Birmingham 2022 city centre festival sites announced

Two major free festival sites will be hosted in Birmingham city centre to bring people together during the Commonwealth Games.

The sites will be located in Victoria Square and Smithfield - which are already key venues for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

Smithfield is hosting arenas for the beach volleyball, basketball 3x3 and wheelchair basketball 3x3 tournaments and Victoria Square is the location for the finish of the marathon on Saturday 30 July.

Working with Birmingham 's independent music organisations, including Amplify Sounds, B:Music, Big Bear Music, Girl Grind UK CIC, Muzikstan, More Than A Moment and VNS Productions, the Victoria Square Festival Site will showcase more than 150 of the region 's best artists and musicians.

As well as a daily schedule which includes sunrise stretch sessions, a disco with Perry the Birmingham 2022 mascot, and a showcase of up-and-coming local talent, the Victoria Square Festival Site will host some special events.

These include watch parties for the Birmingham 2022 Opening Ceremony on 28 July and the Closing Ceremony on 8 August, and a special celebration, including music and cultural acts, to mark the 60th anniversary of Jamaican Independence.

Victoria Square will also be transformed by a new temporary artistic commission by Birmingham-based designer Anjuli McKenna called Connections.

The Smithfield site - previously the location for Birmingham 's wholesale markets - will be a festival of festivals with a different cultural partner taking to the specially commissioned three-sided Beacon Stage every single day, with DJs, live performances and dance moments.

Tim Hodgson, senior producer for Birmingham 2022 Festival and festival sites, said: “The Birmingham 2022 Festival Sites are where sport and culture will combine to provide a fantastic free opportunity for local residents and visitors alike to embrace the Commonwealth Games and celebrate together.

“A giant screen with live coverage will ensure that people can keep up to date with the sporting action, but they will also be entertained throughout the day with a vibrant cultural programme, showcasing established and emerging local talent. ”

“We are so excited to be profiling the incredible creativity of Birmingham and the West Midlands, creating two Festival Sites for everyone to enjoy, with more details to be announced soon.

“The Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games will be a fantastic fortnight of sport, culture and entertainment and we are look forward to welcoming everyone to the party. ”

Pictured: Victoria Square is one of the festival sites