Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz on Kent Street at Sidewalk in Southside

The Dorothy street art popped up unexpectedly after Easter 2024, on Kent Street, with a ruby red slipper on the line above. On some doors of the Sidewalk gay bar. But by chance The Wizard of Oz will be playing at the Birmingham Hippodrome in June 2024. Is it Joe, as it's not Banksy? Photos from Birmingham We Are's Jack Babington and Elliott Brown. Who run our Instagram page.

The Wizard of Oz at the Birmingham Hippodrome from 11th to 16th June 2024, starring Craig Revel Horwood as The Wicked Witch of the West.

The owners of Sidewalk did not expect to find Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz on their building, on a pair of doors. It quickly got into the media, is it a Banksy? No. Who is it by? It is by Joe Lycett? We are not sure yet. Probably not by Disney B32. Perspex has been put over the artwork to protect it. There is also a pair of ruby red slippers on the phone line wire above Kent Street in the Gay Village (Southside BID).

dndimg alt="Dorothy" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Dorothy%20WoO%20Kent%20St%20Jack%2006042024%20(1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Dorothy" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Dorothy%20WoO%20Kent%20St%20Jack%2006042024%20(2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Dorothy" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Dorothy%20WoO%20Kent%20St%20Jack%2006042024%20(3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Dorothy" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Dorothy%20WoO%20Kent%20St%20Jack%2006042024%20(4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Dorothy" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Dorothy%20WoO%20Kent%20St%20Jack%2006042024%20(5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Photography by Jack Babington | Pro Photography Pictures

You will find Dorothy is you make your way to Hurst Street in Southside, when you find Sidewalk, then turn onto Kent Street. She is on the doors. This visit during Storm Kathleen so it was trying to rain, and was a bit windy, like Dorothy flying away in the house from Kansas to the Land of Oz!

dndimg alt="Dorothy" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Dorothy%20WoO%20Sidewalk%20Kent%20St%2007042024%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Dorothy" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Dorothy%20WoO%20Sidewalk%20Kent%20St%2007042024%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Dorothy" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Dorothy%20WoO%20Sidewalk%20Kent%20St%2007042024%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Dorothy" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Dorothy%20WoO%20Sidewalk%20Kent%20St%2007042024%20(4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Photography by Elliott Brown | Ell R Brown 82

Go here for our post on Facebook: Dorothy FB. And on Instagram: Dorothy Insta.

Funder City at Moat Lane from Danter Attractions

Digbeth Fun Fair is back for the fourth year. Second time at the Smithfield Festival Site, but near Moat Lane (unlike the Beach @ Smithfield in Summer 2023 near Pershore Street). Started 14th March and runs to the 7th April 2024. In time for the up and coming Easter holidays.

FUNDER CITY THE DIGBETH FUN FAIR.

Danter Attractions is holding their fourth fun fair in Digbeth / Southside in four years, but the second year at Smithfield. It opened on the 14th March and is open daily until the 7th April 2024, during the Easter holidays period.

The same rides as before, some of which were last used at Ice Skate Birmingham. Others return from the last Digbeth Fun Fair, called at the time Beach @ Smithfield (July to August 2023).

The view from Digbeth near Enterprise Rent a Car, and the Eastside Metro extension (just before Alcester Street on the Digbeth High Street).

dndimg alt="Funder City" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Funder%20City%20Digbeth%2015032024%20(1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

From Mill Lane near Birmingham Coach Station, towards Bradford Street. Buildings on right were demolished recently, Bullring Autocentre (Strictly MOT before that) and Sutton Florists (previously the Leather Company, and Fonz Leathers before that).

dndimg alt="Funder City" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Funder%20City%20Digbeth%2015032024%20(2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

A carousel ride seen near Bradford Street.

dndimg alt="Funder City" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Funder%20City%20Digbeth%2015032024%20(3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Fun House

dndimg alt="Funder City" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Funder%20City%20Digbeth%2015032024%20(4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Birmingham Big Wheel returns again.

dndimg alt="Funder City" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Funder%20City%20Digbeth%2015032024%20(5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Funder City from 14th March to 7th April 2024 open day, Moat Lane City Centre, B5 5BD. Best to get the bus here (or train), don't go in your car!

dndimg alt="Funder City" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Funder%20City%20Digbeth%2015032024%20(6).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Onto Moat Lane. The fun fair is where the concrete Moat Lane Car Park was until it was demolished a few years ago.

dndimg alt="Funder City" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Funder%20City%20Digbeth%2015032024%20(7).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The Welcome entrance, it's been used at many fun fairs in Birmingham over the years, even one that was at the Curzon Street HS2 site back in 2010!

dndimg alt="Funder City" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Funder%20City%20Digbeth%2015032024%20(8).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Upper Dean Street view, some demolition rubble.

dndimg alt="Funder City" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Funder%20City%20Digbeth%2015032024%20(9).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

And to the Bullring, up to the balcony near St Martin in the Bullring for one last view before going into the West Mall.

dndimg alt="Funder City" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Funder%20City%20Digbeth%2015032024%20(10).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

A few days later, and it was St Patrick's Day. View from the Bullring on the balcony behind Browns Birmingham.

dndimg alt="Funder City" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Funder%20City%20Smithfield%2017032024%20(1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

A view from Moor Street Car Park level 8 through the safety barrier fence.

dndimg alt="Funder City" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Funder%20City%20Smithfield%2017032024%20(2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Funder City in full swing from Moat Lane, as I walked to check out the St Patrick's Day Parade on Bradford Street.

dndimg alt="Funder City" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Funder%20City%20Smithfield%2017032024%20(3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Photography by Elliott Brown

Lunar New Year 2023: The Year of the Rabbit in Birmingham

The Lunar New Year celebrations kicked off at the Bullring & Grand Central on Saturday 21st January 2023 with the Traditional Lion Dance from Choy Lee Fut Lion and Dragon Dance Team, orgainised by the Chinese Festival Committee Birmingham. There was also events in Southside at Hippodrome Square and The Arcadian on Sunday 22nd January 2023. Happy Chinese New Year!

Saturday 21st January 2023 at Bullring & Grand Central Birmingham

Chinese Lion Procession (Beginning at 'The Bull')

The festivities began around 12pm at The Bull. Birmingham We Are's Elliott Brown popped up to Costa Coffee inside Next at the Bullring, and after buying a coffee, was able to get a table for the views. After they left Rotunda Square, and went down St Martin's Walk, it was time to leave Costa @ Next and head to the West Mall 2nd floor balcony view!

dndimg alt="Chinese Lion dance" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/CPL%20Bullring%2021012023%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Chinese Lion dance" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/CPL%20Bullring%2021012023%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Chinese Lion dance" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/CPL%20Bullring%2021012023%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Chinese Lion dance" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/CPL%20Bullring%2021012023%20(4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Chinese Lion dance" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/CPL%20Bullring%2021012023%20(5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Chinese Lion dance" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/CPL%20Bullring%2021012023%20(6).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Chinese Lion dance" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/CPL%20Bullring%2021012023%20(7).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Chinese Lion dance" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/CPL%20Bullring%2021012023%20(8).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Chinese Lion dance" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/CPL%20Bullring%2021012023%20(9).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Chinese Lion dance" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/CPL%20Bullring%2021012023%20(10).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />Photography by Elliott Brown

Traditional Lion Dance at the Bullring

The Choy Lee Fut Lion and Dragon Dance Team walking in with the their dancing lions and drums on the ground floor of the Bullring, was a great view from the 2nd floor balcony, many people were watching. After introductions from the MC and James Wong, the drummers really showed their stuff to the crowd! Would be more events during the day, but this was all that I wanted to see, and it hurts to stand on one spot for too long.

dndimg alt="Chinese Lion dance" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/TLD%20Bullring%2021012023%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Chinese Lion dance" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/TLD%20Bullring%2021012023%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Chinese Lion dance" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/TLD%20Bullring%2021012023%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Chinese Lion dance" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/TLD%20Bullring%2021012023%20(4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Chinese Lion dance" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/TLD%20Bullring%2021012023%20(5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Chinese Lion dance" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/TLD%20Bullring%2021012023%20(6).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Chinese Lion dance" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/TLD%20Bullring%2021012023%20(7).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Chinese Lion dance" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/TLD%20Bullring%2021012023%20(8).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Chinese Lion dance" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/TLD%20Bullring%2021012023%20(9).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Chinese Lion dance" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/TLD%20Bullring%2021012023%20(10).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />Photography by Elliott Brown

Sunday 22nd January 2023 around Southside

Lunar New Year Celebrations in Hippodrome Square

For the first time in 3 years (since January 2020 before the pandemic), they had a stage set up in Hippodrome Square, and it drew a large crowd of people, a little bit too crowded, and not enough room to walk out of the area. The Chinese lion dancers and drummers went on stage early on, after the procession from The Arcadian.

dndimg alt="Southside" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Stage%20LNY%20HSq%2022012023%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Southside" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Stage%20LNY%20HSq%2022012023%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Southside" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Stage%20LNY%20HSq%2022012023%20(4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Southside" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Stage%20LNY%20HSq%2022012023%20(5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Southside" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Stage%20LNY%20HSq%2022012023%20(6).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />Photography by Elliott Brown

Ladywell Walk

There was a carousel on Ladywell Walk near Hippodrome Square, as well as a balloon arch. The procession from The Arcadian went up here to the stage.

dndimg alt="Ladywell Walk" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/LNY%20Ladywell%20Walk%202201223.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />Photography by Elliott Brown

Hurst Street

On Hurst Street, south of the Hippodrome was various market stalls and fun fair rides. Was a bit crowded at this end.

dndimg alt="Hurst Street" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/LNY%20Hurst%20St%2022012023.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />Photography by Elliott Brown

There was also a ride called Hysteria on Hurst Street, close to the Missing bar and Bromsgrove Street. On the roads that were open, was a lot of traffic around. Was also a teacup ride at this end.

dndimg alt="Hysteria" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Hysteria%20HS%2022012023%20(1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Hysteria" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Hysteria%20HS%2022012023%20(2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Hysteria" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Hysteria%20HS%2022012023%20(3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Hysteria" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Hysteria%20HS%2022012023%20(4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Hysteria" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Hysteria%20HS%2022012023%20(5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />Photography by Elliott Brown

The Arcadian

The procession of the lion dance started in the arena here, before proceeding to Ladywell Walk and Hippodrome Square.

dndimg alt="The Arcadian" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/LNY%20Arcadian%2022012023.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />Photography by Elliott Brown

dndimg alt="Lunar New Year" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/LNY%20Jack%2022012023%20(1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Lunar New Year" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/LNY%20Jack%2022012023%20(2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Lunar New Year" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/LNY%20Jack%2022012023%20(3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Lunar New Year" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/LNY%20Jack%2022012023%20(4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Lunar New Year" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/LNY%20Jack%2022012023%20(5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />Photography by Jack Babington

MasterChef champion Dan Lee was also in Southside with his trophy.

dndimg alt="Lunar New Year" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/LNY%20Jack%2022012023%20(6).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />Photography by Jack Babington

Floral canopy on Hurst Walk and rainbow bunting at The Arcadian

If you are walking around Southside / the Chinese Quarter during Summer 2022, be sure to check out the floral canopy on Hurst Walk (enter from Hurst Street) and the rainbow bunting inside of The Arcadian. Best viewed from the upper walkway before heading to the steps near Cathay Street and exit to Pershore Street.

Five photos in this post.

Head down Hurst Street from Smallbrook Queensway, and enter Hurst Walk.

It's the one with the rainbow path on it (the other one of Ladywell Walk has been tarmaced over during the Public Realm Works).

Above you, you will see a floral canopy that leads into The Arcadian.

dndimg alt="The Arcadian" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/RB The Arcadian 26052022 (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="The Arcadian" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/RB The Arcadian 26052022 (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

You now see there is colourful rainbow bunting in the central arena part of The Arcadian. Just walk around the upper path past the bars / restaurants to see from above, or head down the steps. If you stay on the upper path, it leads around to the steps above Cathay Street, and the exit to Pershore Street.

dndimg alt="The Arcadian" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/RB The Arcadian 26052022 (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="The Arcadian" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/RB The Arcadian 26052022 (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="The Arcadian" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/RB The Arcadian 26052022 (5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Photography by Elliott Brown

Chinese New Year 2020 and 2022 in Birmingham

The Birmingham Chinese Festival Committee and Birmingham Hippodrome were back again at the Bullring & Grand Central. Once again in the West Mall performance area, just outside of the former entrances of Debenhams. I forgot that they last performed there in late January 2020. So this was their first performance in a little over two years!

Happy Chinese New Year.  There was no dancing Chinese lions / dragons in 2021, but they are back in the first week of February 2022!

The Birmingham Chinese Festival Committee, took the dancing lion / dragon all over Birmingham and Solihull. I was not able to be where they were, as much as I would have liked to see it. So below will have to do.

I've not been able to get the dancing lion / dragon, since I got the yellow one at Cathedral Square in 2018.

January 2020

It was Chinese New Year, and that year it was the Year of the Rat. A little over two months later the first lockdown began, and this seemed like a distant memory.

Photos below taken on 23rd January 2020.

The Bullring Bull in it's Chinese New Year of the Rat outfit. Two years later (2022) the Bull does not have an outfit on (for the Year of the Tiger). But nice to look two years back (to a couple of months before the first lockdown).

dndimg alt="Chinese New Year" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/CNY of the Rat Bullring bull (Jan 20) (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Chinese New Year" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/CNY of the Rat Bullring bull (Jan 20) (3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Chinese New Year" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/CNY of the Rat Bullring bull (Jan 20) (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Photos below taken on the 25th January 2020.

These views from the top floor balcony in the West Mall of Bullring & Grand Central. The Birmingham Chinese Festival Committee putting on a display. It was crowded on all floors.

dndimg alt="CNY Bullring" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/CNY 2020 Bullring 25012020 (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="CNY Bullring" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/CNY 2020 Bullring 25012020 (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="CNY Bullring" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/CNY 2020 Bullring 25012020 (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

February 2022

Photos below taken 1st February 2022.

Chinese New Year, the Year of the Rat began on the 1st February 2022. The Birmingham Chinese Festival Committee were performing all over the City, and in Solihull on the 1st and 2nd February. But I kept missing them, so got the below instead.

Southside Media Eye at Birmingham New Street Station - Welcome to the Year of the Rat.

dndimg alt="Chinese New Year" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Tiger BNSS BRGC 01022022.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Ming Moon Chinese Restaurant & Karaoke Bar. Chinese lanterns seen on Hurst Street.

dndimg alt="Chinese New Year" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ming Moon CNY 01022022.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Birmingham Hippodrome on Hurst Street. Digital billboard wishing you a Happy (Chinese) New Year!

dndimg alt="Chinese New Year" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BH Hurst St 01022022 (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Photos below taken on 5th February 2022.

Two years later, and the Birmingham Chinese Festival Committee and Birmingham Hippodrome were back with more performances in the Bullring West Mall. This time I took them from the middle floor balcony. Crowds of people on all floors, was hard to get a spot, so took a few photos over peoples heads.

dndimg alt="CNY Bullring" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/CNY 2022 Bullring 05022022 (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="CNY Bullring" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/CNY 2022 Bullring 05022022 (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="CNY Bullring" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/CNY 2022 Bullring 05022022 (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="CNY Bullring" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/CNY 2022 Bullring 05022022 (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="CNY Bullring" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/CNY 2022 Bullring 05022022 (5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Join us for spectacular Chinese New Year Celebrations. 5th February, 12pm - 5pm. Seen on the Media Eye at Birmingham New Street Station, facing the Bullring. View from the Moor Street Link Bridge.

dndimg alt="Chinese New Year" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/HNYC Grand Central BNSS 05022022.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Photos below taken on 6th February 2022.

From the 1st to 5th February 2022, I kept missing seeing the dancing Chinese lion with the drums. Then managed to get them on The Queen's 70th Anniversary of her Asccension. I saw them at The Arcadian while they were on Cathay Street.

dndimg alt="Cathay St Arcadian" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/CNY Cathay St Arcadian 06022022 (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Cathay St Arcadian" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/CNY Cathay St Arcadian 06022022 (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Gent 48 street art on Wrottesley Street in Southside. Part of the same mural that is on Bath Passage. Seen from Ladywell Walk, opposite The Arcadian.

dndimg alt="Chinese New Year" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Gent 48 Wrottesley St Sside 06022022.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

On Hurst Street. Lamppost with Chinese lanterns. Below is a Birmingham 2022 banner, Be Bold Be Birmingham. Ahead is the unpleasant concrete eyesore over Smallbrook Queensway, with graffiti that urgently needs removing. Or the building demolishing.

dndimg alt="Chinese New Year" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Hurst St BBBB Chinese 06022022.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

A Gent 48 piece at the end of Smallbrook Queensway near Holloway Circus and Horse Fair. Of a Panda. It's been here since at least 2019 (I took another photo of it when I first saw it three years ago).

dndimg alt="Chinese New Year" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Gent 48 SMQ Panda 06022022.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Photos taken by Elliott Brown can also be found on Twitter: ellrbrown

Over the Moon Lantern Installation at The Arcadian

Over the Moon is a Netflix film (with a limited cinema release), and to promote it, they are having a Lantern Installation at The Arcadian in the Chinese Quarter / Southside. I popped by on Sunday lunchtime, but these can also be seen lit up after dark. A bit like those Magical Lantern displays in years gone by. It is free. I believe they will be up until the middle of November 2020.

Over the Moon appears to be a new Netflix film. And to promote it, there is a Lantern Installation at The Arcadian in Southside / Chinese Quarter. It is viewable from the central circular area. It has been on display from the last few weeks of October 2020, and I think it will still be there until the middle of November 2020.

More details on Over the Moon. The film was released in select cinemas on the 16th October 2020 and on Netflix on the 23rd October 2020. It is a computer animated film.

Gallery below of the laterns in the daylight. But you could see them after dark to get the full effect. Now we are back in Greenwich Mean Time, it might be dark enough after 5pm or 6pm GMT.

dndimg alt="Over the Moon" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Over the Moon Arcadian (Oct 2020) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Over the Moon" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Over the Moon Arcadian (Oct 2020) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Over the Moon" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Over the Moon Arcadian (Oct 2020) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Over the Moon" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Over the Moon Arcadian (Oct 2020) (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Over the Moon" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Over the Moon Arcadian (Oct 2020) (5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Over the Moon" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Over the Moon Arcadian (Oct 2020) (6).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Over the Moon" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Over the Moon Arcadian (Oct 2020) (7).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Over the Moon" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Over the Moon Arcadian (Oct 2020) (8).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Over the Moon" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Over the Moon Arcadian (Oct 2020) (9).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Over the Moon" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Over the Moon Arcadian (Oct 2020) (10).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Over the Moon" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Over the Moon Arcadian (Oct 2020) (11).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

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

Rainbow stripes and roadside outdoor seating around Southside

The Southside BID was able to make a deal with Birmingham City Council, so they could close off roads on the remaining weekends of August 2020. As well as the painted rainbow crossings, they have also had rainbow stripes put up, such as on Hurst Walk and on Kent Street. Outdoor seating to encourage social distancing outside while enjoying a drink.

The Southside BID was able to get Birmingham City Council to agree to road closures over the last couple of weekends of August 2020. So Hurst Street, Bromsgrove Street and Kent Street were closed (no cars allowed). Tables and chairs were set up, and barriers placed at both ends. You will also find recent installations of rainbow stripes. First was on Hurst Walk at The Arcadian (above the second rainbow crossing) and more recently above Kent Street.

Hippodrome Square

Thursday 20th August 2020 (not at the weekend). A few more views of the Cross with Pride rainbow crossing, and people sitting on the picnic benches on Ladywell Walk. Between the Mapstone Building and The Arcadian.

dndimg alt="Hippodrome Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Cross with Pride Southside 20082020 (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Hippodrome Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Cross with Pride Southside 20082020 (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Hurst Walk, The Arcadian

On Saturday 22nd August 2020, in The Arcadian. There is now rainbow multicoloured stripes above Hurst Walk. Between Las Iguanas and The Dragon Inn. It was raining that day.

dndimg alt="The Arcadian" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Rainbow Strip Hurst Walk Arcadian 22082020 (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="The Arcadian" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Rainbow Strip Hurst Walk Arcadian 22082020 (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="The Arcadian" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Rainbow Strip Hurst Walk Arcadian 22082020 (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Bromsgrove Street

Seen on Sunday 30th August 2020. Heading up Bromsgrove Street from Pershore Street. Then onto Hurst Street near the Missing Bar.

dndimg alt="Bromsgrove Street" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Outdoor seating Bromsgrove St Southside 30082020.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

I later got these views of Bromsgrove Street, while crossing from Essex Street to Lower Essex Street to get to Kent Street. Road closed, drivers had to find an alternative route.

dndimg alt="Bromsgrove Street" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Outdoor seating Bromsgrove St Southside 30082020 (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Safety barriers for pedestrians on Bromsgrove Street, and in the car park on the right.

dndimg alt="Bromsgrove Street" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Outdoor seating Bromsgrove St Southside 30082020 (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Hurst Street

Seen on Sunday 30th August 2020. The Missing Bar on Hurst Street.

dndimg alt="Hurst Street" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Outdoor seating Hurst St Southside 30082020 (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Looking towards the (closed) Hippodrome past The Arcadian. Tables and chairs outside.

dndimg alt="Hurst Street" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Outdoor seating Hurst St Southside 30082020 (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Later after checking out Kent Street, got this view towards Tesco Express and the Missing Bar.

dndimg alt="Hurst Street" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Outdoor seating Hurst St Southside 30082020 (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Then down towards the Village Inn. With these security barriers.

dndimg alt="Hurst Street" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Outdoor seating Hurst St Southside 30082020 (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Saw some new rainbow banners at The Village Inn near Skinner Lane.

dndimg alt="Hurst Street" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Outdoor seating Hurst St Southside 30082020 (5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Hurst Street" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Outdoor seating Hurst St Southside 30082020 (6).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Kent Street

Seen on Sunday 30th August 2020. Kent Street was closed between Lower Essex Street and Hurst Street. Seen near the Nightingale Club.

dndimg alt="Kent Street" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Outdoor seating Kent St Southside 30082020 (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Rainbow ribbons / stripes had been installed over the last week, just in time for the Bank Holiday Weekend. Looks nice.

dndimg alt="Kent Street" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Outdoor seating Kent St Southside 30082020 (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Kent Street" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Outdoor seating Kent St Southside 30082020 (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Kent Street" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Outdoor seating Kent St Southside 30082020 (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Kent Street" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Outdoor seating Kent St Southside 30082020 (5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Photos taken by Elliott Brown.

Follow me on Twitter here ellrbrown.

Cross with Pride in the Southside Business District

In the middle of August 2020, two rainbow crossings were painted in the Southside BID. The first in Hippodrome Square, where Hurst Street meets Ladywell Walk. The second on Hurst Walk in The Arcadian. Part of Cross with Pride. Sharing the Chinese Quarter with the Gay Village.

CROSS WITH PRIDE

Click here for the renamed Twitter account of the Southside BID. Now Southside District Birmingham (formerly Enjoy Southside, so links to their old Twitter handle no longer works).

Delayed due to the pandemic / lockdown, two sets of rainbow crossings have been painted in Southside. One on Hurst Street near Ladywell Walk (Hippodrome Square), and the other one in The Arcadian, located on Hurst Walk.

According to our friends over at Brum Hour they were painted the artists James Gavina Cowper and Matthew Stephens. The 2020 Birmingham Pride Festival should have taken place in May, but was cancelled for obvious reasons. Hurst Street will be closed for 6 weekends from the 15th August 2020, so that local businesses can put out tables and chairs, so people can eat and drink outside.

Hippodrome Square

The Rainbow Crossing seen on the 11th August 2020 in Hippodrome Square. At the time still behind barriers, but they were removed later that day. Located at the end of Ladywell Walk at the junction with Hurst Street. Traffic no longer goes around here since it was closed off years ago and bollards installed.

dndimg alt="Rainbow Crossing" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Rainbow Crossing (Aug 2020) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Rainbow Crossing" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Rainbow Crossing (Aug 2020) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Popped back to Southside on the 13th August 2020, now that I was aware that the Rainbow Crossing wasn't behind barriers any more. They also put picnic tables on Ladywell Walk in Hippodrome Square.

dndimg alt="Cross with Pride" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Cross with Pride (Aug 2020) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The hashtag #CrosswithPride was painted on the crossing towards the Hippodrome and The Arcadian.

dndimg alt="Cross with Pride" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Cross with Pride (Aug 2020) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Cross with Pride" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Cross with Pride (Aug 2020) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Cross with Pride" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Cross with Pride (Aug 2020) (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Cross with Pride" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Cross with Pride (Aug 2020) (5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

#CrosswithPride has much interest and is already a focus on some inspired photography in a similar way to Abbey Road became with the help of The Beatles. 

dndimg alt="" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Pride 3.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Photo courtesy Southside BID. 

dndimg alt="" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/pride 1.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Photo courtesy Rewired PR

dndimg alt="" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Pride 2.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Photo courtesy Birmingham City Council 

The Arcadian

The second rainbow crossing was painted on Hurst Walk at The Arcadian. You can get onto it from Hurst Street. Seen on the 13th August 2020. Remember this is still the Chinese Quarter, so many Chinese businesses around here.

dndimg alt="Hurst Walk" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Hurst Walk Arcadian rainbow (Aug 2020) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Hurst Walk" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Hurst Walk Arcadian rainbow (Aug 2020) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Photos taken by Elliott Brown unless where acknowledged. 

Southside Theatres: The Alexandra

The Alexandra Theatre located in the Southside area of Birmingham. The main entrance is on Suffolk Street Queensway, running along Suffolk Place. The original building, opened in 1901 is on Station Street and John Bright Street. The main entrance was originally on John Bright Street, but was relocated to Suffolk Street Queensway in the late 1960s. This was rebuilt in 2018.

The Alexandra Theatre

For another theatre post in Southside currently closed due to the pandemic go to the Birmingham Hippodrome.

The Alexandra Theatre is the second main theatre in Southside Birmingham. Located on Suffolk Street Queensway (the current main entrance is not too far from Holloway Circus). It is also on Suffolk Place, John Bright Street (formerly the main entrance) and up Station Street.

The theatre has gone by many names over the years. Either known as The Alexandra, The Alex or more recently the New Alexandra Theatre (before going back to just The Alexandra Theatre).

Construction of the theatre began in 1900 and it opened in 1901. The main entrance was originally on John Bright Street. The original architects was Owen & Ward and was built by William Coutts. It's original name was the Lyceum Theatre. After low ticket sales, it was sold in 1902 to Lester Collingwood and renamed to the Alexandra Theatre. Collingwood died in road traffic accident in 1910 and he was replaced by Leon Salberg, who died in his office at the theatre in 1938. In 1935 the theatre was rebuilt in the Art Deco style to a design by Roland Satchwell. After Leon Salberg's death, the running of the theatre was taken over by Derek Salberg. The Salberg family ran the theatre from 1911 until 1977.

The main entrance was relocated to Suffolk Street Queensway with a concrete bridge. This was built from 1967-69 from a design by the John Madin Design Group. The Art Deco interior of Satchwell was refurbished in 1992 by the Seymour Harris Partnership.

In the last 25 years the ownership of the theatre has changed hands a few times. In 1995 it was taken over by the Apollo Leisure Group. Who brought many West End productions to The Alex. In 1999 they were bought by SFX Entertainment. In 2001 they merged with Clear Channel Entertainment. In 2006 it was taken over by Live Nation, then in 2011 it was taken over by Ambassador Theatre Group who renamed the theatre New Alexandra Theatre after a minor refurbishment. The main entrance on Suffolk Street Queensway was rebuilt and modernised in 2018 and the theatre was renamed back to The Alexandra Theatre.

Live Nation: The Alexandra Theatre

My earliest photos of The Alexandra was taken from Suffolk Street Queensway during April 2009. Island Bar was next door to the right.

dndimg alt="The Alexandra Theatre" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/The Alex Theatre (April 2009) (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="The Alexandra Theatre" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/The Alex Theatre (April 2009) (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

In February 2010, I got photos from Suffolk Place, John Bright Street and Station Street. Main entrance is on Suffolk Street Queensway. Then over the bridge. At the time the theatre was showing Porridge starring Shaun Williamson as Fletcher (originally played on TV by the late Ronnie Barker). You could see the former main entrance on John Bright Street (from 1901 until the late 1960s).

dndimg alt="Alexandra Theatre" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/The Alex Theatre (Feb 2010) (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Alexandra Theatre" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/The Alex Theatre (Feb 2010) (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Alexandra Theatre" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/The Alex Theatre (Feb 2010) (3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Alexandra Theatre" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/The Alex Theatre (Feb 2010) (4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Alexandra Theatre" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/The Alex Theatre (Feb 2010) (5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Alexandra Theatre" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/The Alex Theatre (Feb 2010) (6).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Alexandra Theatre" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/The Alex Theatre (Feb 2010) (7).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

New Alexandra Theatre

Under new ownership. And now called New Alexandra Theatre as seen in January 2011. A World Class Theatre. At the time the theatre was being used by Britain's Got Talent for auditions. Main entrance building seen on Suffolk Place and opposite from Suffolk Street Queensway.

dndimg alt="New Alex Theatre" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/The Alex Theatre (Jan 2011) (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="New Alex Theatre" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/The Alex Theatre (Jan 2011) (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="New Alex Theatre" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/The Alex Theatre (Jan 2011) (3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="New Alex Theatre" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/The Alex Theatre (Jan 2011) (4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

My only nightshot of the New Alexandra Theatre was taken during December 2012, when the theatre had 9 to 5 by Dolly Parton on at the time.

dndimg alt="New Alex Theatre" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/New Alex Theatre (Dec 2012).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

In May 2017 the New Alexandra Theatre was advertising Arthur Miller's Crucible, from the 5th to 10th June 2017.

dndimg alt="New Alex Theatre" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/New Alex Theatre (May 2017).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The Birmingham Weekender was held during September 2017. And there was inflatable Sky Dancers on the roof of the New Alex. This was held over the weekend from the 22nd to 24th September 2017. Meanwhile the theatre was advertising Cilla The Musical and The Rocky Horror Picture Show.

dndimg alt="New Alex Theatre" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/New Alex Theatre (Sept 2017) (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="New Alex Theatre" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/New Alex Theatre (Sept 2017) (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="New Alex Theatre" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/New Alex Theatre (Sept 2017) (3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="New Alex Theatre" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/New Alex Theatre (Sept 2017) (4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="New Alex Theatre" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/New Alex Theatre (Sept 2017) (5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="New Alex Theatre" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/New Alex Theatre (Sept 2017) (6).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

The Alexandra Theatre 2018 refurb to present

In August 2018, scaffolding went up on the main entrance building on Suffolk Street Queensway of what was then the New Alexandra Theatre. Boogie Nights The 70s Musical was to be shown in the theatre from the 22nd to the 25th August 2018. Scaffolding by Gorilla Scaffolding.

dndimg alt="The Alex Theatre" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/The Alex Theatre (Aug 2018).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

By September 2018 they had stripped the old late 1960s concrete facade off. And was all these exposed wooden boards at the front.

dndimg alt="The Alex Theatre" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/The Alex Theatre (Sept 2018) (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="The Alex Theatre" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/The Alex Theatre (Sept 2018) (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

In October 2018 you could already see the new facade on the Suffolk Street Queensway entrance, and it had gone back to The Alexandra name. They also had a digital billboard advertising what they had one. Such as David Walliams Awful Auntie and Benidorm Live.

dndimg alt="The Alex Theatre" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/The Alex Theatre (Oct 2018) (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="The Alex Theatre" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/The Alex Theatre (Oct 2018) (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Another look in December 2018 from Suffolk Place and John Bright Street. They had recladded the late 1960's building by John Madin. So not as much exposed concrete as there had been for almost 50 years. There was also shiny new red steps at the Suffolk Street Queensway main entrance. Beetham Tower and one of The Sentinels towers behind.

dndimg alt="The Alex Theatre" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/The Alex Theatre (Dec 2018) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="The Alex Theatre" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/The Alex Theatre (Dec 2018) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

One of my last photos of 103 Colmore Row before lockdown was above The Alexandra Theatre on Suffolk Street Queensway during early March 2020. I wouldn't see the theatre again until the beginning of August 2020.

dndimg alt="The Alex Theatre" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Constr 103 Colmore Row (March 2020) (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Closed since the lockdown began in late March 2020. As of August 2020, The Alexandra Theatre remains closed due to the pandemic. It is unknown when the theatre will be able to reopen, or even if they will be able to do social distancing with less seats available. The Shows Will Go On. Suffolk Street Queensway main entrance, then views a week later from Station Street, John Bright Street and Suffolk Place.

dndimg alt="The Alex Theatre" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/The Alex Theatre (Aug 2020) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="The Alex Theatre" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/The Alex Theatre (Aug 2020) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="The Alex Theatre" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/The Alex Theatre (Aug 2020) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="The Alex Theatre" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/The Alex Theatre (Aug 2020) (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Follow The Alex Theatre on social media:

• Twitter: The Alex Bham
• Instagram: The Alex Bham
• Facebook: The Alexandra

Photos taken by Elliott Brown.

Follow me on Twitter here ellrbrown. Thanks for all the followers.

Southside Theatres: Birmingham Hippodrome

The Birmingham Hippodrome is located on Hurst Street in Southside (part of the Chinese Quarter). It is also up Inge Street and near the Back to Backs. The theatre is home to the Birmingham Royal Ballet. There has been a theatre on this site since 1895. There has been several redevelopments since. The last one in 2001. The Birmingham Christmas Pantomine usually takes place here.

BIRMINGHAM HIPPODROME

Lets support Birmingham's theatres during this troubling time of closure. In Southside there is the Birmingham Hippodrome (on Hurst Street), The Alexandra Theatre (on Suffolk Street Queensway and John Bright Street) and The Old REP Theatre (on Station Street).

Here though we will take a look at the Birmingham Hippodrome. Home of the world famous Birmingham Royal Ballet.

Assembly rooms was the first venue to be built on the site of the Hippodrome in 1895. It was redesigned in 1899 by local architect F. W. Lloyd. A stage and a circus was added with a Moorish tower (removed in 1963). It had the name the "Tower of Varieties". After this failed, it was rebuilt as a normal variety theatre in 1900 as the "Tivoli".  It got the name "The Hippodrome" for the first time in October 1903 under the ownership of Thomas Barrasford (it has previously been named the "Tower Theatre"). The current neo-classical auditorium which was designed to seat 1,900 people, was built in 1924 by Burdwood and Mitchell. After Smallbrook Queensway was built, the entrance building and tower was demolished in 1963.

For a time it was renamed as the "Birmingham Theatre". The plain façade was refaced in the 1980s with mock-Victorian plasterwork. Central TV spent the '80s using the Hippodrome for the ITV Talent Show New Faces.

The exterior was last rebuilt in 2001 by Associated Architects with Law and Dunbar-Nasmith, with a new glass façade and accommodation for the Birmingham Royal Ballet.  There will be another redevelopment of the façade to be completed in 2021 by AHMM Architects.

The BRB has been based in Birmingham since 1990 at the Birmingham Hippodrome. Having been founded in 1946 as the Sadler's Wells Theatre Ballet in London. Every Christmas season, the BRB perform Swan Lake at the Hippodrome. A production of Sir Peter Wright, the Director Laurete of the BRB. Then there is the annual Christmas Pantomime, where a variety of celebrities come to Birmingham to perform them.

Some of my earliest photos of the Birmingham Hippodrome from Hurst Street were taken in June 2009.

dndimg alt="Birmingham Hippodrome" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bham Hippodrome (Jun 2009) (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Birmingham Hippodrome" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bham Hippodrome (Jun 2009) (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Birmingham Hippodrome" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bham Hippodrome (Jun 2009) (3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Seen during April 2012 on the main entrance doors from Hurst Street was these labels for the NEW STAGE APPEAL. At the time the Hippodrome was showing Oliver!

dndimg alt="Birmingham Hippodrome" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bham Hdrome (Apr 2012) (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Birmingham Hippodrome" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bham Hdrome (Apr 2012) (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

In December 2012, I saw this pair in Angel Wings. It was when Cinderella was on (as performed by the Birmingham Royal Ballet), and they welcomed theatre goers at the time.

dndimg alt="Birmingham Hippodrome" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bham Hippodrome (Dec 2012).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Direct from the West End was Disney's The Lion King. Seen during August 2013. This touring West End show would be at the Hippodrome until the 28th September 2013.

dndimg alt="Birmingham Hippodrome" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bham Hippodrome (Aug 2013).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

"When in Rome do what the Romans do". Also in August 2013 was the annual Summer in Southside, which used to be held outside of the Hippodrome and down Hurst Street and in The Arcadian every summer. It was a free event held by Birmingham Hippodrome Outdoors.

dndimg alt="Birmingham Hippodrome" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Birmingham Hippodrome (Aug 2013).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Christmas decorations and Christmas trees lit up after dark at the Birmingham Hippodrome during December 2013. At the time the panto being held here was Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs staring Gok Wan.

dndimg alt="Birmingham Hippodrome" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bham Hippodrome (Dec 2013).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Birmingham Hippodrome" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bham Hdrome (Dec 2013).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Wicked was going to be at the Birmingham Hippodrome from the 9th July until the 6th September 2014. I saw this poster during July 2014. While I've not seen Wicked in Birmingham, I did once see it in London's West End at the Apollo Victoria during October 2012. It was amazing! (it was the last time I went to see a West End show).

dndimg alt="Birmingham Hippodrome" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bham Hippodrome (Jul 2014).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Summer in Southside seen during August 2014. Members of the Team in the white t-shirts. With the pointy fingers and at the Info stalls.

dndimg alt="Birmingham Hippodrome" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bham Hdrome (Aug 2014).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Near the end of December 2018, saw some Chinese lantern style Christmas lights hanging from trees on Hurst Street, not far from the Hippodrome. It was nice to see. Southside always makes the area look pretty at night.

dndimg alt="Birmingham Hippodrome" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Birmingham Hippodrome (Dec 2018).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

In July 2020, for my first walk around Southside since the lockdown began (4 to 5 months after I was last here). I took a few photos of the Hippodrome from Hurst Street. Obviously they have been closed since the end of March 2020. And it is not known when it will be safe for them to reopen. Social distancing in the theatre will be hard, and the theatre may have to make people redundant sadly. Meanwhile the Southside BID gives a huge THANK YOU to all keyworkers and to the NHS.

dndimg alt="Birmingham Hippodrome" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bham Hippodrome (Jul 2020) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Birmingham Hippodrome" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bham Hippodrome (Jul 2020) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Photos taken by Elliott Brown.

Follow me on Twitter here ellrbrown. Thanks for all the followers.

Famed Brummie street artist Gent 48 spruces up Bath Passage for the Southside BID

During the Great Lockdown of 2020, the Southside Business Improvement District had commissioned famous local Birmingham street artist known as Gent 48 to spruce up Bath Passage. A little known hidden area between Dudley Street and Ladywell Walk in the Chinese Quarter. It looks nice now. It looks like the Southside BID might be turning this area into some kind of stage or square?

GENT 48'S

BATH PASSAGE

SOUTHSIDE

STREET ART

I'd like to thank the Enjoy Southside Twitter for letting me know months in advance about this, and for also welcoming me back to the City Centre, after not being able to get there during 4 months in lockdown.

After popping to the Caffe Nero on the Bullring link bridge for the first time in months (and since they reopened), I headed towards Southside. During a walk around town on Saturday 18th July 2020, I'd earlier walked around Digbeth. Almost went down Hurst Street from Smallbrook Queensway, but spotted this from the bridge, so went down the spiral staircase from the Bullring (near Debenhams) and got it from Dudley Street.

I will leave the photos to do the talking from Bath Row. The art is by Gent 48.

dndimg alt="Gent 48 Bath Passage" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Gent48 Bath Passage Southside (July 2020) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Gent 48 Bath Passage" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Gent48 Bath Passage Southside (July 2020) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Gent 48 Bath Passage" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Gent48 Bath Passage Southside (July 2020) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Gent 48 Bath Passage" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Gent48 Bath Passage Southside (July 2020) (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Gent 48 Bath Passage" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Gent48 Bath Passage Southside (July 2020) (5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Gent 48 Bath Passage" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Gent48 Bath Passage Southside (July 2020) (6).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Gent 48 Bath Passage" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Gent48 Bath Passage Southside (July 2020) (7).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Gent 48 Bath Passage" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Gent48 Bath Passage Southside (July 2020) (8).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Photos taken by Elliott Brown.

Follow me on Twitter here ellrbrown. Thanks for all the followers.