Dancing, street food and music over bank holiday

The August bank holiday weekend is a time for celebration and fun in the West Midlands, with a wide range of events and activities for everyone to enjoy. Whether you are looking for a lively festival, a relaxing day out with family, or a chance to experience new music and food, there is something happening in every corner of the region. From Birmingham to Shropshire, communities are coming together to make the most of the summer holiday.

In Birmingham, the city centre will be buzzing with the Birmingham Weekender, a free festival running from Saturday through the bank holiday. Visitors can expect to see aerial dancers, street performers, and colourful carnival displays. There will be pop-up experiences and installations, making it a great place for families and friends to explore. Kings Heath is hosting the Páirc Summer Series at the Irish Centre, which is described as the biggest celebration of Irish music and culture in the area. On 24 August, Afrobeats N Brunch will bring the sounds and flavours of Africa to Digbeth, offering a unique brunch experience with music and food. Wolverhampton Art Gallery is showcasing the largest-ever exhibition of UK hobbies, featuring objects created, modified, or collected by hobbyists from across the country.

Coventry and Warwickshire are also joining in the festivities. Warwick's BIG Summer Market will take over Market Square on bank holiday Monday, offering arts, crafts, local produce, street food, and entertainment. The town's Horticultural and Allotment Show will run from 24 to 25 August, celebrating flowers, vegetables, and baking, with craft stalls and a tea tent for visitors to enjoy. In Hereford and Worcester, the Ledbury Carnival returns on 25 August, featuring fairground rides, bands, stalls, dance displays, and a lively carnival procession. The Ross Regatta in Ross-on-Wye is a charitable event with boat racing, live music, and duck racing. St Owen's Cross will host an outdoor summer fiesta at The New Inn on 26 August, promising live music, al fresco dining, and cocktails. The Bewdley Beer Festival will run from Thursday through the bank holiday weekend, offering a variety of beers and entertainment.

Shropshire has plenty to offer as well. The Shrewsbury Folk Festival is a family and dog-friendly event with live music across several stages, running from Friday to 25 August. Steam enthusiasts can visit the Shrewsbury Steam Rally at Onslow Park, which features over 1,200 exhibits including steam engines, vintage tractors, and classic cars, along with craft stalls and fairground rides. The White Horse Pulverbatch Beer Festival will offer real ales, ciders, live music, and food. The Telford Balloon Fiesta will fill the sky with colourful balloons and provide family activities and live music. In Staffordshire, the Single Parent Festival at Sherratts Wood is designed for children to play and parents to meet new friends. The Penkridge Open Air Festival near Cannock will feature live performances from acts like the Vengaboys, Boney M, and The Weather Girls. With so many events happening, there is no shortage of ways to enjoy the bank holiday weekend in the West Midlands.