On Your Doorstep – Birmingham Heritage Week

Birmingham Heritage Week is a wonderful way to celebrate the city’s rich heritage and history. Taking place between 9^th-18^th September, the festival will bring together 100 organisations and societies based in Birmingham who will open their doors and construct events to showcase what the UK’s second-largest city has to offer.

With the Commonwealth Games having taken place last month, Birmingham has been put on the map for being a diverse and inclusive city, and this was reflected in the ticket sales, which were more than any other commonwealth games in the UK, at 1.5 million to be exact. The city seemed eager to take the opportunity and establish itself and surpassed expectations by raising the country’s spirits with a friendly, warm, and moving impression for viewers and guests alike.

To further Birmingham’s fabulous year, #BHeritageWeek will consist of a variety of events, ranging from walks, workshops, talks, performances, building tours, and heritage-themed running and cycling tours, to highlight the great things Birmingham has to offer.

Something For Everyone

Whether you’re interested in history, discovering local sights, art & crafts, or prefer something more active, Birmingham Heritage Week has something for all ages! Organised by the Birmingham Museum Trust, they have bought together the best of the city’s history and present-day accolades, whilst peaking the interests of people from various ages and backgrounds.

Let’s dive into what’s available.

Active

Run through Digbeth, the Jewellery Quarter, and the city centre to experience 1620 years of Birmingham’s history. They’ll show you some lesser-known attractions in addition to the city’s famous icons. You’ll learn about incredible discoveries that altered the course of history as well as illustrious Britons who were both good and bad.

• Best of Birmingham Running Tour: 10am-12.30pm / 18^th September
• Bournville Chocolate History Running Tour: 4.30pm-6.30pm / 10^th September
• Bustling Birmingham by Night: 8pm-10pm / 15^th September
• Street Art Running Tour: 10am-11.30am / 17^th September
• Woodcock street Baths: 10.15am-11.30am / Range of dates available

Free

There is a wide variety of FREE tours you can get involved in, ranging from history-guided walks to heritage trails and Birmingham landmarks tours. Famous buildings and landmarks included in the Birmingham Heritage Week tours are:

• Birmingham Cathedral
• Bank of England
• Birmingham Buddhist Vihara
• Birmingham Central Mosque
• Winterbourne House & Gardens
• Cadbury research library
• Church of St Alban

Family

Ensuring the whole family is catered for has been a main focal point for Birmingham Heritage Week. Enjoy family-friendly days out and get the kids involved with these interactive and informative events and tours.

• Aston Alive! Hands-on-History: 12pm-4pm / 17^th September
• Herstory Day: 1pm-5pm / 17^th September
• Playground Games: 2pm-4pm / 17^th September
• Sutton Coldfield through a Magic Lantern Lens: Range of times / 12^th September

Jewellery Quarter

With more than 700 jewellers and independent stores, a bustling food and drink culture, and a historically significant location, the Jewellery Quarter is the focus of a complete set of days during Birmingham Heritage Week. With other Birmingham residents, explore its history and attractions in this imposing and well-known district.

• Acme Whistles Factory Tour: 11am-12.30pm / 15^th September
• Discovering Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter: 1.30pm-3.30pm / 11^th September
• Behind the scenes of The Joint Works: 2pm-3.30pm / 10^th September
• Opening the archives of the Pen Museum: 11am-3pm / 10^th September
• Visit St Paul’s: 11am-2pm / 16^th September

Talks

Attending the engaging and interesting talks being conducted throughout Birmingham during Birmingham Heritage Week is the best way to learn about the city’s rich history. Learn what makes Birmingham well-known.

• Birmingham’s Big Inventions: 6pm-7pm / 9^th September
• Birmingham’s Early Maps: 4pm-6pm / 13^th September
• Celebrating Birmingham: 2pm-4pm / 18^th September
• Digitizing Aris’s Birmingham Gazette: 1pm-7.30pm / 10^th September
• Lost Children Exhibition: 2.30pm-3.30pm / 14^th September

More information

If you would like to know more about Birmingham Heritage Week, then head to their website for more information and to purchase tickets.