Final preparations underway for Birmingham Festival
It's to mark the one-year anniversary of the Commonwealth Games today.
Last updated 28th Jul 2023
This time last time last year, millions of people around the Globe were waiting for the start of the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.
What followed was a spectacular ten days of sport, where we saw a mechanical bull capture the heart of visitors, history be made in the Women's Hockey and record numbers of people visiting the city.
Now the stage is being set today to mark the one year anniversary of the Commonwealth Games with a huge Birmingham Festival.
It will take place over the same ten days that the Games did and is free for all to visit.
Raidene Carter, Creative Director of Birmingham Festival 23. said: "I am immensely proud of the Festival. Through the hard work of all the team, our partners and all the talented artists featured, we have pulled together a programme that highlights the breadth of talent in the city.
"All that’s missing is the amazing Brummie turn-out – last year we saw that audiences in Birmingham are the best – they’re relaxed, up for fun and so welcoming to visitors from outside the city.
"As the month-long countdown begins, the excitement is building, and we hope the warm weather will hold so that people can really make the most of the creative and welcoming site.
"Either way, we think the Festival will bring joy to audiences and participants alike".
Part of the festival is to highlight the legacy that has been left behind from the Games.
West Midlands Mayor, Andy Street. said: "Three times more clubs than there were in the West Midlands last year.
"So, it's a great example of the stimuli of the Games and of people saying they want to be involved in that. It's going from strength to strength here."
The opening night of the festival is named 'One City, A Thousand Memories'.
It will feature dancers, singers, choirs and medal-winning Team England athletes on the main stage over the festival.
It kicks off at 6pm tonight in Centenary Square.