Fifty+ Festival Launch - Tuesday 8th October 2024

The Fifty+ Festival - discover a healthier, happier you

The Fifty+ Festival will be a fortnight of health and wellbeing activities taking place across Sutton Coldfield during 7th – 20th October 2024. 

The Festival is being organised in partnership between Age Concern Birmingham, Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Council and Sutton Coldfield Neighbourhood Network Scheme. 

Aimed at all local citizens over the age of 50, the Fifty+ Festival is designed to raise awareness amongst local residents about health issues they may encounter in later life, reduce the risk of things like falls in older age, manage or even avoid long-term health conditions and provide support so that people can feel healthier and happier, for longer.                                                                                                        

Event Launch Tuesday 8 October 2024

Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Hall on Tuesday 8th October from 10.20am – 2.30pm.

Join us for exciting activity sessions led by top health professionals and connect with wellbeing experts at Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Hall. With over 50 exhibitors, there’s plenty to explore and discover to boost your health and fitness!

The event is free to attend and open to all, particularly older adults and those supporting them.

E: nns@ageconcernbirmingham.org.uk 

Brum Rocks project comes to Sutton Coldfield

 

Do you play a rock band instrument or sing? Would you like the opportunity for a free workshop where you can learn tunes and make music together? If so, come to the Brum Rocks workshops at the Trinity Centre Sutton Coldfield on Thursday 13th & 27th of June, 7:00-8:30pm. These sessions will be run by a professional rock music leader who will lead you through a range of classic rock songs from the past 50 years. 

Expect Electric Light Orchestra, the Beatles, and Status Quo, as well as much more! Please be assured that there is no minimum playing or singing ability at these workshops and that we accept and encourage beginners to take part - there will be plenty of guidance and help!

For more information and to sign-up, head to: 

https://misfitsmusic.org.uk/brum-rocks-workshops#workshop.

o you play a rock band instrument or sing? Would you like the opportunity for a free 

MAXI PRIEST | 5th September 2024

 

We are proud to present

MAXI PRIEST

Live at the Jam House on
Thursday 5th September 2024

British-born Maxi Priest is an International singing star who has had hits in the UK, Europe, and the States. In a reggae-fusion style, Maxi has performed and recorded with the likes of Sly and Robbie, Shaggy, Beres Hammond, Jazzie B, Apache Indian, Roberta Flack, Shurwayne Winchester, Shabba Ranks, Robin Trower, and Lee Ritenour.   The Jam House is so pleased and honoured to have an artiste of this stature to agree to perform for us in this, our 25th Anniversary year.   Maxi broke into the British charts in the mid-eighties, with a series of releases, including “Crazy Love”, “Some Guys Have All the Luck”, and then Top Five with “Wild World”.   An American Billboard number one with “Close to You” in 1990, then a duet with Roberta Flack, “Set the Night to Music”, reached the American Top Ten in 1991. His duet with Shaggy in 1996, “That Girl”, was also a hit in the United States, peaking at number twenty.   September's show is really the Best of Maxi, combining a lifetime of solo releases and significant collaborations, balancing hard-core reggae vibes with more mainstream sensibilities. A consummate performer and one of the most successful reggae fusion artistes of all time.   Restaurant & bars open from 6pm. Show begins at 9pm

To reserve a table at our restaurant please call 0121 200 3030 Advanced Tickets £25 To reserve a restaurant table overlooking the stage please call 0121 200 3030 or email: birmingham@thejamhouse.com   Dinner & Show Only £65pp ~ or £75pp for a Balcony Table. There is limited availability so please purchase your tickets now or book a table at our restaurant as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. Buy Tickets Here

Darlings return to mark D-Day 80

🎙️🎵 The D-Day Darlings - D-Day 80 Anniversary Tour 🎵🎙️

Following on from their smash hit show celebrating the King's Coronation, the nation's favourite wartime inspired group, The D-Day Darlings, proudly present their BRAND NEW show marking the 80th Anniversary of D-Day!

Expect an emotive and reflective, yet highly entertaining and joyous performance. Featuring best loved songs from the era including stunning new arrangements, dazzling costumes and slick choreography in a stunning new show marking a hugely significant moment in our country’s rich history, the 80th anniversary of D-Day!

With special guest performances (on selected dates) from the D-Day Juniors (BGT), the brand new D-Day Darlings Voices Choir and Colin Thackery (winner of BGT 2019), making this show suitable for all the family.

NOT TO BE MISSED! BOOK NOW!

Halesowen Town Hall
Friday 21 June 2024 - 7.30pm

 

BIG BEAR ROCKS

Free Admission – Every Sunday – From 6:30pm

From Rock and Roll to Ska to Cajun to Rock - making all the stops along the way. A gumbo of music styles with just one thing in common - they all rock!  

Upcoming:

May

26th - THE JOURNEYMEN

Birmingham Rocks at O Bar, 264 Broad Street, Birmingham, B1 2DS For more information, contact Jim Simpson on 0121 454 7020 or email jim@bigbearmusic.com  AT THE O BAR Tuesdays Is Bluesdays Free Admission – Every Tuesday – From 7pm Tuesday 21st May WILL KILLEEN BLUES BAND Upcoming: May 28th - JAMIE THYER & THE WORRIED MEN

What's on: Telford Walk Week - highlights and information

 

Telford Walk Week, just over a week to go 27 May - 2 June 2024 There's 90 walks to choose from during Telford Walk Week, including something for families, mental wellbeing, nature and history events - there really is something for everyone. This week long programme of walks will have you exploring lots of different places around Telford and Wrekin, all the walks are free and a small number have chargeable events attached to them, some walks even have free refreshments, lots are wheelchair accessible and dog friendly.  Each walk has more information on where to meet, the difficulty grading, if there is an age restriction, if you need to book your place or just turn up and more.  Take a look, use the link below... All walk routes and booking info Highlights of Telford Walk Week... Coronation Walks with Friends of Telford T50 The Coronation walks are a series of 23 short circular walks across Telford.  The walks are sign posted but during Telford Walk Week are guided, with lots of choice each day, so you can come and discover a walk near you.    All ages are welcome and walks are dog friendly. More info Telford's Big Walk Sunday 2 June Come and join us on one of the five different routes - each with pick up points along the way so you can choose the length of walk for you.  All of the routes will be ending in Telford Town Park where you can join in the refreshments and get together. Walk 1 is the T50 trail from the south, Walk 2 is the T50 trail from the north, Walk 3 is from Newport, Walk 4 is the Silkin Way from the south and Walk 5 is the Silkin Way from the north. Free buses are provided for a return journey, leaving Telford Town Park at 4.15pm from Dark Lane you must pre-book your place. More info Feed the ducks waggle walk 27 May  Enjoy a gentle 2 mile walk from Bowring Park, to feed the ducks at Murphy's Field lake (duck food is provided) and back, you'll also get to see the surrounding countryside.  This walk is suitable for families with young children.  Refreshments will be provided at the finish but everyone is welcome to bring a picnic and enjoy the park after the walk.      More info The Eco Trail and Gardens at Denso 30 May Join us for a circular walk and a tour of the Eco Trail and Gardens at DENSO Manufacturing in Hortonwood. The garden is an example of corporate environmental conservation in the local community constructed in conjunction with local schools and wildlife trusts. Not suitable for dogs except support dogs. More info A Lyreco Garden and Solar Powered Future 31 May Visit Lyreco's 55,000 sqm warehouse, with an opportunity to see their rooftop solar power arrays, a gallery exhibition of award winning photos and their Eco Garden. Plus an opportunity to explore adjacent footpaths around Granville Country Park. Suitable for adults 18+ due to working environment. No dogs permitted. More info Dementia-Friendly and Age UK Welcome stroll 28 May Come and enjoy a social stroll with lunch, cakes and refreshments. This tailored activity is hosted by Sal Tonge a popular Shropshire based storyteller, musician and community artist who tells stories combined with music and is especially skilled at working with people living with dementia and memory impairment.  More info Our special thanks goes to the friends, partners and walking groups without whom we'd not be able to offer such a diverse range of walks; Wellington Walkers Are Welcome, Shropshire Wildlife Trust, Lyreco, Jake Evans, Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust, Severn Gorge Countryside Trust, Denso, Sal Tonge, Ramblers Wellbeing Walks, Newport Community Walking Group, Veterans Walks, Telford Mind, Micky Bushell, Age UK and Friends of the Telford T50 Mile Trail.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9SOeItj-cM

BIRMINGHAM PRIDE WEEKEND RETURNS FOR 2024

 

It's back on Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th May

Birmingham Pride weekend is the climax of year round activity, where everyone comes together to celebrate LGBTQ+ achievement, life and love.

Find out more »

Too Much Too Young at The Robin on Friday 14th June 2024

 June 14, 2024

 7:30 pm

 Wolverhampton, UK

 The Robin

BUY TICKETS 

Too Much Too Young is a brand-new theatre experience showcasing an all-encompassing musical journey of the forever loved and timeless 2 Tone and Ska movement. Our aim is to provide a unique and unforgettable moment in time that will delve into the history and impact of this iconic period.

A truly unique 2-hour theatre show that brings back to life the vibrant music and subculture that emerged in the late 1970’s, intertwining it with present day themes that still resonate strongly in 2023 and will continue to do so for many years to come.

Combined with its nine-piece live band, our production aims to bring the energy and authenticity of this influential movement directly onto the stage. A show that brilliantly explores how society, politics, and racial equality in both eras overlap, making it both relevant and engaging for audiences of all ages.

The incorporation of a multimedia screen allows us to evolve our storytelling to the next level with celebrated visuals that will build on the excitement and atmosphere of the whole experience.

The musical genre of this time attracts a huge global fanbase, which research shows to be currently underserved within the entertainment marketspace; As such, our mission is to launch this exclusive event within theatres nationally before broadening our market outside of the UK.

Tickets for this show are non-refundable. In the event of a cancellation, ticket holders will be contacted.

Get into the mood for the show with the very best Ska tunes!

Labour, health and Sunshine - free talk on the Alpine sanatoria of the 1920s

This talk is free, all are welcome and there’s no need to book. It will last about one hour, followed by questions. 

 Any queries, please email gill@bpha.online

Talk at Birmingham People's History Archive 22.5.24

The BPHA organises regular talks, lectures and discussions open to members. For more information, get in touch birminghampha@gmail.com

Future Events

Sat 25 Nov : How the Liberal party shaped the Labour party

12.30pm – 3.30pm – BPHA Rooms, Birmingham & Midland Institute, 9 Margaret Street

A DIRTY STOP OUT’S GUIDE TO 1970S BIRMINGHAM

 £15.00

From Barbarella’s to Black Sabbath – ‘70s Birmingham unmasked like never before

With industrial unrest on an unprecedented scale and the city enduring one of the worst IRA atrocities on mainland Britain, cultural life in ‘70s Birmingham could have taken a very dark turn.

But exactly the opposite happened. The city went on to produce some of the biggest names in popular music history and venues like Barbarella’s and Rebecca’s – owned and operated by ‘King of Clubs’ Eddie Fewtrell – dominated the night scene for the majority of the era.

The decade is chronicled like never before in the brand new ‘Dirty Stop Out’s Guide to 1970s Birmingham’ book which has been researched and written by local brothers Jim and Ron Simpson who have been at the very heart of the city’s music scene since the late 1960s.

Duran Duran, UB40, Dexys Midnight Runners and many more found initial success in the 1970s and feature in the story.

The book’s co-author Jim Simpson is arguably more qualified than most to write about the decade – he helped create success for one of the city’s biggest cultural exports of the era, Black Sabbath.

He was their first manager and took them to the top of the charts. He also managed other successful bands, found, toured and recorded American blues musicians and ran Henry’s Blueshouse and the Big Bear record label.

The ‘Dirty Stop Out’s Guide to 1970s Birmingham’ – which is full of rare photos and memories from luminaires spanning Jasper Carrott to Tony Iommi – features venues like the legendary Mothers, once described by John Peel as the best club in the world.

Jim Simpson said: “Birmingham had a thriving live music and nightlife scene in the 1970s. It was an exciting place to be and this book is a true celebration of the decade.”

The ‘Dirty Stop Out’s Guide to 1970s Birmingham’ follows best-selling editions of the book series that have been previously launched in the likes of Coventry, Sheffield, Liverpool, Manchester, Chesterfield and other places.

Ron Simpson added: “It was the decade that gave us everything from disco to punk via heavy rock and reggae and Birmingham was at the centre of everything.”

A DIRTY STOP OUT'S GUIDE TO 1970S BIRMINGHAM QUANTITY

Sow and Grow activities at Hawkesley Community Centre for those over 50

 

Exciting community events in Hall Green

 

Celebrate historic Oak Apple Day at The Commandery, Worcester

Bank Holiday Monday 27 May, 10am – 4pm

Oak Apple Day celebrations return to The Commandery in an exciting day of fun bringing history to life on Bank Holiday Monday 27 May.

The spectacular Grade-1-listed Commandery – the Royalist Headquarters during the Battle of Worcester – will be alive with reenactors, military demonstrations, history talks and more. Visitors can watch musket firing take place in the picturesque walled gardens, and children can take part in pike drills throughout the day.

Fascinating talks from the Battle of Worcester Society and Worcester Reenactors will transport visitors back to the time of the Civil War – and people can take a short walking tour up to Fort Royal Hill where fighting took place during the final battle in 1651.

This spring tradition marks the anniversary of the restoration of the monarchy in 1660 following the English Civil War – and has a special connection to the city of Worcester, the scene of the deciding battle of the Civil War in 1651.

Nine years after Charles II hid from Parliamentarian troops in an oak tree following the loss of his Royalist cause at the Battle of Worcester, he returned to the throne on his thirtieth birthday, 29 May 1660 – which became the annual celebration of Oak Apple Day, now only celebrated in a handful of places in the country.

Helen Manning, Events and Activities Coordinator at The Commandery, says: “Oak Apple Day is a fun spring celebration for all the family to enjoy, and it brings to life some of the amazing stories from The Commandery's history.”

There is no booking required for Oak Apple Day, and usual entry admission applies. There is free admission to those with a Commandery season ticket or Worcester Residents’ pass.

For Worcester residents who don’t yet have an annual pass, sign up on Oak Apple Day and receive free admission to The Commandery for the rest of the year.

The canal-side independent café, Commandery Coffee, will be open and offering fantastic homemade cakes and toasties. A perfect place for all to refuel during an adventurous day out.

For further information, please visit www.museumsworcestershire.org.uk