Every year you can see festive lights on Floodgate Street in Digbeth (although I think they are there all year round now). Plus at the Custard Factory on Gibb Street Christmas lights and Christmas trees go up every November and December. Popped into The Courtyard this year to find a bit more at Zellig. Comparisons between 2018 and 2020 mostly. In different weather conditions.

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Digbeth Custard Factory and Zellig festive lights


Digbeth Custard Factory and Zellig festive lights


Every year you can see festive lights on Floodgate Street in Digbeth (although I think they are there all year round now). Plus at the Custard Factory on Gibb Street Christmas lights and Christmas trees go up every November and December. Popped into The Courtyard this year to find a bit more at Zellig. Comparisons between 2018 and 2020 mostly. In different weather conditions.


CUSTARD FACTORY AND ZELLIG

DURING THE  CHRISTMAS PERIOD

It's not just Southside, the Bullring, or the Retail area in the City Centre that gets decked out in Christmas lights and trees every November and December. Head down to Digbeth and the Custard Factory. There is lights on Floodgate Street that stretches from under the Bordesley Viaduct towards River Street. Plus the Christmas lights on Gibb Street as well as in The Courtyard at Zellig.

 

Floodgate Street

On the 15th December 2018 around 4:30pm, I was walking from Eastside (after checking out Ice Skate Birmingham at the time). Then headed towards Floodgate Street in atrocious weather. It was freezing, sleeting and raining. This was close to Little Ann Street.

dndimg alt="Floodgate St lights 2018" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Floodgate St lights Digbeth (Dec 2018) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The rain made interesting affects with the lights. Entrance to the Custard Factory over the River Rea bridge to the right.

dndimg alt="Floodgate St lights 2018" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Floodgate St lights Digbeth (Dec 2018) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

 

On the evening of the 12th December 2020. Approaching the lights on Floodgate Street in Digbeth under the Bordesley Viaduct. This was around 4:45pm, with the entrance to the Custard Factory on the right.

dndimg alt="Floodgate St lights" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Floodgate St Digbeth lights 12122020 (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The lights stretch past the Gent 48 street art on the left towards River Street. You can also see them from the bus in the evening on the Digbeth High Street, looking down Floodgate Street (just look left).

dndimg alt="Floodgate St lights" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Floodgate St Digbeth lights 12122020 (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Gibb Street

On the 15th December 2018 around 4:35pm on Gibb Street at the Custard Factory. Having crossed over the River Rea bridge and under the Bordesley Viaduct, it was still really cold and wet. But my first view of the Christmas lights on Gibb Street, despite the weather.

dndimg alt="Gibb St Christmas lights 2018" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Gibb St lights Custard Factory (Dec 2018) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

"Oh the weather outside was frightful ...". Yes, but not festive weather, heavy rain and sleet. Christmas trees on Gibb Street outside of Besoke Framing.

dndimg alt="Gibb St Christmas lights 2018" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Gibb St lights Custard Factory (Dec 2018) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

More Christmas trees on Gibb Street. At the time was a giant wall painting of (the now late) Sir Sean Connery.

dndimg alt="Gibb St Christmas lights 2018" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Gibb St lights Custard Factory (Dec 2018) (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Heading to the end of Gibb Street near Clink. Zellig on the right. Was glad to get to the bus stop on High Street Deritend.

dndimg alt="Gibb St Christmas lights 2018" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Gibb St lights Custard Factory (Dec 2018) (5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Much better weather on Gibb Street on the 12th December 2020, around 4:45pm. A lady and her daughter near the Christmas tree.

dndimg alt="Gibb St Christmas lights 2020" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Gibb St lights Custard Factory 12122020 (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

A close up look at the main Gibb Street Christmas tree near the yellow rimmed pool.

dndimg alt="Gibb St Christmas lights 2020" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Gibb St lights Custard Factory 12122020 (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

It looks so much better in dry weather. NHS blue heart on the left by Fokawolf. The Custard Factory Digbeth Reception on the right.

dndimg alt="Gibb St Christmas lights 2020" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Gibb St lights Custard Factory 12122020 (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Another Christmas tree outside of The Old Library near the end of Gibb Street.

dndimg alt="Gibb St Christmas lights 2020" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Gibb St lights Custard Factory 12122020 (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Zellig and The Courtyard

Pair of Christmas trees at the entrance to Zellig seen on the 6th December 2019 around 4:10pm. The first one near the Matrix sign.

dndimg alt="Zellig Xmas tree 2019" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Xmas tree Zellig (Dec 2019) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The second one as you head into Zellig.

dndimg alt="Zellig Xmas tree 2019" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Xmas tree Zellig (Dec 2019) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Was a couple more Christmas trees inside of Zellig, near the Reception and Shops sign.

dndimg alt="Zellig Christmas trees 2019" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Zellig Custard Factory (Dec 2019).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

A quick look at The Courtyard at The Custard Factory. Entrance from Gibb Street. Seen on the 12th December 2020 around 4:45pm.

dndimg alt="The Courtyard" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/The Courtyard Custard Factory 12122020 (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The Christmas lights in The Courtyard during Blue Hour. Towards the Factory Works, NO64 and Chance & Counters.

dndimg alt="The Courtyard" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/The Courtyard Custard Factory 12122020 (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

There was a Christmas tree to the right of the giant lion sculpture.

dndimg alt="The Courtyard" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/The Courtyard Custard Factory 12122020 (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Photos taken by Elliott Brown. Can be found on Twitter: ellrbrown