Events listings
Festival blog
Read updates and round-ups from Birmingham on our festival blog.
Saturday 31 May
A dramatic and energetic launch for the festival saw parkour bringing an edge to the city centre streets. There was a chance to shape a Birmingham of the future at the hugely popular touring Claystation, designed for adults as well as children. There has been recycling of old IT equipment with an easy conscience, and a chance for people to get bikes checked out for free. With the special carousel and helter skelter adding to the attractions, who said low-carbon living was no fun?
Sunday 1 June
A great family day out, with CBBC characters to entertain younger children. For one day only, a special sculpture workshop ran for families. Lively street theatre and performances today (and on every other day of the festival too). It was a good day to get to know the city better, with tours of Warwick Bar, Eastside and the canals, and an energy tour of Balsall Heath Ecohouse.
Monday 2 June
Recycle Now launched, leading architects talked about the most exciting projects ahead for the city and the developer behind the iconic Rotunda's restoration led a guided tour..
Tuesday 3 June
Schools day! Thousands of pupils flocked to the city centre for the Basic 21 Awards and heard about new school plans to protect biodiversity. Other events included a masterclass on climate change, practical advice on recycling in construction, a tour of secret green roofs and climate change songs from a gospel choir.
Wednesday 4 June
Green technology day featured expert advice on reducing your carbon footprint, seminars on energy, waste and sustainable procurement and the a talk on the role of science in creating the future. Other events included Urban Initiatives talking about making Birmingham a walking city, Ken Shuttleworth's fresh look at the city centre, tours of Bournville and Fort Dunlop’s great green roof and an exhibition on sustainable travel.
Thursday 5 June
The city celebrates World Environment Day, and Ellen MacArthur joins us to mark the launch of the city’s bold carbon reduction targets. Learn from the Summerfield eco village programme, hear the challenges ahead for historic buildings, and tour an eco house. No less than 38 schools are taking part in a green day organised with CABE. Look out for green activity in shops, and wear something green!
Friday 6 June
Films on Friday on a big screen in Chamberlain Square. Get some useful new insights from a home owner forum into how technology can help to cut bills and save the planet.
Saturday 7 June
Local food and fair trade day, with live world music and dancing. The exhibitions and stalls busy all week in Centenary Square are now joined by more market stalls promoting ethical and tasty produce. Afterwards you can recover at the peaceful Nature Centre at Cannon Hill Park.
Sunday 8 June
Dare to dream. A fun and sociable finale to the festival to show what life could be like in a well-designed city. Tai chi, jazz music and a tea dance. What better way to celebrate our determination to move on from carbon dependency? This is where the festival organisers will be taking to the dance floor. Bring a picnic and see you there!
Check this website before you come along for any changes to the timetable and additional activities.
