The Midlands Arts Centre is set to dazzle audiences with an eclectic array of events that cater to diverse tastes and ages. From the enchanting melodies of Babies Adventures in Music (BAM) to the vibrant glow of the Light Up Fest lantern procession, there's something magical for everyone. Engage in a singalong with The Muppet Christmas Carol, witness the evocative storytelling of Kate Mosse's Secrets of The Labyrinth, or celebrate cultural fusion with Apache Indian's 30th Anniversary Gig. Join us on a journey that promises to warm hearts and ignite imaginations.

A Symphony of Seasons: Exploring Midlands Arts Centre's Eclectic Event Lineup

Prepare to embark on a cultural odyssey at the Midlands Arts Centre this March. The lineup features the immersive 'Secrets of The Labyrinth' by Kate Mosse, celebrating the historical allure of the Languedoc region, Apache Indian's vibrant 30th Anniversary Gig, and a soulful performance by the acclaimed Irish singer Daoirí Farrell. These events promise to engage audiences with history, music, and storytelling, showcasing the region's artistic diversity.

Exploring Cultural Richness: From the Mystical Labyrinths to Apache Indian's Rhythms

The Midlands Arts Centre is set to become a dynamic hub of creativity and culture with an exciting lineup of events that promises to captivate audiences. From Jim Moray’s unique take on British folk music to the immersive theatrical journey of Kate Mosse, and the cultural fusion brought by Apache Indian, to the traditional folk melodies of Daoirí Farrell, this collection of performances offers something for everyone. Each artist brings a distinct flavor, ensuring that these events will not only entertain but also enrich our understanding of diverse artistic expressions.

A Vibrant Showcase: Exploring Creativity at the Midlands Arts Centre

Singer and bouzouki player Daoirí Farrell has won two prestigious BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards and four nominations in Ireland’s RTÉ Folk Awards.

He has since toured across the world, as well as with the all-star Transatlantic Sessions in major venues across the UK and in the USA as guest vocalist for Lúnasa.

Daoirí Farrell

Midlands Arts Centre

Birmingham born and raised, Apache Indian is known worldwide for bringing his unique fusion of Urban Asian and Reggae to a mainstream audience.

His 1992 debut album 'No Reservations’ saw his first single release ‘Arranged Marriage’ reach number 16 in UK Charts and following singles ‘Chokthere’ and ‘Don Raja’ both reached the UK number spot in 1991.

Apache Indian: 30th Anniversary Gig

This dazzling, immersive theatre experience features music, imagery, and film, guiding audiences through the history and mystery of the Languedoc region—Carcassonne, Toulouse, Chartres, and the Pyrenees.

Kate Mosse: Secrets of The Labyrinth

Over the past two decades of British folk music, Jim Moray has marked himself out as having a singular, idiosyncratic vision that has rarely wavered in style and substance.

The cinematic vision of albums such as Skulk (2012), Upcetera (2016), and his game-changing debut Sweet England (2003) show just how far the old songs can be taken.

Jim Moray

'Tis the season for love, laughter and one of the most cherished stories of all time!

Join us for a very special singalong screening of The Muppet Christmas Carol, starring Michael Caine as Scrooge and Kermit as Bob Cratchit.

The Muppet Christmas Carol Singalong 

Following on from GreenMatthews ten years of successful touring Christmas shows, Gaudete! is an expanded lineup playing new and exciting arrangements of Chris and Sophie’s popular festive fare. Featuring Emily Baines on early woodwinds and Richard Heacock on violin, their music is lush, rich and heartwarming – perfectly evoking the Spirit of Christmas Past.

GreenMatthews: Gaudete

Pete Williams was a founding member of Dexy's Midnight Runners and a pivotal force in their recent resurgence as Dexy's. He is a true Midlands music legend.

The band have opened for The Specials, headlined at the Lunar Stage at Moseley Folk Festival and performed a sold-out show at Birmingham Symphony Hall.

The Pete Williams Band

Get ready to brighten up the winter evening as we set off on MAC’s first magical lantern procession - transforming Cannon Hill Park into a glowing wonderland. Willow and paper lanterns will illuminate the sky, led by a glorious array of performers, musicians and community cast. Everyone is welcome.

Light Up Fest: Cannon Hill Park lantern procession

‘Lucid Dreamers’ premiered at London’s Queen Elizabeth Hall as a trio with Brigitte Beraha, George Crowley and Tim Giles in November 2019 as part of the London Jazz Festival, with music written by Brigitte and inspired by the industrial world that we live in.

Extended to a quartet with Alcyona Mick on piano, they released ‘Lucid Dreamers’ on Let Me Out Records in July 2020, with the follow up 'Blink' in May 2022 which they toured in the UK and Europe.

TDE: Brigitte Beraha's Lucid Dreamers

Renowned Westcountry songwriter Steve Knightley, former Show of Hands frontman, is coming to MAC as part of his ground-breaking nationwide solo tour—the first since the iconic band disbanded. Focused on promoting his latest album, 'The Winter Yards,' this tour signifies a profound shift in Knightley's musical journey.

Steve Knightley: Winter Yards

Relax with a masala chai and let the rhythm of words immerse you to a night of poetic mehfil draped in tasty fabrics and resham. Leading poets will take the mic and transport you to a night of lyrical encounters inspired by Bangla artists and culture.

Bangla Week: Poetry after Chai

Jaivant Patel Company and Midlands Arts Centre present a captivating evening of South Asian Dance showcasing Bollywood, Kathak, Bharatanatyam, Bhangara and Dandiya Raas, in celebration of Deepavali - the Festival of Light, more commonly known as Diwali.

Jaivant Patel Company: Deepavali - the festival of light

Wi-Fi Wars returns with the live comedy game show where you all play along! Log in with your smartphone or tablet and compete in a range of games, puzzles and quizzes to win the show, and prizes.

Hosted by comedian Steve McNeil (team captain on UK TV's hit comedy/gaming show "Dara O’Briain’s Go 8 Bit") and aided by Guinness World-Record-Breaking tech whizz, the award-winning Rob Sedgebeer.

WiFi Wars

Ruth Goller is an electric bass player and composer, originally from Italy but now based in the UK. TDE promotions believe her to be one of the most creative musicians in Europe, and we are delighted to present her in two fascinating sets.

The Skylla project existed a couple of years ago as a group that featured Ruth with two other vocalists. Now she has adapted the project with just her on bass guitar and vocals plus a drummer doubling on electronics. On this occasion the drummer will be Berlin-based Max Andrzejewski.

TDE: Ruth Goller's Skylla + Training

Although born with the open road in his blood, Prefab Sprout appear to have had a forty-year aversion to playing live and he hopes these new shows “40 YEARS: A VERSION” will address his gigging addiction.

Martin McAloon of Prefab Sprout

The performance showcases the impressive physicality of elite dancers Travis Clausen-Knight and James Pett whose creative ambitions were originally sparked during their long-standing careers dancing with Company Wayne McGregor. Their maker-performer partnership as PCK Dance has taken them all over the world to dance a remarkable body of commissioned choreography. In London their work has been performed on the main stage of Sadler’s Wells and most recently in Ballet Nights at the Lanterns Studio Theatre.

PCK Dance: Imago

Birmingham songwriter Katy Rose Bennett will present live for the first time a new collection of deeply emotional songs created from the words of renowned Scottish poet Donna Ashworth. Katy set to work crafting a powerful collection of songs due for release in early 2025 - an album created here at MAC’s very own recording studios.

Katy Rose Bennett and Friends

Nick Cope has been writing and recording his beautiful and totally unique songs for children and their families for over 10 years, he performs with his guitar and stunning animations to sell-out crowds all over the country.

Nick Cope: Live family show

Local heroes The Destroyers celebrate 20 years of legendary live shows with their raucous genre-colliding blend of klezmer, Balkan and British folk. Support comes from intergalactic groove merchants Diddy Sweg bringing a pop-jazz-funk bonanza of deep grooves and joyful chaos.

The Destroyers - 20th anniversary gig

Amongst drifting waterweed and ancient moss-covered rocks the pond is teeming with life. Newts, snails, tiny minnows and bigger fish all go about their business as usual.

However, strange things have started to appear from above. Things that haven’t grown out of the squelchy mud or been born among the boulders. Things that clinker, clatter and clutter up the pond. There’s now so much of it, the inhabitants are starting to run out of space to swim, slither and play. This underwater world is in need of change. And this is where a little watersprite awakens.

Sophie Nüzel: Stories of a Watersprite

Directly informed by conversations with affected Sub-Postmasters, Make Good dives into these most local of stories, capturing the raw emotion, the betrayals, and the collective disbelief that this could be happening to innocent people.

Pentabus Theatre: Make Good - The Post Office Scandal

Running for four seasons in the mid-to-late-80s, animated series Thundercats was a massive hit that launched a major toy line and introduced Lion-O, Panthor, Mumm-Ra and Snarf to the world.

Colour Box: Thundercats Ho! 

6-year-old Manny is making his very first guacamole for his dad’s welcome home dinner. It’s a good thing his mum Valeria is a professional chef and knows a song to help with the recipe.

Manny’s grandma is preparing the dessert, but Abuela doesn’t like boys in the kitchen – after all, it wasn’t like that before. But Manny feels differently. Why can’t he become a chef? Or a superhero like Mighty Mujer? Or both?!

Maya Productions: Súper Chefs

Don your ghostly garb and shake your bones to some absolutely stonking tuneage from DJ Raks! Party with your kids amidst the bubbles and snow foam, confetti and giant balloons, and join the eerie-sistable parachute dance finale! There will also be a cool, multi-activity craft area to make your own creepy creation - oh, and of course the licenced bar will be open.

Big Fish Little Fish Family Rave: Monster Mash

The Bubble Show is a unique blend of magic, storytelling, science and bubble art. Enjoy bouncy bubbles, bubbles inside bubbles, smoke bubbles, square bubbles, giant bubbles, and even fire bubbles.

The Highland Joker: The Bubble Show

Halloween classic Hocus Pocus stars Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy as three 17th century Salem witches accidently conjured up by some unsuspecting pranksters.

The 300-year-old trio sets out to cast a spell on the town and reclaim their youth - but first they must outwit three kids and a talking cat…

Hocus Pocus 

A full-body VR experience that combines interactive visuals and an immersive soundscape.

Join us on a journey that takes visitors through states of gentle relaxation and creative imagination.

Humanhood: VR Multiverse

This year, we commemorate the 77th anniversary of the Partition of the Indian subcontinent with a ground breaking musical theatre production, "Partition of the Heart." Directed by Mukhtar Dar with music by Simon Duggal, this powerful show delves into a moment in history that continues to shape the lives of millions.

Mukhtar Dar: Partition of the Heart

We’re looking for budding young composers, beatboxers, producers and performers who can help us create a spectacular sound-story! Join us at MAC for an afternoon of looping and layering sounds and rhythms using our voices, our bodies and some fun electronic musical instruments.

MAC Makes Music: Dynamic Sounds

SWITCH is a talented group of young musicians aged 11 - 25 who write, produce, record and perform their own songs.

Switch

Join local forest garden creators and orchardists, Fruit and Nut Village, to learn about seed planting.

Fruit & Nut Village Seed Planting Workshop

Join us on a mindful autumnal walk through the trees and trails of Cannon Hill Park. Coach Liam will guide you and surprise you to scenic spaces for group exercise.

Wellness Walk

Bring up to ten clean items (children's clothes or toys), get a token and choose nearly new ones with help from our friendly team.

Moseley Hive’s Children’s Clothes + Toy Swap

Find out what’s happening locally and how you can get involved with stalls and interactive activities by local organisations and groups.

Sunday Stalls

Mr Sleepybum awakes in his bed to find a room full of parents and children. A circus of silly sketches and dream scenes ensues, from swimming with Sharks to solving the mystery of a stolen chocolate cake to dodging balls in the guise of the Cowboy Ball-Dodger.

Mr Sleepybum

Join us for a lively music performance from MAC’s resident band, SWITCH.

SWITCH is a talented group of young musicians aged 11 - 25 who write, produce, record and perform their own songs

Experience a cloudburst of live musical energy and a defiant response to the climate change emergency from Reverend Billy and The Stop Shopping Choir.

We're thrilled to welcome back the exuberant activist singers from New York for a spectacular, truly unforgettable performance and a stirring rallying cry that will reverberate throughout MAC’s public foyer.

Reverend Billy and the Stop Shopping Choir: MAC foyer

To book Accessible tickets and free Companion tickets, please visit our Accessible Bookings page. Companion tickets will initially show a standard ticket price, but once your account is set-up and you are logged in, this will be reduced to £0 at checkout.

Dr Bike

Beginning in an imaginary cool stream where rain falls gently, audiences are led by three dancers through a vibrant city river into the expanse of the ocean. As they follow the river’s journey, the audience actively participate in the movement whilst they learn how water shapes the landscape.

DancingStrong Movement Lab: SPLASH!

Children and young people under the age of 18 must be accompanied a parent or guardian.

Booking info
To book Accessible tickets and free Companion tickets, please visit our Accessible Bookings page. Companion tickets will initially show a standard ticket price, but once your account is set-up and you are logged in, this will be reduced to £0 at checkout.

Friends of Cannon Hill Park History Walk

Open your eyes to the wide variety of trees present in Cannon Hill park with a guided tree walk led by Julianne, member of Friends of Cannon Hill Park and Birmingham Tree People.

Meet at the Friends of Cannon Hill Park stall in the MAC Foyer at 1.30pm.

Children and young people under the age of 18 must be accompanied a parent or guardian.

Friends of Cannon Hill Park Tree Walk

We can’t wait to see you at the return of our BAM concerts! Bring your baby for a bounce with singer Sam Frankie Fox and multi-instrumentalist Ricardo Rocha.

This warmly interactive performance for babies, families and friends celebrates music with a host of instruments, styles, gentle movements and stimulating sounds. A mix of familiar and new music comes to each months’ sessions, building on your babies’ previous interaction and giving them more chance to learn and to grow!

Babies Adventures in Music (BAM)

This warmly interactive performance for babies, families and friends celebrates music with a host of instruments, styles, gentle movements and stimulating sounds. A mix of familiar and new music comes to each months’ sessions, building on your babies’ previous interaction and giving them more chance to learn and to grow!

Divanhana are a modern sevdah group from Bosnia and Herzegovina. Formed in 2009 by a group of students from the Music Academy in Sarajevo, the band performs traditional music from the Balkans in their new, distinctive arrangements influenced by jazz, pop and classical music.

Divanhana

Funny, poignant and playful, The Duke weaves together the tragi-comic fate of a family heirloom - a porcelain figure of The Duke of Wellington, the quandary of a scriptwriter stretching his integrity and an unfolding disaster as thousands of children flee their homes. Blending fantasy and reality, this playful show gently challenges our priorities in a world full of crisis.

Shôn Dale-Jones: The Duke

Depicting one’s life story with LEGO pieces might sound crazy, but for Pharrell Williams it was the only way – employing a medium that could mirror his musical career and creative spirit, defying all genre trappings and allowing audiences to be transported to wonderful places with limitless possibilities. Through Pharrell’s LEGO-rendered first-hand account, Oscar winner Morgan Neville’s (Twenty Feet from Stardom; Won’t You Be My Neighbor?) documentary first takes us to the artist’s childhood home in Virginia Beach, where his love of music first began

London Film Festival: Piece By Piece 

In this mesmerising performance, three talented disabled performers bring to life songs specially composed by Swiss musician Gina ÉTÉ. The songs share a common theme: fragility, explored from both personal and political perspectives

Fierce Festival 2024: Zer-brech-lich

It's about connection to nature, making you feel the energy that flows from the ground, through our bodies and back into the earth.

The specially composed soundtrack by Michal Wojtas, who draws influence from Viking, Celtic and Slavic folk music, is like listening to the tales our ancestors told while sat in a clearing in the woods, and hearing the ancient stories that bind humanity together.

James Wilton Dance: LORE

Steven Cohen engages in a deeply moving ceremony in memory of his partner, the dancer Elu, who passed away after 20 years together. A cathartic gesture where Steven invites the public to both celebrate love and engage in dialogue with death.

Fierce Festival 2024: Steven Cohen - put your heart under your feet... and walk!

A double bill with one set featuring Bize, the French duo of Robin Fincker (saxophone and clarinet) and Sylvaine Hélary (flutes and piccolo) and the other set featuring Smiodair, the French/Irish/British trio of Robin Fincker, Simon Jermyn (bass) and Dave Smith (drums).

TDE: Smiodair + Bize

Callings follows five queer people who found sanctuary and community on the other end of the phone by seeking solace in Cara-Friend – a befriending service set up in the 1970’s to support the many hidden LGBTQ+ individuals across the north of Ireland.

Kabosh Theatre: Callings

Saoirse Ronan’s bracing performance as a young alcoholic in recovery is the focal point of Nora Fingscheidt’s poignant adaptation of Amy Liptrot’s award-winning memoir.

When 30-year-old Rona’s alcoholism causes the dissolution of her long-term relationship with Daynin and derails her promising career in biology, she leaves her ragged London life to dry out where she grew up, in Orkney. On her father’s farm, she begins to inch towards inner peace and sobriety, while tackling some hard truths about his bipolarity and why her mother left for the mainland.

The Outrun 

Prosecuted for a triple murder during the armed robbery of a Parisian pharmacy, Goldman, the rebellious son of Polish-Jewish immigrants, whose father was also a decorated Resistance fighter, refused to call any witnesses to his character. Politically on the far left and defiantly Jewish in his identity, Goldman accused the police of institutional antisemitism and racism, and of conspiring to convict him of a crime of which he was innocent.

Midlands Arts Centre

Mar 29, 2025

Daoirí Farrell

Mar 15, 2025

Apache Indian: 30th Anniversary Gig

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