The Best of Birmingham this Winter
Thursday, November 30, 2017
In partnership with Grapevine Birmingham, we've handpicked the biggest and most exciting events coming to Birmingham this Winter.
COMING OUT
Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery // 2nd Dec 17 - 15th Apr 2018
This major exhibition will feature over 80 modern and contemporary artworks by internationally renowned artists who explore themes of gender, sexuality and identity in art.
A ground-breaking and vital exhibition which marks the 50th anniversary of the partial decriminalisation of male homosexual acts in England and Wales (1967 Sexual Offences Act). Taking 1967 as a starting point, the exhibition will reveal new research into LGBT history and visual culture showcasing artworks from The Arts Council Collection, National Museums Liverpool and Birmingham’s collection.
www.birminghammuseums.org.uk
KNIGHTS OF THE RAJ
Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery // 23rd Sep - 7th Jan 2018
Birmingham is home to hundreds of Indian restaurants. They have been crucial in shaping the city and nation we live in. However, many are unaware that it was the Bangladeshi community that pioneered this industry and Britain’s ‘curry culture’. The nation’s way of life has been transformed by the hard work and dedication of British-Bangladeshis.
The project documents the heritage and history of Bangladeshi-owned ‘Indian’ restaurants in Birmingham and the inspirational stories of the people behind them. The pioneers of this industry were first generation immigrants whose stories have previously not been collected, preserved and shared.
www.birminghammuseums.org.uk
NIGHTMARES ON WAX (LIVE)
Hare & Hounds, Kings Heath // 8th Feb 18
Seminal Birmingham promoters Leftfoot, bring Nightmares on Wax for a live performance at The Hare & Hounds. Nightmares on Wax emerged out of Leeds during the late 80s and early 90s British wave of techno and rave music.
Today the DJ and musician George Evelyn, also known as DJ Ease (Experimental Audio Sample Expert), combines all forms of electronic dance music to create a very unique and much celebrated 'chillout' music style but very much still with its roots in Hip Hop and breakbeat.
http://hareandhoundskingsheath.skiddletickets.com/event. hp?id=13088597
THE HUNDRED AND ONE DALMATIANS
Birmingham Rep // 30th Nov - 13th Jan 18
Dalmatians Pongo and Missis enjoy an idyllic life with their humans, Mr and Mrs Dearly. Then one day, the house is filled with the patter of tiny paws when Missis gives birth to a litter of adorable puppies. But just as the Dearlys get used to their new housemates, the puppies mysteriously vanish.
With the help of the canine community and an Old English Sheepdog, Pongo and Missis set out on an adventure to find the missing puppies.
www.birmingham-rep.co.uk
AUTOSPORT INTERNATIONAL
The NEC // 13th - 14th Jan 18
A must-see event for motorsport fans and performance car aficionados; Autosport International brings together an unmissable combination of cars, stars and action. From Formula 1 to Karting, visitors can get up close to iconic race car displays and a host of motorsport stars.
Stunning classic and contemporary performance road car and supercar displays form the Performance Car Show that runs alongside Autosport International. Thrill seekers can enjoy live racing, precision driving demonstrations, breath taking stunts and celebrity interviews in the Live Action Arena and can take part in wheel-to-wheel thrills in the arrive and drive karting track.
www.thenec.co.uk
CROSS CURRENTS FESTIVAL
Various Locations // 12th – 20th Feb 18
New music, folk, and jazz converge in a nine-day festival at the University of Birmingham. This new festival brings together internationally acclaimed musicians and student performers, as well as some of the UK’s most respected composers.
CrossCurrents presents concerts, free performances, talks and workshops,culminating in a performance by Birmingham Contemporary Music Group of a newly commissioned song cycle featuring the works of no fewer than ten composers.
www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/lcahm/departments/music/events/2016/crosscurrents-festival.aspx
Bloc Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham
The BLOC philosophy is new to the UK. The concept is called pared-down chic and is based on ideas we’ve adapted from the best designers around the world. By injecting a little British creativity, we have been pushing the boundaries of hotel design. From the build right down to the finishes in each room, we work with cutting-edge materials and innovative thinkers whose mantra really is, small is beautiful.
The idea is to build very cleverly using the very best materials whilst still making it as cost-effective as possible. And that means we can offer our guests really chic rooms in prime city centre locations at very, very good prices.
Looking for some staycation inspiration? Check out Things to do in Birmingham and start planning your next adventure with BLOC.
Bloc Magazine
Welcome to the 20th issue of Bloc magazine, with a host of intriguing features to get you through the dark winter months.
We are really excited to have acquired another new site, in the heart of Glasgow. We look forward to delivering Bloc to this extremely vibrant part of the city, directly opposite the recently redeveloped Queen Street Station.
The winter issue of our magazine visits Cape Town - dubbed The Mother City, or the Mother of South Africa. It has incredible food and wine offerings as well as mountains and beaches all within easy reach.
We also explore a destination much further afield, with the Von Braun space station and hotel moving closer to reality.
There are the usual features; Meeting the Bloc team, our favourite shows to stream and the pick of Bloc's social media.
Don't forget to sign up to Bloc's VIP Guest List, which makes you eligible for free room upgrades, free coffee and be the first to hear about our blockbuster VIP competitions.
We hope that this magazine provides you with some insight and entertainment on your journey.