Call for Colmore District Venues to Join Birmingham Heritage Week 2025

Birmingham Heritage Week 2025 is inviting venues across the Colmore Business District to take part in the city’s annual celebration of culture, history and heritage.

Taking place from 12 to 21 September 2025, the festival returns for its 11th year with a packed 10-day programme supported by key partners including the Birmingham Museums Trust, University of Birmingham, National Trust, William A Cadbury Charitable Trust, and the Birmingham Municipal Charity.

Organisations within the Colmore Business District are now being encouraged to submit expressions of interest to host events, tours, talks or other activities as part of the 2025 programme. The deadline for submissions is 31 July.

Birmingham Heritage Week has found renewed support through a coalition of heritage and cultural champions, along with the backing of all five of the city centre Business Improvement Districts, Colmore BID, Central BID, Jewellery Quarter BID, Southside BID, and Westside BID, which have signed on as media partners for the festival.

The annual event attracts thousands of visitors with over a hundred guided walks, site tours and open houses celebrating the city’s industrial roots, architectural treasures and community stories.

Irene De Boo, the festival’s coordinator, said:

“We are so excited for the return of Heritage Week. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, architecture lover, or simply curious about Birmingham’s past, Heritage Week 2025 promises a fascinating experience for all. This year, we hope to see even more venues in the Colmore area get involved and help us bring hidden parts of the district’s heritage to life.”

Colmore Business District, known for its rich blend of Victorian architecture, historic office buildings, churches and civic spaces, has featured prominently in past festivals. This year’s call is a chance for local businesses, churches, cultural institutions and community groups to shine a light on their unique stories.

Sara Wajid and Zak Mensah, Co-Chief Executives of Birmingham Museums Trust, added:

“This is a powerful reminder of the role heritage plays in our identity and how collective support can keep that spirit alive in Birmingham.”

How to Get Involved:

Organisers interested in planning an event must register using the official form, available by emailing Irene De Boo at Irene.deboo@birminghammuseums.org.uk. Events can be in-person or online, and all applicants are asked to supply a high-quality landscape photo representing the venue or activity. Events must be submitted individually using a separate form per activity.

All participants must hold public liability insurance and adhere to relevant health & safety and safeguarding procedures.

For full guidance and support, including help with ticketing through Eventbrite, organisations are advised to get in touch early. The final registration deadline is Friday 1 August 2025, but expressions of interest must be received by 31 July.

Birmingham Heritage Week 2025 promises to be a standout event on the city’s cultural calendar, offering Colmore District venues a unique opportunity to connect with new audiences, share their stories, and be part of a city-wide celebration of heritage.