only during Birmingham Heritage Week, which now heads into its 11th year, do we often have the chance to hear many of them.
The 10-day festival (September 12 to 21) is designed to inspire and surprise locals with the Second City’s rich history and heritage. Many of Birmingham’s buildings and sites, especially those you wouldn’t normally visit, will open their doors for the event—with over 150 guided tours, talks, open days and walks across the city.
Credit: Winterbourne House & Garden
In the past, the city council funded the festival. Following cuts to cultural and arts projects, however, Birmingham Heritage Week is now going ahead thanks to Birmingham Museums Trust, the University of Birmingham, the National Trust, Birmingham Municipal Charity, and the William A Cadbury Charitable Trust.
What is happening at this year’s Birmingham Heritage Week?
No official programme has been revealed yet. But, as always, bookings are expected to fill up fast when they go live on Saturday, August 9, at 12 pm. Previous years have seen tours of Key Hill Cemetery Catacombs, swimming sessions at Woodcock Street Baths, and afternoon tea in the ballroom of the Grand Hotel.
Credit: School of Jewellery
We do know a few new and returning highlights, however, including:
- Winterbourne House & Garden – drop-in days with free entry to this beautifully preserved Arts & Crafts home and garden
- St Mary’s College, Oscott – a working seminary rarely open to the public
- The majestic Victoria Law Courts, one of Birmingham’s most iconic red-brick buildings
- The stunning private Arts & Crafts house at 21 Yateley Road in Edgbaston
- Celebrations of Birmingham’s World Craft City status, with events in the Jewellery Quarter, including at the School of Jewellery, Assay Office, a talk on Birmingham author Kathleen Dayus and an exhibition about the Jewellery Quarter’s role in the early days of photography
- In north Birmingham, events will span New Hall Water Mill, Sutton Masonic Hall, Sutton Town Hall, Oscott College, St Michael’s Church, Boldmere and Sutton Coldfield station and an opportunity to experience the heat in a reconstructed Bronze Age sweat lodge in Sutton Park
- Families can enjoy interactive activities at the Moor Pool Heritage Festival
The full programme and booking options will be available from Saturday, August 9, here.