Award-winning ‘Christmas in Cathedral Square’ returns to Birmingham 

The award-winning Christmas in Cathedral Square event is returning to Birmingham for the second year running. 

Delivered in partnership by Colmore BID, Birmingham City Council, Danter Attractions Limited and Birmingham Cathedral, Christmas in the Cathedral Square will take place in the grounds of Birmingham Cathedral between Wednesday 16 November – Sunday 18 December 2022, offering guests a variety of crafts, gifts and food and drink stalls. 

To celebrate the opening of the event, the partnership is holding an official launch at the Cathedral grounds, which everyone is welcome to attend, on 16 November from 6-8pm.  

At the launch, visitors can enjoy a free evening of entertainment including the Christmas tree lights switch-on with guests including Birmingham City Council Leader Councillor Ian Ward, Glynn Purnell, Chef at Michelin star restaurant Purnell’s and Andrew Ryan, the Dame at this year’s festive pantomime, Dick Whittington. The Very Reverend Matt Thompson, Dean of Birmingham will also bless the market on the opening night. 

Over the course of the event, visitors to Christmas in Cathedral Square can expect music from local artists and Luxury Live Music, a penguin trail and traditional crafts, ornaments, and gifts from an array of independent Midland businesses. Stalls include Ya Creates, Little Moo Studio and Let it Bee.  

There will also be a selection of pop-up food and drink vendors, as well as the return of the infamous Pigeon in the Park pub. Vendors include Purecraft Bar and Kitchen, Vagabond Wines and Hookways. 

Leader of Birmingham City Council Cllr Ian Ward said:  

‘’Every year, Birmingham’s festive events are something that those from the city and beyond look forward to. Following a successful year for Birmingham with the 2022 Commonwealth Games, we’re excited to be working with Colmore BID, Danter Attractions Limited and Birmingham Cathedral to host Christmas in Cathedral Square for the second year running.  

‘’With a variety of Midland-based independents setting up stalls at the market and local artists performing, this is also a chance to highlight the diversity of our region and celebrate all it has to offer.”  

Michele Wilby, CEO of Colmore BID said:  

‘’Following the success of last year’s Christmas in Cathedral Square, we are bringing the joy and festive spirit back to Colmore Business District and Birmingham at a time when we all need it most.  

‘’The award-winning Christmas in the Cathedral event is not only a chance for us to support our independent businesses and celebrate local talent, but it’s also a great way for families to come together, socialise and reflect on an amazing year for the city. 

‘’We want this month-long event to be something that not only those who work in the District enjoy and look forward to, but also local people and visitors from across the Midlands. We hope to leave all those visiting with joyful memories that they will cherish forever.  

‘’I want to thank our partners, Birmingham City Council, Danter Attractions Limited and Birmingham Cathedral for helping to deliver the second Christmas in Cathedral Square event.’’ 

Anna Pitt, CEO of Birmingham Cathedral, further commented: 

“To welcome visitors into our stunning cathedral and surroundings is a real joy for us, and so we are excited to be hosting Christmas in Cathedral Square again this year. 

‘’Birmingham Cathedral is also free for visitors to come inside. During the darker evenings over the winter, our remarkable Burne-Jones windows offer a stunning backdrop from both inside and out. 

‘’We will be holding a range of traditional services and inspiring concerts for all to enjoy this Christmas, so we recommend that anyone visiting the market also checks our website for upcoming events.” 

Christmas in Cathedral Square is open on Monday – Wednesday from 11am-8pm, Thursday – Saturday from 11am-9pm and Sunday from 12pm-8pm.  

The market will run from 16 November – 18 December 2022.  

For more information, and to download the Christmas in Cathedral Square map visit: www.colmorebusinessdistrict.com/christmas-2022.  

You can also follow Colmore BID’s Twitter and Instagram page for live updates.