Coming This Summer: Neighbourhood Futures Festival 2025 

For over 125 years, Birmingham Settlement has been at the heart of positive change in the city, working alongside local communities to tackle inequality, support wellbeing, and create opportunities for all. Established in 1899 by social reformers determined to improve the lives of Birmingham’s most deprived communities, the charity’s mission has evolved over the decades, but its core values remain the same: supporting people, strengthening communities, and driving social change. 

Today, Birmingham Settlement operates across north-west Birmingham, with community centres in  Kingstanding, and the Nature & Wellbeing Centre at Edgbaston Reservoir. From financial inclusion and community support services to food banks, charity shops, and environmental projects, their work addresses the challenges of modern life while fostering connection, confidence, and resilience. 

This summer, Birmingham Settlement’s commitment to community wellbeing and environmental action takes centre stage with the Neighbourhood Futures Festival, running from Thursday 26 June to Sunday 29 June 2025 at the Birmingham Settlement Nature & Wellbeing Centre, Edgbaston Reservoir. 

A Celebration of Community, Creativity & Climate Action 

The four-day festival is designed to inspire, engage, and empower. Delivered in collaboration with the University of Birmingham Centre for Urban Wellbeing and an exciting array of local organisations, artists, educators, and activists, the festival explores how global issues—like climate change and social justice—can be addressed right here in Birmingham, one neighbourhood at a time. 

What’s on at Neighbourhood Futures Festival: 

• Arts & Performances 
  Enjoy live music, participatory theatre, immersive storytelling, and creative workshops that celebrate local talent and spark meaningful conversations. 

• Workshops & Talks 
  Gain fresh insight on topics such as climate action, mental health & nature, re-imagining urban spaces, and climate justice, with thought-provoking sessions led by experts and community voices. 

• Activities 
  Get involved with hands-on learning, wellbeing sessions, crafts, practical workshops, and family-friendly fun designed to connect people with nature and each other. 

• Community Fun Days – Saturday 28 & Sunday 29 June 
  Wrap up the festival with two vibrant, family-friendly days celebrating everything that makes our local neighbourhoods special. Expect inclusive sports, accessible performances, arts and crafts, nature-based play, and games for all ages. 

Festival Volunteers Needed! 

Be part of something bigger and help make the Neighbourhood Futures Festival a success! Volunteers play a vital role in creating a welcoming, inclusive environment. Whether it’s stewarding, supporting workshops, helping with set-up, marketing, research, evaluation, or lending a hand in the café, every contribution counts. 

It’s also a fantastic opportunity to: 

• Take action on climate change 

• Meet new people and build friendships 

• Learn new skills and gain experience 

• Boost your confidence 

• Make a meaningful difference in your community 

Interested in joining the festival team? 
Email lizzie.forrester@bsettlement.org.uk to register your interest. 

Corporate Partnerships: Meet Your CSR & Business Goals  

For businesses looking to strengthen their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) commitments while also exploring meaningful collaboration opportunities, partnering with Birmingham Settlement offers a unique proposition. 

From festival sponsorship opportunities championing real environmental action and education, community-led initiatives, and sustainability to team volunteering days, supporting community events, to hiring our geodesic domes or bespoke away day packages at our Nature & Wellbeing Centre—including wellbeing and nature-based activities such as yoga, team sports, and natural crafts—we provide flexible ways to engage with the local community, foster team spirit, and make a real difference.  

To find out how Birmingham Settlement can support your organisation’s goals, contact volunteer@bsettlement.org.uk. 

To find out more about Birmingham Settlement and the Neighbourhood Futures Festival visit the website here.