The Snow Village at Birmingham's House of Fraser and the Walking with The Snowman trail

During the Christmas 2021 festive period, head up to the fifth floor in the House of Fraser (between Corporation Street, Cherry Street and Temple Row) for The Snow Village. Inside you will find no 12 on the Walking with The Snowman trail. Twelve Drummers Drumming. The other Snowman artworks are around the City Centre if you can find them.

The Snow Village

Head up to the fifth floor of the House of Fraser in Birmingham, between Corporation Street, Cherry Street, Temple Row and the North Western Arcade, for The Snow Village. This was the site where the House of Fraser used to have Santa's Christmas Grotto every year. But now it is The Snow Village.

 

You will find one of the Walking with The Snowman painted snowman sculptures. From Wild in Art, the same people behind The Big Hoot Birmingham 2015, The Big Sleuth Birmingham 2017, and more recently Gratitude, which was located in Chamberlain Square for the last 10 days of August 2021.

 

Welcome to The Snow Village. From the House of Fraser and Retail BID Birmingham.

dndimg alt="The Snow Village" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Snow Village HOF 01122021 (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Some snowmen and penguins.

dndimg alt="The Snow Village" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Snow Village HOF 01122021 (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Outside The Ice House.

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Post Office and Santa's Workshop. Post your cards to Santa here.

dndimg alt="The Snow Village" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Snow Village HOF 01122021 (4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Into The Ice House. A fireplace.

dndimg alt="The Snow Village" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Snow Village HOF 01122021 (5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

What I came for. Walking with The Snowman. No 12: Twelve Drummers Drumming created by Sue Guthrie.

dndimg alt="The Snow Village" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Snow Village HOF 01122021 (6).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Heading out, saw some Christmas trees.

dndimg alt="The Snow Village" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Snow Village HOF 01122021 (7).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

And Santa's sleigh.

dndimg alt="The Snow Village" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Snow Village HOF 01122021 (8).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

 

Christmas in Cathedral Square from the House of Fraser

Down to the fourth floor, saw some windows, so got some views of Christmas in Cathedral Square, with 103 Colmore Row, Birmingham Cathedral and the Grand Hotel. Plus the BT Tower.

dndimg alt="House of Fraser Christmas in Cathedral Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/HOF Christmas Cathedral Sq 01122021 (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="House of Fraser Christmas in Cathedral Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/HOF Christmas Cathedral Sq 01122021 (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Panoramic photo merge of the two photos above. Makes 103 Colmore Row look larger than it actually is.

dndimg alt="Christmas in Cathedral Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/CinCS HOF panoramic 01122021.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Entrance to Christmas in Cathedral Square from Temple Row, near St Philip's Place. 

dndimg alt="Christmas in Cathedral Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Xmas Cathedral Sq 27112021 (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The Pigeon in the Park, a temporary pub seen from St Philip's Place.

dndimg alt="Christmas in Cathedral Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Xmas Cathedral Sq 27112021 (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The helter skelter seen from St Philip's Place.

dndimg alt="Christmas in Cathedral Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Xmas Cathedral Sq 27112021 (3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

A Christmas tree seen from St Philip's Place.

dndimg alt="Christmas in Cathedral Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Xmas Cathedral Sq 27112021 (4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Colmore Row view of Christmas in Cathedral Square.dndimg alt="Christmas in Cathedral Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Xmas Cathedral Sq 27112021 (5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Walking with The Snowman

Some of the other Walking with The Snowman painted sculptures I've found.

No 11: Eleven Pipers Piping by Amanda Quellin. In the Great Western Arcade, Birmingham. 

dndimg alt="Snowman GWA" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Snowman GWA 15112021.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

No 2: Two Turtle Doves by Laura-Kate Chapman. The Mailbox Birmingham, opposite BBC Birmingham.

dndimg alt="Snowman Mailbox" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Mailbox Snowman 27112021.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

No 8: Eight Maids Milking by Megan Heather Evans. In the Piccadilly Arcade, near the New Street end.

dndimg alt="Snowman PA" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Eight Maids Milking PA 28112021.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

No 5: Five Gold Rings created by Adam Pekr. Outside of the West Mall at the Bullring, not far from the bull.

dndimg alt="Five Bullring" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Five Snowman Bullring 02122021.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

No 7: Seven Swans Swimming created by RP Roberts. Located on Corporation Street, close to Fore Street. Outside of the Cancer Research UK shop.

dndimg alt="Seven Corporation Street" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Seven Snowman Corp St 02122021.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

No 4: Four Calling Birds created by Mik Richardson. Located inside Birmingham New Street Station in the public concourse, not far from steps to platform 7.

dndimg alt="Four Birds New Street Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Four Birds BNSS 05122021.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

No 3: Three French Hens created by Jessica Perrin. Located outside of The Mailbox on Royal Mail Street, close to Starbucks and not far from City Social (at The Mailbox underpass square area).

dndimg alt="Three Hens Mailbox" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Three Hens Mailbox 05122021.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

There is four more Snowman's to find, not sure if I'll get all of them before they go.

 

Bullring Bull

Bonus photo of the Bullring Bull in a silver outfit with snowflakes, at the beginning of December 2021.

dndimg alt="Snowflake Bull" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Snowflake Bull 02122021.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

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

Stars in Millennium Point's Eyes from Eastside City Park

For our last pre-Christmas post of 2020, we pop to Eastside to check out the Christmas lights at the front of Millennium Point as seen from Eastside City Park. Also at the end of New Canal Street near The Woodman pub (closed) and Curzon Street Station. Was hoping for some dry weather on the evening of the 22nd December 2020, but it was raining again. A nice display even in the rain!

Millennium Point's Christmas Lights in Eastside

This will be the last pre-Christmas post of 2020. The only Christmas lights to see outside in Eastside is at the front of Millennium Point in Eastside City Park. There is no Christmas lights down Curzon Street (probably due to HS2). Just the regular lampposts. This was on the evening of the 22nd December 2020 around 5pm. Was hoping for dry weather for once (it was dry all day). But it started to rain after work in the evening, and was a bit heavy by the time I got to Eastside.

 

First view of Millennium Point with the stars all to the left, in front of Thinktank and above the Thinktank Science Garden.

dndimg alt="Millennium Point" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Millennium Point Eastside Xmas lights 22122020 (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

This view from in front of The Woodman pub (which is sadly still closed due to being in Tier 3).

dndimg alt="Millennium Point" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Millennium Point Eastside Xmas lights 22122020 (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Millennium Point has put the fairy lights on the top of the building below their sign.

dndimg alt="Millennium Point" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Millennium Point Eastside Xmas lights 22122020 (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The stars seen to the left above the Science Garden.

dndimg alt="Millennium Point" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Millennium Point Eastside Xmas lights 22122020 (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

From the bottom of New Canal Street between The Woodman and Curzon Street Station.

dndimg alt="Millennium Point" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Millennium Point Eastside Xmas lights 22122020 (5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Beyond here, New Canal Street is completely closed off to traffic and pedestrians by HS2. And an area behind The Woodman has fences up. Plus the part of the park where the water jets were is behind fences. So walked back to Moor Street Queensway for the bus.

 

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

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

Bullring Christmas Lights: Then and Now

Over the last decade or so, the Christmas Lights at the Bullring outside have changed quiet a bit like the rest of the City Centre. Here we will look at the lights without any market on after dark. During the 2nd lockdown of November 2020, it was pretty quiet down St Martin's Walk and into St Martin's Square. Might be a bit different now under Tier 3 restrictions.

There has been a few changes to the Christmas lights and Christmas trees at the Bullring over the years. Compare St Martin's Square from 2013 to 2020. And St Martin's Walk from 2010 to 2020. If you want to see more photos from the Bullring over the years, the links to the posts is at the bottom of this post.

 

St Martin's Square

Then: December 2013. A real Christmas Tree lit up. Also red lights as all the shops and restaurants were open.

dndimg alt="St Martin's Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bullring Christmas (Dec 2013) (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

A close up of the Bullring Christmas Tree 2013.

dndimg alt="St Martin's Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bullring Christmas (Dec 2013) (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Now: November 2020. During the 2nd Lockdown. The reused artificial Christmas tree. Lights behind turned off as non essential retail was closed. Not many people around.

dndimg alt="St Martin's Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bullring Christmas (Nov 2020) (7).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The Bullring Christmas Tree 2020 seen from the balcony looking towards St Martin's Church.

dndimg alt="St Martin's Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bullring Christmas (Nov 2020) (5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

At the top was this Christmas circle, which was quite close to one of the clocks of St Martin's Church.

dndimg alt="St Martin's Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bullring Christmas (Nov 2020) (6).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

St Martin's Walk

 

Then: December 2010. Blue and white Christmas lights between the West and East Malls, with Next on the left.

dndimg alt="St Martin's Walk" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bullring Christmas (Dec 2010) (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

The view from the bottom in front of the Statue of Nelson towards the Rotunda.

dndimg alt="St Martin's Walk" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bullring Christmas (Dec 2010) (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Now: November 2020. Early evening with some rain heading down St Martin's Walk. These white and yellow Christmas lights have been used at the Bullring for several years now.

dndimg alt="St Martin's Walk" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bullring Christmas (Nov 2020) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

They looks the same as before, apart from there wasn't any Christmas market stalls during the 2nd lockdown period.

dndimg alt="St Martin's Walk" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bullring Christmas (Nov 2020) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The view from the Nelson statue up towards the Rotunda. That was either the moon above, plus bright yellow lights from the Christmas lights on the ramped path.

dndimg alt="St Martin's Walk" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bullring Christmas (Nov 2020) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The view to the left of the Nelson statue. Reminds me a bit of the Festival of Light from January 2020.

dndimg alt="St Martin's Walk" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bullring Christmas (Nov 2020) (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Click this link for the previous Bullring Christmas lights post. Covering 2015 to 2019.

Click here for the Festival of Light post of January 2020.

 

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