Join us at Victoria Square on Thursday 28 July from 3pm for Street Games in the Square - the official Festival Site warm-up party to the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony. Brought to you by Autin Dance Theatre, this event will be an inclusive and accessible afternoon of interactive street games from around the Commonwealth, music and dance with BSL performance and interpretation, plus surprises throughout the afternoon that you do not want to miss. It’s free, fun, and for ALL Brummies!
Meet our three local Games Hosts, Gemma, Sean (sign name ‘Afternoon’) and Hank as they welcome you to participate in six street games alongside a very special guest: Eko the Sea Giant, a 13-foot-tall puppet operated by 5 world-class puppeteers.
Plus throughout the afternoon we’ll have music from our house DJs EIF sound and music - electronic music producers who will be creating original compositions to match the street games’ players’ moves in real time. Expect lots of percussion, groovy rhythms and catchy melodies from around the world, with a few tracks from other upcoming Birmingham producers thrown into the mix!
Schedule
3PM Big Brummie Welcome!
3:30PM EIF Sound and Music Set
4:40PM Street Games with our 3 Hosts & special guest Eko
5:45PM EIF Sound and Music Set
7PM Street Games with our 3 Hosts & special guest Eko
8PM LIVE OPENING CEREMONY ON THE BIG SCREEN!
Here’s a sneak peek of the Street Games to expect:
Bula! (Hello!) - Fiji
The game host will call out numbers between 1 and 10 to the beat of the music and the players have to react accordingly to the corresponding move (1 jump / 2 side waves / 3 claps, etc). This game is about moving around Victoria Square in different spaces and directions whilst following the numbers. 3 is our special number where we raise both hands to cry “Bula!”, Fijian for “Hello!”
Elonti Belonti (Musical Statues) - Bangladesh
Freestyle to the rhythm of EIF’s original beat. When the music stops, you freeze. When the music speeds up, you move faster. When the music slows down, you move slower. Watch out for Eko the Sea Giant that will be moving around and dancing with everyone.
Pillow Game – United Kingdom
Balance your Street Games Bandana folded on the back of your hand for as long as you can! With one hand behind your back, face your partner as you both try to make each other’s “pillow” drop off. You have 30 seconds and not allowed to make contact, go!
River Bank - Sri Lanka
2 long pieces of fabric will be stretched out and laid on the floor, creating a river. The game host will call out instructions for all to jump 'in the river' or 'on the bank'. It can be easy to get confused and jump the wrong way. Can you do it right every time?
Whano Whano - New Zealand
The aim is to jump up and finish in a different landing position than the leader. Clap for 1, 2, 3 and shout 'Whano!' (pronounced Fano) as you jump up together! If you land in the same position as the leader, you're out! Can you beat the leader?
Pon De Road - Barbados
Learn an upbeat and fun dance routine using your bandanas! The steps are simple and repetitive. Smile, have fun and join the dance!
