This is a very special day for culture and sport to come together as athletes reach the Marathon finish line in Victoria Square! Come on down to support them and witness one of the most iconic moments of the Games. An interactive family DJ session will keep crowds entertained and there might be a few other surprises along the way…
Schedule
Until 2 PM: marathon and entertainment
3PM: Free public workout with Mr Motivator courtesy of Aggreko who are the Official Modular Energy Solutions Supporter of the Games
4.30 PM: Screen Spotlight: Nation’s Finest, Putting Down Roots and Birthing
5 PM: Girl Grind UK Presents: The Grind Don’t Stop
7.15 PM: B:Music Presents: Tom Aspaul & Friends
Throughout the day: Games action on screen, Piing, Screen Spotlights, food & drink
In the afternoon, as part of our Screen Spotlight series, we are presenting Beverley Bennett’s new commission Nation’s Finest, Putting Down Roots and Birthing, a video piece rooted in her home region of the West Midlands. This short film features two young Black gymnasts from a local gymnastic club, Sandwell Flyers. By capturing their skilled routines and tumbles, the film is a celebration of athleticism and talent, an ode to the young athletes’ determination, focus, and dedication to their sport.
Later in the day, Girl Grind UK tap into their network of up-and-coming local artists for The Grind Don’t Stop. Founded in the City of a Thousand Trades, Girl Grind UK work with and for Black and Asian girls, women and non-binary people across the region, creating opportunities for personal and professional development. Their mission is to keep with the times & stay grinding! Here’s a sneak peek at the talent they’ll be bringing:
Elle Chante is a singer based in the Midlands. Using her vocals, lyrics and instrumentation, her music explores human emotions and experiences through art. Elle aims to make music that creates space for people to better understand each other and themselves.
AMEENAH is a Birmingham-based singer and songwriter whose sound can be described as a fusion of House & Garage, blended with soulful and R&B elements.
Sophielou is an independent multi genre artist & producer from Wolverhampton. Her energetic vibes, exciting flows & relatable concepts will have you hooked from the start.
Pheleba is a Birmingham based singer who writes deep, honest, heartfelt music inspired by her journey of self love and her experiences as a mother.
Madi Saskia is one of the most exciting artists from the Birmingham creative scene. Inspired by the sounds of Jaene Aiko, Erykah Badu and Marsha Ambrosius, her sound can be described as socially conscious with an R&B twang.
Hosted by multi-talented Girl Grind founder Namywa and featuring slick beats from Tu3sday, this is sure to be a programme to remember!
In the evening, get ready for some disco fabulousness courtesy of Tom Aspaul & Friends. Having written songs for Kylie Minogue and Celeste, Tom Aspaul released his debut album ‘Black Country Disco’ in 2020 to critical acclaim. Tom has just released his second Europop-inspired album, Life in Plastic. He will be supported by Midlands-born DJ Wayne and Foxgluvv, an unapologetically queer DIY pop artist who has created the perfect score for your late night party with her signature ‘hungover-pop’ sound. Presented by B:Music and generously funded by Colmore BID and Central BID.
At various times during the day, challenge your friends, family and other audience members to a game of Piing. Piing is a virtual game that brings people together, inviting them to play an immersive high-speed game, using their phones as controllers, with the action happening on our big screen. Piing is super simple, uniquely challenging and seriously fun. Presented by Comic Relief - donations are encouraged as part of gameplay. Comic Relief intends to split all proceeds equally between Comic Relief and registered charities United by Birmingham 2022 Legacy Charity and Commonwealth Sport Foundation.
The Festival Food and Drink Eatery, a pop up catering unit, will offer a range of tasty breakfast, lunch and dinner treats daily from 8am to 10pm. From lunchtime, the square will also be licensed for people to enjoy drinks from the bar, including a choice of social enterprise prosecco and cocktails for those looking to support a worthy cause as they enjoy the Games atmosphere.
The menus will change across the two weeks, giving return visitors something different to look forward to and showcasing some of the finest Colmore eateries and bars in the city. For early risers, who want a healthy treat on the way into the city, perhaps after enjoying the Sunrise Stretch sessions, there will be granola yoghurt pots, overnight oats, kombucha and coffee. From lunchtime you can pick up salads, deli bakes, vegan cakes, muffins and pastries plus appetising ciabatta and focaccia sandwiches. There will also be biriyani, vegetarian papdi chaat, spicy chicken noodles and veggie stir fry to enjoy whilst listening to the Fountain Stage Music programme plus kebab wraps, shawarmas with selections of salads, pickles, and sauces and vegan options including crispy tofu. Games and Festival site visitors will be spoiled for choice!
Throughout the day visitors and passers by are also invited to watch sporting highlights from the Games on our big screen, enjoy food and drinks from Colmore BID cafes, bars and restaurants, and take a look at digital commissions and projects from the Birmingham 2022 Festival at our Screen Spotlights.
