Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games organisers have teamed up with regional independent music groups to develop plans for a city centre festival that will run throughout this year’s sports event.
Two free festival sites, to be located in Victoria Square and Smithfield, will showcase more than 150 local artists and musicians over the course of the Games in July and August.
Victoria Square will host watch parties for the Birmingham 2022 Opening and Closing Ceremonies, while there will also be a special celebration, including music and cultural acts, to mark the 60th anniversary of Jamaican Independence.
The Smithfield site will be a festival of festivals with a different cultural partner taking to the specially commissioned three-sided Beacon Stage every day, with DJs, live performances and dance moments.
Birmingham 2022 is worked with groups such as Amplify Sounds, B:Music, Big Bear Music and Girl Grind UK CIC to develop the programme.
Tim Hodgson, senior producer for Birmingham 2022 Festival and Festival Sites, said: “The Birmingham 2022 Festival Sites are where sport and culture will combine to provide a fantastic free opportunity for local residents and visitors alike to embrace the Commonwealth Games and celebrate together.
“A giant screen with live coverage will ensure that people can keep up to date with the sporting action, but they will also be entertained throughout the day with a vibrant cultural programme, showcasing established and emerging local talent.
“We are so excited to be profiling the incredible creativity of Birmingham and the West Midlands, creating two Festival Sites for everyone to enjoy, with more details to be announced soon. The Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games will be a fantastic fortnight of sport, culture and entertainment and we are look forward to welcoming everyone to the party.”
The city centre site announcement follows information released earlier in the year about seven Neighbourhood Festival Sites which will be located across Birmingham during the Games.
Birmingham 2022 has also announced that 10 towns and cities across the West Midlands region and beyond will also be hosting Festival Sites to celebrate the Commonwealth Games.