Commonwealth Games 2022
Birmingham 2022 opening ceremony thrills with a fiery journey from dark to light
The audacious multicultural opening ceremony of the Birmingham Commonwealth Games 2022 thrilled with a show that dared to look at the dark past while looking forward to a positive future. Thursday night’s show threw a subtle, yet profoundly moving, spotlight on the horrors of colonialism, slavery and homophobia, while looking forward to a more hopeful and…
LGBTQ+ Commonwealth protest held in Birmingham during Queen’s Baton Relay
Protests were held today as the Queen’s Baton arrived at Aston Hall in Birmingham on its final stop before entering Alexander Stadium for the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony this evening. Around 50 activists from the LGBTQ+ community lined the route in Aston, calling out “state-sanctioned homophobia” in the 35 Commonwealth member states that criminalise homosexuality.
Peaky Blinders creator and Duran Duran plan exciting opening ceremony for Commonwealth Games
Legendary Birmingham band Duran Duran are headlining the opening ceremony celebrations at the Commonwealth Games 2022 tonight. Steven Knight, the creative force behind the BBC smash-hit drama series Peaky Blinders, is also on hand as executive producer of the opening ceremony and says he has a few surprises for the audience.
Free Birmingham 2022 event planned to welcome Queen’s Baton Relay in Small Heath Park
A free public event has been organised as the Queen’s Baton Relay tour comes to Birmingham’s Small Heath Park on Wednesday. The iconic baton, which has toured through 72 countries, is now almost within sight of the opening ceremony which will take place on Thursday as the much-anticipated Birmingham Commonwealth Games 2022 finally get underway.
Migrant mural featuring NHS nurse from St. Kitts painted for Birmingham 2022 Festival
A striking new mural has been painted in Erdington celebrating one of the migrant women featured in the Queens of the Commonwealth documentary. The gigantic art, painted by Bunny Bread, is a beautiful portrait of former NHS nurse Louvina Moses who migrated to Great Britain from St. Kitts in 1961.
LGBTQ activist Joshua Williams to carry Queen’s Baton ahead of Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games
A young social justice activist who has battled homelessness, mental health struggles and bullying, has been selected to carry the Queen’s Baton ahead of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. Joshua Williams has been chosen by the University of Birmingham to be an official batonbearer during the Queen’s Baton Relay.
Migrant women tell their stories in powerful Birmingham 2022 Festival documentary
A powerful new documentary, which is to be screened during the Birmingham 2022 Festival, will showcase the untold stories of migrant women from the Commonwealth who made their home in Birmingham. The deeply moving tales reveal the trials and tribulations – including the horrors of racism and sexism – suffered by the women as they…
Calls for temporary rainbow decoration of Hippodrome Square to be made permanent
After plans for a £9.5million new look for a flagship section of Birmingham’s Southside district fell through, the area has been temporarily decked out in rainbow colours which have led to people asking for the eye-popping feature to become permanent. Although the current street surface decorations are temporary – put in place ahead of the Commonwealth Games 2022 –…
Birmingham artist’s Hippodrome show to highlight spirituality, love and unity
A Birmingham artist is putting together a spiritual show which will be unveiled at The Hippodrome as part of the Birmingham 2022 Festival. Award-winning artist Mohammed Ali, who hails from Sparkbrook, is gearing up for what he hopes will be a memorable theatrical experience which will educate, inspire and unite the diverse communities of Birmingham.
Birmingham’s iconic fountain switched back on ahead of Commonwealth Games
Birmingham’s iconic water feature ‘The River’ has been officially switched back on in Victoria Square. The fountain – commonly known as the “Floozie in the Jacuzzi” – has been repaired and refurbished as part of a £12.395m city centre public realm scheme – the first phase of which has seen improvements to Victoria Square.