City News

Town Hall, Birmingham throws its doors open for a thrilling weekend of sound, light and discovery over 12, 13 and 14 September as part of Artsfest, the UK's biggest and most vibrant cultural festival.

In an exclusive event at Town Hall on Friday 12 September (8pm) the freshest musical talent from around the West Midlands converges on the iconic landmark for a night of beats, bass, brass and dancing, with a DJ set from Manga (Shaanti, Funkshaan), hip-hop and nu-jazz from Associate Artist Soweto Kinch plus performances courtesy of funky homegrown band The Sub Ensemble and sleek new group Maylight featuring Mary Wakelam, Lizzy Parks and Chris Read.

Outside Town Hall, spectacular illuminations and visuals will present the Grade 1 Listed concert hall in a whole new light as part of Late Night Light Night, a project featuring innovative architectural lighting of city centre landmarks. Buildings across the city centre will be beautifully lit to create a visually stunning trail of features in the first event of its kind in Birmingham.

Following with an afternoon of swing jazz, spiritual gospel, inspirational soul and uplifting choral music on Saturday 13 September, Meet the Associates is a unique opportunity to experience free performances from the BBC Big Band, Black Voices and Ex-Cathedra from 1pm - 5pm.

Highly regarded for their accessible and friendly approach to classical programmes, Stratford-based Town Hall Associate Artist Orchestra of the Swan perform a wonderful hour of music between 2pm and 3pm on Sunday 14 September as part of Open Hall!

A children's heritage trail, organ demonstrations and a prize draw will also be on offer from 1pm - 5pm on Sunday 14 September, as well as a chance to explore a brand new exhibition of paintings, photos, prints and posters which celebrates the concert hall's place at the heart of Birmingham life from its opening in 1834 to the successful re-opening in October 2007.

Staff from Town Hall and Symphony Hall Birmingham will be on hand over the Artsfest weekend to answer questions about the venues, programmes and artists. Look out for ticket offers too!