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Elliott Brown Art; Culture & creativity
21 Apr 2024 - Elliott Brown
Gallery

Handsworth Park Arts Trail

Here is some of the main works of public art that you can find on the Handsworth Park Arts Trail, and some details on each piece. In no particular order. We recommend catching the no 16 bus from Birmingham City Centre to do the trail, find the pieces. Here and Now by Tim Tolkien installed in 2023. The Benjamin Zephaniah mural by I Create Not Destroy (Bunny Bread) unveiled in 2024.

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Handsworth Park Arts Trail





Here is some of the main works of public art that you can find on the Handsworth Park Arts Trail, and some details on each piece. In no particular order. We recommend catching the no 16 bus from Birmingham City Centre to do the trail, find the pieces. Here and Now by Tim Tolkien installed in 2023. The Benjamin Zephaniah mural by I Create Not Destroy (Bunny Bread) unveiled in 2024.


Handsworth Arts Trail

SS Journey

It was sculpted in 2017 by Luke Perry as part of the Handsworth Arts Trail. Near the large lake.

dndimg alt="SS Journey" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Handsworth%20Park%20SS%20Journey%20(2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Here and Now bench

Commissioned for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. Resembles a fairground waltzer car. Installed August 2023, artist was Tim Tolkien.

dndimg alt="Here and Now" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Here%20and%20Now%20bench%20Handsworth%20Park%2020042024%20(2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Here and Now figures

Commissioned for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. Installed August 2023, artist was Tim Tolkien. Part of the same work as the Here and Now bench. Near a path opposite Handsworth Cricket Club.

dndimg alt="Here and Now figures" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Here%20and%20Now%20figures%20Handsworth%20Park%2020042024%20(3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Hands and Minds Speak

Located on an island within the small lake at Handsworth Park. It was sculpted in Lawson Oyekan and made in 2010.

dndimg alt="Hands and Minds Speak" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Hands%20Minds%20Speak%20Handsworth%20Park%2020042024%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The Pyramid Tower by Veranda Stories

Located half way between the Sons of Rest building and small lake / pond at Handsworth Park. It was by the visual artists Pauline Bailey & Ola Brown, of Veranda Stories. It had many mandala patterns, which was then laser cut. It was designed with the Women's Sewing Group and Saathi House. Made in 2017.

dndimg alt="The Pyramid Tower" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Pyramid%20Tower%20Handsworth%20Park%2020042024%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The Anchor

Located within the Handsworth Park Community Garden, near Holly Road. The artist was Katie Sturridge.  A symbol of the Birmingham Assay Office. Made in 2015.

dndimg alt="The Anchor" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/The%20Anchor%20KS%20Handsworth%20PCG%2020042024%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The Sons of Rest Mosaic

Located next to the Handsworth Park Community Gardens. The artist wasClaire Cotterill. Based on stained glass windows found in the Sons of Rest building in Handsworth Park. The mosaic was made in honour of the centenary of the end of WW1 in 2018.

dndimg alt="The Sons of Rest Mosaic" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Sons%20of%20Rest%20Mos%20Handsworth%20Park%2020042024.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Handsworth Revolution: Steel Pulse

The large mural at the entrance to Handsworth Leisure Centre was commissioned as part of Punch Records’ BASS Festival’s celebration of 50 years of Reggae and coincided with National Album Day and Black History Month.

dndimg alt="Steel Pulse" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Steel%20Pulse%20Handsworth%20LC%20(Sep%202019)%20(2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Benjamin Zephaniah mural

Located on a wall at the Sons of Rest Building in Handsworth Park. Mural in tribute to the late Benjamin Zephaniah (1958 - 2023), a Birmingham born poet. By I Create Not Destroy, aka Bunny Bread. It was unveiled on the 14th April 2024. Commissioned by the Black Heritage Walks Network (BHWN).

dndimg alt="Benjamin Zephaniah mural at the Sons of Rest building in Handsworth Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BZ%20SoR%20Handsworth%20Park%2020042024%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The Big Sleuth Birmingham 2017

At least two of the painted bears can be still found in Handsworth Park, years after the trail had ended.

Sun Guardian Bear

It was created by Goosensi (Mat Barber) working with Friends of Handsworth Park and the Handsworth Community. In the Handsworth Park Community Garden.

dndimg alt="Handsworth Park Big Sleuth" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Handsworth%20Park%20Big%20Slueth%202017%20(1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Well Active Bear

It was created by Mark Copplestone and Jennie Saunders working with Birmingham Wellbeing Service. Seen outside of the Handsworth Wellbeing Centre. Also called Handsworth Leisure Centre.

dndimg alt="Handsworth Park Big Sleuth" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Handsworth%20Park%20Big%20Slueth%202017%20(2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Photography by Elliott Brown

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Elliott Brown History & heritage
15 Apr 2024 - Elliott Brown
Inspiration

Open Day at the Galton Valley Pumping Station in Smethwick

I went along to the first open day of the year at the Galton Valley Pumping Station in Smethwick, on the second Saturday of each month between April and October, each year. Run by Sandwell Museums & The Friends of Galton Valley Pumping Station. Very friendly volunteers, as I had a look around getting photos. Well worth a visit when it's open. Train down to Smethwick Galton Bridge.

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Open Day at the Galton Valley Pumping Station in Smethwick





I went along to the first open day of the year at the Galton Valley Pumping Station in Smethwick, on the second Saturday of each month between April and October, each year. Run by Sandwell Museums & The Friends of Galton Valley Pumping Station. Very friendly volunteers, as I had a look around getting photos. Well worth a visit when it's open. Train down to Smethwick Galton Bridge.


I scanned in this leaflet I was handed with the 2024 open day dates at the Galton Valley Pumping Station in Smethwick. Held on the second Saturday of each month from April to October, 11am to 3pm (last admission at 2:30pm). Free entry.

I went on Saturday 13th April 2024. The next dates are as follows: 11th May, 8th June, 13th July, 10th August, 14th September and 12th October 2024. Thank you to The Friends of Galton Valley Pumping Station and Sandwell Museums.

dndimg alt="Galton Valley Pumping Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Smethwick%20GVPS%20open%20days%202024%20(1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Here's some of the usual outdoor views of the Galton Valley Pumping Station, that I retook, while I was in Smethwick again on Saturday 13th April 2024, similar to views I've taken before in the past. I approached from Smethwick Galton Bridge Station via the Birmingham Canal Navigations New Mainline, you have to go up the steps to the BCN Old Mainline to go in the entrance, and see the volunteers.

dndimg alt="Galton Valley Pumping Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Sandwell%20GVPS%20Smethwick%20OD%20ext%2013042024%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The views on leaving the pumping station, from Brasshouse Lane over the old and new BCN canals, then over the footbridge that crosses Tollhouse Way.

dndimg alt="Galton Valley Pumping Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Sandwell%20GVPS%20Smethwick%20OD%20ext%2013042024%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Galton Valley Pumping Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Sandwell%20GVPS%20Smethwick%20OD%20ext%2013042024%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

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dndimg alt="Galton Valley Pumping Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Sandwell%20GVPS%20Smethwick%20OD%20ext%2013042024%20(6).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

A look around the inside of the Galton Valley Pumping Station in Smethwick. There was a Tangyes Birmingham engine on the upper floor.

dndimg alt="Galton Valley Pumping Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Galton%20Valley%20PS%20OD%2013042024%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Galton Valley Pumping Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Galton%20Valley%20PS%20OD%2013042024%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Arthur Ross and several old signs on the floor here.

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dndimg alt="Galton Valley Pumping Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Galton%20Valley%20PS%20OD%2013042024%20(4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Galton Valley Pumping Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Galton%20Valley%20PS%20OD%2013042024%20(5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Galton Valley Pumping Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Galton%20Valley%20PS%20OD%2013042024%20(6).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Into the next room then would be going downstairs.

dndimg alt="Galton Valley Pumping Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Galton%20Valley%20PS%20OD%2013042024%20(7).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

A Fellows, Morton & Clayton narrowboat, registers at Birmingham, you could have a look inside, but not sure if there was room to climb on board.

dndimg alt="Galton Valley Pumping Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Galton%20Valley%20PS%20OD%2013042024%20(8).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Working life on the canals.

dndimg alt="Galton Valley Pumping Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Galton%20Valley%20PS%20OD%2013042024%20(9).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Galton Valley Pumping Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Galton%20Valley%20PS%20OD%2013042024%20(10).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Down the bottom with large boiler engines.

dndimg alt="Galton Valley Pumping Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Galton%20Valley%20PS%20OD%2013042024%20(11).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Galton Valley Pumping Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Galton%20Valley%20PS%20OD%2013042024%20(12).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

On this wall A C Munford Engineer Colchester.

dndimg alt="Galton Valley Pumping Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Galton%20Valley%20PS%20OD%2013042024%20(13).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The back up more steps, one last look at the Tangyes Birmingham engine, before heading out.

dndimg alt="Galton Valley Pumping Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Galton%20Valley%20PS%20OD%2013042024%20(14).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Photography by Elliott Brown 

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Elliott Brown Art; Culture & creativity
08 Apr 2024 - Elliott Brown
Gallery

Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz on Kent Street at Sidewalk in Southside

The Dorothy street art popped up unexpectedly after Easter 2024, on Kent Street, with a ruby red slipper on the line above. On some doors of the Sidewalk gay bar. But by chance The Wizard of Oz will be playing at the Birmingham Hippodrome in June 2024. Is it Joe, as it's not Banksy? Photos from Birmingham We Are's Jack Babington and Elliott Brown. Who run our Instagram page.

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Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz on Kent Street at Sidewalk in Southside





The Dorothy street art popped up unexpectedly after Easter 2024, on Kent Street, with a ruby red slipper on the line above. On some doors of the Sidewalk gay bar. But by chance The Wizard of Oz will be playing at the Birmingham Hippodrome in June 2024. Is it Joe, as it's not Banksy? Photos from Birmingham We Are's Jack Babington and Elliott Brown. Who run our Instagram page.


The Wizard of Oz at the Birmingham Hippodrome from 11th to 16th June 2024, starring Craig Revel Horwood as The Wicked Witch of the West.

 

The owners of Sidewalk did not expect to find Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz on their building, on a pair of doors. It quickly got into the media, is it a Banksy? No. Who is it by? It is by Joe Lycett? We are not sure yet. Probably not by Disney B32. Perspex has been put over the artwork to protect it. There is also a pair of ruby red slippers on the phone line wire above Kent Street in the Gay Village (Southside BID).

dndimg alt="Dorothy" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Dorothy%20WoO%20Kent%20St%20Jack%2006042024%20(1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Dorothy" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Dorothy%20WoO%20Kent%20St%20Jack%2006042024%20(2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Dorothy" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Dorothy%20WoO%20Kent%20St%20Jack%2006042024%20(3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Dorothy" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Dorothy%20WoO%20Kent%20St%20Jack%2006042024%20(4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Dorothy" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Dorothy%20WoO%20Kent%20St%20Jack%2006042024%20(5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Photography by Jack Babington | Pro Photography Pictures

 

You will find Dorothy is you make your way to Hurst Street in Southside, when you find Sidewalk, then turn onto Kent Street. She is on the doors. This visit during Storm Kathleen so it was trying to rain, and was a bit windy, like Dorothy flying away in the house from Kansas to the Land of Oz!

dndimg alt="Dorothy" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Dorothy%20WoO%20Sidewalk%20Kent%20St%2007042024%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Dorothy" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Dorothy%20WoO%20Sidewalk%20Kent%20St%2007042024%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Dorothy" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Dorothy%20WoO%20Sidewalk%20Kent%20St%2007042024%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Dorothy" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Dorothy%20WoO%20Sidewalk%20Kent%20St%2007042024%20(4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Photography by Elliott Brown | Ell R Brown 82

 

Go here for our post on Facebook: Dorothy FB. And on Instagram: Dorothy Insta.

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80 passion points
Elliott Brown People & community
20 Mar 2024 - Elliott Brown
Gallery

The first St Patrick's Day Parade in 5 years but on Bradford Street in Digbeth!

I previously got the St Patrick's Day Parade's in Digbeth in March 2015 and March 2018. Usually from a view outside Selfridges at the Bullring. But the 2024 St Patrick's Day Parade was on Bradford Street, due to the Eastside Metro extension works on the Digbeth High Street. It started at Camp Hill and went as far as Rea Street. I walked up Cheapside for extra views.

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The first St Patrick's Day Parade in 5 years but on Bradford Street in Digbeth!





I previously got the St Patrick's Day Parade's in Digbeth in March 2015 and March 2018. Usually from a view outside Selfridges at the Bullring. But the 2024 St Patrick's Day Parade was on Bradford Street, due to the Eastside Metro extension works on the Digbeth High Street. It started at Camp Hill and went as far as Rea Street. I walked up Cheapside for extra views.


A few days before the St Patrick's Day Parade, I went to the Custard Factory to get the painted billboard wall on Gibb Street. It was advertising Shanky's Whip for St Patrick's Day.

dndimg alt="St Patrick's Day" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St%20Pats%20Digbeth%20CF%2015032024.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Before noon on Sunday 17th March 2024, St Patrick's Day. The parade was waiting at the top of Camp Hill. Bus routes including the 2, 3, 4, 4A, 5, 6 and 50 were diverted from Camp Hill Circus, Bordesley Middleway, Coventry Road and onto the Digbeth High Street. Until 2019, the previous parades always used to use the Digbeth High Street (consisting of High Street Bordesley and High Street Dertiend). The 2020 and 2021 parades were cancelled due to the pandemic, then 2022 and 2023 due to the Eastside Metro extension works and other factors. But was decided for 2024 to use Bradford Street instead.

dndimg alt="St Patrick's Day Parade" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Camp%20Hill%20St%20Pats%20pre%2017032024%20(1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="St Patrick's Day Parade" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Camp%20Hill%20St%20Pats%20pre%2017032024%20(2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

I was thinking of going up to level 4 of Edgbaston Street Car Park for a view of the parade, but an alarm at the Bull Ring Indoor Market stopped that idea. So headed back to the Bullring then into Selfridges, and over the Parametric Bridge for a view from level 8 of Moor Street Car Park (which I was going to do anyway). But in the end, felt better just to leave the car park on Park Street and walk to Bradford Street in Digbeth for some views of the parade close up. There was no view from the balcony at the Bullring near Selfridges.

dndimg alt="St Patrick's Day Parade" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St%20Patricks%20DP%20Bradford%20St%2017032024%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The view from Bradford Street, beyond Rea Street, looking up to Camp Hill. Very crowded. But at least the parade was back.

dndimg alt="St Patrick's Day Parade" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St%20Patricks%20DP%20Bradford%20St%2017032024%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="St Patrick's Day Parade" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St%20Patricks%20DP%20Bradford%20St%2017032024%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

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dndimg alt="St Patrick's Day Parade" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St%20Patricks%20DP%20Bradford%20St%2017032024%20(6).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="St Patrick's Day Parade" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St%20Patricks%20DP%20Bradford%20St%2017032024%20(7).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="St Patrick's Day Parade" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St%20Patricks%20DP%20Bradford%20St%2017032024%20(8).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="St Patrick's Day Parade" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St%20Patricks%20DP%20Bradford%20St%2017032024%20(9).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

I left Bradford Street, and walked onto Barford Street then started going up Cheapside. A look up Rea Street towards The Anchor, Birmingham Coach Station and The Digbeth Institute.

dndimg alt="St Patrick's Day Parade" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Anchor%20SPDP%20BS%2017032024.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Continuing up Cheapside, the next road I popped up was Birchall Street, where you have a view of the Custard Factory (Devonshire House / Zellig Building). Modern flats on the right at Fabrick Square.

dndimg alt="St Patrick's Day Parade" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Custard%20Factory%20SPDP%20BS%2017032024.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

St Anne's Catholic Church could be seen from Alcester Street with an Irish flag. They held a service here that morning before the festivities began.

dndimg alt="St Patrick's Day Parade" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St%20Annes%20Digbeth%20RC%20SPDP%2017032024.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Also on Alcester Street near St Anne's Catholic Church was this stall selling Irish flags, hats and scarves.

dndimg alt="St Patrick's Day Parade" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Cheapside%20St%20Pats%20BS%2017032024%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Further up Cheapside is Rea Place, between new apartment buildings, Rea House and Kinvara Heights, towards Abacus on Bradford Street. Bit hard to see anything from here, so continued walking up the hill.

dndimg alt="St Patrick's Day Parade" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Cheapside%20St%20Pats%20BS%2017032024%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="St Patrick's Day Parade" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Cheapside%20St%20Pats%20BS%2017032024%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Now onto Moseley Road. The parade floats near A1 Clutches and Adam & Eve Evolve.

dndimg alt="St Patrick's Day Parade" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Cheapside%20St%20Pats%20BS%2017032024%20(4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="St Patrick's Day Parade" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Cheapside%20St%20Pats%20BS%2017032024%20(6).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="St Patrick's Day Parade" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Cheapside%20St%20Pats%20BS%2017032024%20(5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

After Moseley Road, I then walked up Ravenhurst Street to Camp Hill, I did briefly look at one side from Lowe Street. The last parade floats on Camp Hill, as they were about to go onto Bradford Street. After this I walked around Bordesley Middleway, Coventry Street, Upper Trinity Street and Adderley Street, before getting a bus from the Digbeth High Street.

dndimg alt="St Patrick's Day Parade" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Camp%20Hill%20Bradford%20St%20SPDP%2017032024%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="St Patrick's Day Parade" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Camp%20Hill%20Bradford%20St%20SPDP%2017032024%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

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dndimg alt="St Patrick's Day Parade" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Camp%20Hill%20Bradford%20St%20SPDP%2017032024%20(5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Photography by Elliott Brown

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Elliott Brown Travel & tourism
17 Mar 2024 - Elliott Brown
Gallery

Funder City at Moat Lane from Danter Attractions

Digbeth Fun Fair is back for the fourth year. Second time at the Smithfield Festival Site, but near Moat Lane (unlike the Beach @ Smithfield in Summer 2023 near Pershore Street). Started 14th March and runs to the 7th April 2024. In time for the up and coming Easter holidays.

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Funder City at Moat Lane from Danter Attractions





Digbeth Fun Fair is back for the fourth year. Second time at the Smithfield Festival Site, but near Moat Lane (unlike the Beach @ Smithfield in Summer 2023 near Pershore Street). Started 14th March and runs to the 7th April 2024. In time for the up and coming Easter holidays.


FUNDER CITY THE DIGBETH FUN FAIR.

Danter Attractions is holding their fourth fun fair in Digbeth / Southside in four years, but the second year at Smithfield. It opened on the 14th March and is open daily until the 7th April 2024, during the Easter holidays period.

The same rides as before, some of which were last used at Ice Skate Birmingham. Others return from the last Digbeth Fun Fair, called at the time Beach @ Smithfield (July to August 2023).

 

The view from Digbeth near Enterprise Rent a Car, and the Eastside Metro extension (just before Alcester Street on the Digbeth High Street).

dndimg alt="Funder City" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Funder%20City%20Digbeth%2015032024%20(1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

From Mill Lane near Birmingham Coach Station, towards Bradford Street. Buildings on right were demolished recently, Bullring Autocentre (Strictly MOT before that) and Sutton Florists (previously the Leather Company, and Fonz Leathers before that).

dndimg alt="Funder City" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Funder%20City%20Digbeth%2015032024%20(2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

A carousel ride seen near Bradford Street.

dndimg alt="Funder City" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Funder%20City%20Digbeth%2015032024%20(3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Fun House

dndimg alt="Funder City" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Funder%20City%20Digbeth%2015032024%20(4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Birmingham Big Wheel returns again.

dndimg alt="Funder City" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Funder%20City%20Digbeth%2015032024%20(5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Funder City from 14th March to 7th April 2024 open day, Moat Lane City Centre, B5 5BD. Best to get the bus here (or train), don't go in your car!

dndimg alt="Funder City" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Funder%20City%20Digbeth%2015032024%20(6).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Onto Moat Lane. The fun fair is where the concrete Moat Lane Car Park was until it was demolished a few years ago.

dndimg alt="Funder City" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Funder%20City%20Digbeth%2015032024%20(7).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The Welcome entrance, it's been used at many fun fairs in Birmingham over the years, even one that was at the Curzon Street HS2 site back in 2010!

dndimg alt="Funder City" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Funder%20City%20Digbeth%2015032024%20(8).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Upper Dean Street view, some demolition rubble.

dndimg alt="Funder City" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Funder%20City%20Digbeth%2015032024%20(9).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

And to the Bullring, up to the balcony near St Martin in the Bullring for one last view before going into the West Mall.

dndimg alt="Funder City" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Funder%20City%20Digbeth%2015032024%20(10).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

A few days later, and it was St Patrick's Day. View from the Bullring on the balcony behind Browns Birmingham.

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A view from Moor Street Car Park level 8 through the safety barrier fence.

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Funder City in full swing from Moat Lane, as I walked to check out the St Patrick's Day Parade on Bradford Street.

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Photography by Elliott Brown

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