The year in Birmingham
The big moments of the year in Birmingham: Frankfurt Christmas Market, Big Wheel and Ice Rink, Centenary Square and more, with their dates.
Frankfurt Christmas Market
The German market on Victoria Square and New Street. German musicians play on the Victoria Square bandstand at lunchtime and in the evening on weekdays. In 2026 there are no stalls on New Street between the Apple store and Nando's because of works on Bennetts Hill and Temple Street.
Big Wheel and Ice Rink, Centenary Square
A big wheel and an ice rink on Centenary Square, open every day except Christmas Day. Rink tickets are sold on the rink's own site.
Sleeping Beauty at the Birmingham Hippodrome
The Hippodrome's pantomime this year is Sleeping Beauty, with Rylan as the Diva of Dreams, Zoe Birkett as Carabosse and Matt Slack as Lester the Jester. It is for ages 5 and over, and children under 3 cannot be admitted.
Chinese New Year in Southside
The Southside celebrations around Hippodrome Square and Hurst Street: lion and dragon processions, dance and drummers on the Festival Stage, and market stalls. In 2026 the programme ran from 17 to 22 February and was free.
Crufts
The dog show at the NEC, on the edge of Birmingham. The Kennel Club's show runs for four days.
Vaisakhi nagar kirtan
The Sikh festival of Vaisakhi, marked in Birmingham with a nagar kirtan procession from the gurdwaras towards a mela at Handsworth Park.
Great Birmingham Run
A half marathon and a 10K through the city centre. Both start on Centenary Square.
Flatpack Festival
Birmingham's film and moving image festival, with screenings and audiovisual events across the city. It is a charity supported by Arts Council England and the BFI.
Birmingham Pride
The 30th Birmingham Pride, on the spring bank holiday weekend. The parade leaves Victoria Square on the Saturday, is free to watch and ends in the Gay Village; the Friday community event is free too. The Gay Village stages, market and fair need a ticket or wristband.
Birmingham Jazz & Blues Festival
Ten days of jazz and blues every summer, in venues across the city. The festival has said that 2027 will be its 43rd edition.
Moseley Folk & Arts Festival
A three-day folk and arts festival in the 11-acre woodland of Moseley Park, about two miles from the centre. The slope in front of the lake makes a natural amphitheatre, and 2027 is the 21st edition.
Birmingham Comedy Festival
Ten days of stand-up, with more than 100 performances in 2026. It has run since 2001, 2026 was its 25th edition, and its opening event that year was at the Glee Club.
