Free West Midlands Weekenders announced

The West Midlands Culture Response Unit (WMCRU) are today pleased to announce a brand-new series of events for the region, West Midlands Weekenders. Running over three weekends; Saturday 29th August, Saturday 5th September and Saturday 26th  September, the WM Weekenders will each carry their own theme. Together they will showcase the diversity and innovation of the region’s arts, creating culture in new ways to keep the West Midlands on the map.

West Midlands Weekenders is the second series of events organised by the WMCRU, who previously produced the one-day Midsummer Festival in June. The team has been created to co-ordinate, develop and deliver an action-orientated, response by over 100 arts organisations in the West Midlands to the Covid-19 crisis in the short, medium and long term. Led by Culture Central, WMCRU’s purpose is to ensure the visibility, viability and recovery of the Cultural Sector in the West Midlands.

Saturday 29th August
The first Weekender kick starts on August Bank Holiday – traditionally a weekend of culture, celebration and connection.

Artists from across the region will respond to the theme of ‘Ritual’ with pre-recorded, live stream and in person gatherings. As we bring together the many voices and communities of the West Midlands, there’ll be a dance, independent artists, singers, poets, installations, experimentation, all hosted live by Birmingham Opera Company and Friction Arts.

Saturday 5th September  

Produced by Outdoor Places Unusual Spaces (OPUS), the second weekend takes on the theme of ‘firsts’. Audiences will navigate their way through an afternoon and evening of firsts from artists around the West Midlands, culminating in a special centenary celebration from the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO).

Saturday 26th September  

The closing Weekender will round the trilogy off with a day festival celebrating and platforming some of the regions young creatives exploring all things arts, culture and heritage under the theme of Democratising Creativity & Culture. Not only will themes of democracy be explored (in its broadest sense) throughout the programme, but audiences and participants will get an opportunity to be a part of steering the festival content with three regional young producers, Aksana Khan, Diandra McCalla and Paige Jackson. Get ready to turn the tables!

Erica Love, Director of Culture Central said: “The West Midlands Weekenders build upon the success and spirit of June’s Midsummer Festival, with a collaborative and imaginative approach that celebrates the region’s diverse arts and culture sector.”

“The three Weekenders are a great opportunity to showcase new and upcoming talent, as well as well-known West Midlands organisations and will give audiences a chance to take part, discover new artists and be entertained.”

More information on the three West Midlands Weekenders, including full line-ups and running times will be released in the coming weeks on makeitwm.com.