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Birmingham Artsfest

ArtsFest is now in it's 12th year and has become a highlight of the city's arts calendar.

Celebrating the West Midlands art scene

For a whole weekend Birmingham's city centre streets, squares and indoor arts venues will come alive with everything from street art, music, dance, drama and more…

The festival takes place annually in Birmingham and is completely FREE to attend!

ArtsFest on your mobile

As in previous years the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Birmingham website to team will be out and about taking pictures and capturing highlights of all the different events.

Capturing Artsfest on your mobile

We know many of you will also be there too capturing highlights from the many events by taking pictures and videos using your mobile phone - why not send them to us so we can include them in our images galleries?

Take a look at some of the weekend's highlights:

Friday Night Launch

DATE: Friday 11th September, 5 - 11pm

Stage performances

VENUE: Various city centre venues

An eclectic launch to the weekend including Smooth Sounds on Centenary Square Stage, the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Big Band in the Town Hall, and a whole mix of jazz, indie, soul, blues and world music. Plus a late night opening at the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, with performances, exhibitions and candlelit dinners in the Museum Restaurant.

Bhangra in Birmingham

Bhangra Dancing World Record Attempt

DATE: Saturday 12th September 2009, 1:30 - 2:30pm

VENUE: Centenary Square

All of the UK's finest and most established Bhangra dance groups will be performing together with an aim to set a new Guinness World Record of over 1000 people dancing the same routine, at the same time, in the same place for as long as possible.

Bhangra dancing @ Artsfest

Everyone of all ages and backgrounds are welcome to join in performing a traditional Bhangra dance routine and be part of the 'World’s Biggest Bhangra Group'.

To register to take part simply visit the World Biggest Bhangra Group website or you can register at the festival itself from 3 hours before the event.

Ballet at Artsfest

Classical Fantasia

DATE: Saturday 12th September, 8-10pm

VENUE: The Stage @ Centenary Square

Enjoy an evening of stunning performances by the Birmingham Royal Ballet, City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra & Birmingham Opera Company all rounded off with a spectacular fireworks display.

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DATE: Sunday 13th September, 12 - 10:30pm

VENUE: The Stage @ Centenary Square

Headlined by Athlete & Reverend and The Makers, some of the region’s best unsigned bands will take to an all day stage, including The Arcadian Kicks, Templeton Pek and the Mexicolas.

Bang Goes the Theory comes to Birmingham

³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Bang goes the Theory @ Artsfest 2009

Fans of the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ series Bang Goes the Theory will have the opportunity to put science to the test as the show’s UK roadshow stops off in Birmingham during Artsfest weekend.

Get hands-on with science in the interactive arena, experience Dr Yan's amazing street, speak to the science experts and more…

The Bang Goes The Theory tour bus will be situated in Victoria Square on 12 -13th September.

More ArtsFest pictures

Thousands flock to Birmingham’s city centre to enjoy Artsfest each year and the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Birmingham website team have been there to capture the highlights.

Look back on previous Artsfest weekends with our picture galleries and features.

Full programme listings are now available on the Artsfest website (also look out for printed programmes available at various venues across the city).