A kaleidoscope of cultures and art, celebrating Birmingham as a hybrid city.
Black Voices, ACE Dance and Music, Legacy Centre of Excellence and Black Arts Forum come together to present Route 34 – Embracing Cultures, a seven month extravaganza of texture, soundscape and colour that celebrates the richness of culture in Birmingham. The Caribbean is a diverse region in climate and terrain, with flora that brims with natural wonder. Route 34 takes inspiration from this vibrant backdrop, as carnival characters and mass voices from the choral community join together for a series of performances and community-led activities.
1 July, 2PM-4PM, Launch at Legacy Centre of Excellence
2 July, 12PM - 6PM, Community Carnival at Legacy Centre of Excellence
Route 34 officially launches with a weekend of carnival-inspired fun. On Saturday, enjoy a display of eleven Carnival queen costumes together with Flora, the main Carnival costume. Then on Sunday, get a taster of Route 34 with live reggae and soca, dance from ACE Dance & Music's young performers and music from the Community Spirit choir.
Book tickets here.
8 July, 6PM - 8PM, Flor-essence appearing at Mostly Jazz Festival
10 July, 3PM - 5PM, Community Spirit at Symphony Hall
16 July, 12PM - 5PM, Family Fun Day at Perry Hall Park, Birmingham
A mass choir perform the People's Anthem at Perry Hall Park as part of a carnival atmosphere, with reggae, soca, bespoke costumes and performances from young dancers and singers from local schools.
6 August, Bullring & Grand Central
13 August, 1PM - 5PM, Carnival Flora event at Midlands Arts Centre
ACE Dance and Music and Black Voices take over MAC for a Commonwealth Carnival party. Expect costume-making workshops, music making, carnival costumes and much more.
27 August,8PM Onwards, Closing Concert at Legacy Centre of Excellence
Route 34 culminates with a mini-carnival around the Legacy Centre of Excellence. Enjoy a party atmosphere with dazzling costumes and vibrant dances to engage crowds and thrill hearts.
28 August, Grosvenor Road Studios, Handsworth
Black Voices and ACE dance and music present a Doorstep Carnival at Grosvenor Road Studios. Elders and young people from Birchfield join in with professional performers for a carnival procession through the local streets.
October - Curated Exhibition of Route 34 Embracing Cultures, Legacy Centre of Excellence
Generously supported by Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, Arts Council England and The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Website: northbirminghamalliance.com
