Southside in Birmingham (including Chinese Quarter and Gay Village)

Southside is a district of Birmingham hosting The Chinese Quarter and GayVillage. As well as a thriving business area, it is a hub for much of Birmingham's hospitality and nightlife.


Introducing Southside

Southside is a thriving and busy part of the City and proud to reflect the amazing diversity of Birmingham. It is vibrant and embraces Chinatown (Chinese Quarter), The Gay Village. 

It is also home to the Hippodrome, the busiest single theatre in the United Kingdom, and the busiest venue for dance outside of London. 

The massive in-development site at Smithfield will add hugely to the Southside appeal for residents, business and visitors to the city.

Artists impression of Smithfield. Credit: Lendlease.

This feature, full of links, articles and photography, provides a great introduction to the amazing Southside. 

 

Southside BID Team

Overseeing the development of the district and supporting business in the area is Southside BID (Business Improvement District).

The Southside BID team describes Southside as the Cultural "heart of the City".

Current Chair of the Southside BID is Lawrence Barton, who is a key figure in Southside and highly respected across the community.

For more on Southside BID, connect HERE.

 

Cultural events at Southside

World renowned cultural events are held in Southside and two with particular global appeal are Birmingham Pride and the annual Chinese New Year Celebrations

 

Diversity at Southside 

It is the ability of Southside to bring diverse groups together that stands out about this particular district of Birmingham, engaging and representing a community though the power of creative expression.

Rainbow Crossing in Southside. Courtesy Rewired PR.

Pride Festival. Photography by Barry Whitehead.

Pride Festival. Photography by Fay Loewy.

Floral canopy in Southside. Photography by Elliott Brown.

 

For more on Southside

Southside Bid Team 

0121 643 3720

 

Project dates

14 Oct 2019 - On-going

Passions

Art; Culture & creativity, Food & drink, Business & enterprise
People & community, Squares and public spaces

Contact

Your Place Your Space

Jonathan Bostock

0121 410 5520
jonathan.bostock@ yourplaceyourspace.com

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Travel & tourism
17 Mar 2024 - Elliott Brown
Gallery

Funder City at Moat Lane from Danter Attractions

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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.

Related

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.

dndimg alt="Funder City" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Funder%20City%20Smithfield%2017032024%20(1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

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

dndimg alt="Funder City" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Funder%20City%20Smithfield%2017032024%20(2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

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

dndimg alt="Funder City" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Funder%20City%20Smithfield%2017032024%20(3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Photography by Elliott Brown

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90 passion points
Travel & tourism
19 Jul 2023 - Elliott Brown
Gallery

Beach at Smithfield Birmingham from Danter Attractions

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For the third summer in a row, Danter Attractions (the family group behind Ice Skate Birmingham and Digbeth Fun Fair) is opening a fun fair in Birmingham. This time at the Smithfield Festival Site. The entrance will be from Pershore Street in Southside. It runs from 14th July until 28th August 2023. Mostly the same rides as in previous years, Wild Mouse, Star Flyer, Air, Dodgems and so on.

Related

Beach at Smithfield Birmingham from Danter Attractions





For the third summer in a row, Danter Attractions (the family group behind Ice Skate Birmingham and Digbeth Fun Fair) is opening a fun fair in Birmingham. This time at the Smithfield Festival Site. The entrance will be from Pershore Street in Southside. It runs from 14th July until 28th August 2023. Mostly the same rides as in previous years, Wild Mouse, Star Flyer, Air, Dodgems and so on.


Beach @ Smithfield Birmingham. AKA Digbeth Fun Fair and Birmingham Beach, is once again being run by the family team at Danter Attractions (who annually hold Ice Skate Birmingham in Centenary Square).

Entrance: Pershore Street, Birmingham, B5 4RW

 

Dates: 14th July to 28th August 2023.

Postponed to 16th July due to the rain forecast. Or to a later date depending on the weather.

 

 

In 2021, Digbeth Fun Fair was located at Charles Henry Street (Warner Fields), while in 2022 it moved to land at High Street Bordesley (Lunar Rise). For 2023 it is at the corner of Smithfield near Pershore Street and Barford Street (Smithfield Birmingham). While these brownfield sites are not being used, Danter have been putting fun fairs on them each summer.

Smithfield was previously used in summer 2022 for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games (Beach Volleyball and 3x3 Basketball).

 

Gallery of 25 photos below taken by Elliott Brown

 

Initial views taken from the no 6 bus on Moat Lane.

Air and Wild Mouse

dndimg alt="Beach at Smithfield" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Beach%20Smithfield%2013072023%20(1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Beach at Smithfield" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Beach%20Smithfield%2013072023%20(2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Got off the bus at the Bullring (Park Street), and next walked to the Upper Dean Street view.

Runaway Train

dndimg alt="Beach at Smithfield" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Beach%20Smithfield%2013072023%20(3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

General view of the fun fair from Upper Dean Street towards the new developments in Southside.

dndimg alt="Beach at Smithfield" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Beach%20Smithfield%2013072023%20(4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Beach at Smithfield" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Beach%20Smithfield%2013072023%20(5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Dodgem and Wild Mouse

dndimg alt="Beach at Smithfield" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Beach%20Smithfield%2013072023%20(6).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

From Dean Street.

Air and Star Flyer

dndimg alt="Beach at Smithfield" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Beach%20Smithfield%2013072023%20(7).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Onto Pershore Street near the entrance to Beach @ Smithfield Birmingham.

WELCOME TO THE BEACH

dndimg alt="Beach at Smithfield" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Beach%20Smithfield%2013072023%20(8).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Beach at Smithfield" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Beach%20Smithfield%2013072023%20(9).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Beach at Smithfield" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Beach%20Smithfield%2013072023%20(10).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Beach at Smithfield" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Beach%20Smithfield%2013072023%20(11).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Giant Circus Slides

dndimg alt="Beach at Smithfield" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Beach%20Smithfield%2013072023%20(12).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Top Spin

dndimg alt="Beach at Smithfield" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Beach%20Smithfield%2013072023%20(13).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Selfridges and Wild Mouse

dndimg alt="Beach at Smithfield" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Beach%20Smithfield%2013072023%20(14).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Beach at Smithfield" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Beach%20Smithfield%2013072023%20(15).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Onto the Pershore Street corner with Barford Street near Sherlock Street.

Air, Wild Spin and Star Flyer

dndimg alt="Beach at Smithfield" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Beach%20Smithfield%2013072023%20(16).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Beach at Smithfield" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Beach%20Smithfield%2013072023%20(17).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Beach at Smithfield" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Beach%20Smithfield%2013072023%20(18).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Wild Mouse

dndimg alt="Beach at Smithfield" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Beach%20Smithfield%2013072023%20(19).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The views from Moat Lane through the fence.

dndimg alt="Beach at Smithfield" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Beach%20Smithfield%2013072023%20(20).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Wild Mouse and Snow Storm

dndimg alt="Beach at Smithfield" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Beach%20Smithfield%2013072023%20(21).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Dodgems

dndimg alt="Beach at Smithfield" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Beach%20Smithfield%2013072023%20(22).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

General view from Moor Street Car Park, level 8 (over from the Parametric Bridge connected to Selfridges).

dndimg alt="Beach at Smithfield" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Beach%20Smithfield%2013072023%20(23).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

View from the no 35 bus on Pershore Street

Wild Mouse

dndimg alt="Beach at Smithfield" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Beach%20Smithfield%2013072023%20(24).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Before getting off the no 35 bus in Kings Heath on Vicarage Road, spotted this banner for Beach @ Smithfield Birmingham on the High Street near Institute Road.

dndimg alt="Beach at Smithfield" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Beach%20Smithfield%2013072023%20(25).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Go to their Facebook page Birmingham Beach (Digbeth Fun Fair). For more close up photos of the beach and rides, than we have been able to get from walking around Upper Dean Street, Pershore Street, Barford Street and Moat Lane.

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80 passion points
Art; Culture & creativity
07 Feb 2022 - Elliott Brown
Gallery

Chinese New Year 2020 and 2022 in Birmingham

Post image

The Birmingham Chinese Festival Committee and Birmingham Hippodrome were back again at the Bullring & Grand Central. Once again in the West Mall performance area, just outside of the former entrances of Debenhams. I forgot that they last performed there in late January 2020. So this was their first performance in a little over two years!

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Chinese New Year 2020 and 2022 in Birmingham





The Birmingham Chinese Festival Committee and Birmingham Hippodrome were back again at the Bullring & Grand Central. Once again in the West Mall performance area, just outside of the former entrances of Debenhams. I forgot that they last performed there in late January 2020. So this was their first performance in a little over two years!


Happy Chinese New Year.  There was no dancing Chinese lions / dragons in 2021, but they are back in the first week of February 2022!

The Birmingham Chinese Festival Committee, took the dancing lion / dragon all over Birmingham and Solihull. I was not able to be where they were, as much as I would have liked to see it. So below will have to do.

I've not been able to get the dancing lion / dragon, since I got the yellow one at Cathedral Square in 2018.

 

January 2020

It was Chinese New Year, and that year it was the Year of the Rat. A little over two months later the first lockdown began, and this seemed like a distant memory.

 

Photos below taken on 23rd January 2020.

The Bullring Bull in it's Chinese New Year of the Rat outfit. Two years later (2022) the Bull does not have an outfit on (for the Year of the Tiger). But nice to look two years back (to a couple of months before the first lockdown).

dndimg alt="Chinese New Year" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/CNY of the Rat Bullring bull (Jan 20) (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Chinese New Year" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/CNY of the Rat Bullring bull (Jan 20) (3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Chinese New Year" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/CNY of the Rat Bullring bull (Jan 20) (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Photos below taken on the 25th January 2020.

These views from the top floor balcony in the West Mall of Bullring & Grand Central. The Birmingham Chinese Festival Committee putting on a display. It was crowded on all floors.

dndimg alt="CNY Bullring" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/CNY 2020 Bullring 25012020 (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="CNY Bullring" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/CNY 2020 Bullring 25012020 (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="CNY Bullring" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/CNY 2020 Bullring 25012020 (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

February 2022

Photos below taken 1st February 2022.

Chinese New Year, the Year of the Rat began on the 1st February 2022. The Birmingham Chinese Festival Committee were performing all over the City, and in Solihull on the 1st and 2nd February. But I kept missing them, so got the below instead.

 

Southside Media Eye at Birmingham New Street Station - Welcome to the Year of the Rat.

dndimg alt="Chinese New Year" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Tiger BNSS BRGC 01022022.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Ming Moon Chinese Restaurant & Karaoke Bar. Chinese lanterns seen on Hurst Street.

dndimg alt="Chinese New Year" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ming Moon CNY 01022022.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Birmingham Hippodrome on Hurst Street. Digital billboard wishing you a Happy (Chinese) New Year!

dndimg alt="Chinese New Year" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BH Hurst St 01022022 (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Photos below taken on 5th February 2022.

Two years later, and the Birmingham Chinese Festival Committee and Birmingham Hippodrome were back with more performances in the Bullring West Mall. This time I took them from the middle floor balcony. Crowds of people on all floors, was hard to get a spot, so took a few photos over peoples heads.

dndimg alt="CNY Bullring" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/CNY 2022 Bullring 05022022 (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="CNY Bullring" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/CNY 2022 Bullring 05022022 (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="CNY Bullring" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/CNY 2022 Bullring 05022022 (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="CNY Bullring" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/CNY 2022 Bullring 05022022 (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="CNY Bullring" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/CNY 2022 Bullring 05022022 (5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Join us for spectacular Chinese New Year Celebrations. 5th February, 12pm - 5pm. Seen on the Media Eye at Birmingham New Street Station, facing the Bullring. View from the Moor Street Link Bridge.

dndimg alt="Chinese New Year" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/HNYC Grand Central BNSS 05022022.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Photos below taken on 6th February 2022.

From the 1st to 5th February 2022, I kept missing seeing the dancing Chinese lion with the drums. Then managed to get them on The Queen's 70th Anniversary of her Asccension. I saw them at The Arcadian while they were on Cathay Street.

dndimg alt="Cathay St Arcadian" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/CNY Cathay St Arcadian 06022022 (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Cathay St Arcadian" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/CNY Cathay St Arcadian 06022022 (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Gent 48 street art on Wrottesley Street in Southside. Part of the same mural that is on Bath Passage. Seen from Ladywell Walk, opposite The Arcadian.

dndimg alt="Chinese New Year" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Gent 48 Wrottesley St Sside 06022022.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

On Hurst Street. Lamppost with Chinese lanterns. Below is a Birmingham 2022 banner, Be Bold Be Birmingham. Ahead is the unpleasant concrete eyesore over Smallbrook Queensway, with graffiti that urgently needs removing. Or the building demolishing.

dndimg alt="Chinese New Year" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Hurst St BBBB Chinese 06022022.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

A Gent 48 piece at the end of Smallbrook Queensway near Holloway Circus and Horse Fair. Of a Panda. It's been here since at least 2019 (I took another photo of it when I first saw it three years ago).

dndimg alt="Chinese New Year" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Gent 48 SMQ Panda 06022022.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Photos taken by Elliott Brown can also be found on Twitter: ellrbrown

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60 passion points
Art; Culture & creativity
28 Oct 2020 - Elliott Brown
Gallery

Over the Moon Lantern Installation at The Arcadian

Post image

Over the Moon is a Netflix film (with a limited cinema release), and to promote it, they are having a Lantern Installation at The Arcadian in the Chinese Quarter / Southside. I popped by on Sunday lunchtime, but these can also be seen lit up after dark. A bit like those Magical Lantern displays in years gone by. It is free. I believe they will be up until the middle of November 2020.

Related

Over the Moon Lantern Installation at The Arcadian





Over the Moon is a Netflix film (with a limited cinema release), and to promote it, they are having a Lantern Installation at The Arcadian in the Chinese Quarter / Southside. I popped by on Sunday lunchtime, but these can also be seen lit up after dark. A bit like those Magical Lantern displays in years gone by. It is free. I believe they will be up until the middle of November 2020.


Over the Moon appears to be a new Netflix film. And to promote it, there is a Lantern Installation at The Arcadian in Southside / Chinese Quarter. It is viewable from the central circular area. It has been on display from the last few weeks of October 2020, and I think it will still be there until the middle of November 2020.

 

More details on Over the Moon. The film was released in select cinemas on the 16th October 2020 and on Netflix on the 23rd October 2020. It is a computer animated film.

 

Gallery below of the laterns in the daylight. But you could see them after dark to get the full effect. Now we are back in Greenwich Mean Time, it might be dark enough after 5pm or 6pm GMT.

dndimg alt="Over the Moon" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Over the Moon Arcadian (Oct 2020) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Over the Moon" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Over the Moon Arcadian (Oct 2020) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Over the Moon" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Over the Moon Arcadian (Oct 2020) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Over the Moon" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Over the Moon Arcadian (Oct 2020) (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Over the Moon" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Over the Moon Arcadian (Oct 2020) (5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Over the Moon" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Over the Moon Arcadian (Oct 2020) (6).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Over the Moon" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Over the Moon Arcadian (Oct 2020) (7).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Over the Moon" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Over the Moon Arcadian (Oct 2020) (8).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Over the Moon" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Over the Moon Arcadian (Oct 2020) (9).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Over the Moon" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Over the Moon Arcadian (Oct 2020) (10).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Over the Moon" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Over the Moon Arcadian (Oct 2020) (11).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Photos taken by Elliott Brown. Can be found on Twitter: ellrbrown.

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50 passion points
Art; Culture & creativity
02 Sep 2020 - Elliott Brown
Inspiration

Rainbow stripes and roadside outdoor seating around Southside

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The Southside BID was able to make a deal with Birmingham City Council, so they could close off roads on the remaining weekends of August 2020. As well as the painted rainbow crossings, they have also had rainbow stripes put up, such as on Hurst Walk and on Kent Street. Outdoor seating to encourage social distancing outside while enjoying a drink.

Related

Rainbow stripes and roadside outdoor seating around Southside





The Southside BID was able to make a deal with Birmingham City Council, so they could close off roads on the remaining weekends of August 2020. As well as the painted rainbow crossings, they have also had rainbow stripes put up, such as on Hurst Walk and on Kent Street. Outdoor seating to encourage social distancing outside while enjoying a drink.


The Southside BID was able to get Birmingham City Council to agree to road closures over the last couple of weekends of August 2020. So Hurst Street, Bromsgrove Street and Kent Street were closed (no cars allowed). Tables and chairs were set up, and barriers placed at both ends. You will also find recent installations of rainbow stripes. First was on Hurst Walk at The Arcadian (above the second rainbow crossing) and more recently above Kent Street.

Hippodrome Square

Thursday 20th August 2020 (not at the weekend). A few more views of the Cross with Pride rainbow crossing, and people sitting on the picnic benches on Ladywell Walk. Between the Mapstone Building and The Arcadian.

dndimg alt="Hippodrome Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Cross with Pride Southside 20082020 (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Hippodrome Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Cross with Pride Southside 20082020 (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Hurst Walk, The Arcadian

On Saturday 22nd August 2020, in The Arcadian. There is now rainbow multicoloured stripes above Hurst Walk. Between Las Iguanas and The Dragon Inn. It was raining that day.

dndimg alt="The Arcadian" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Rainbow Strip Hurst Walk Arcadian 22082020 (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="The Arcadian" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Rainbow Strip Hurst Walk Arcadian 22082020 (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="The Arcadian" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Rainbow Strip Hurst Walk Arcadian 22082020 (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Bromsgrove Street

Seen on Sunday 30th August 2020. Heading up Bromsgrove Street from Pershore Street. Then onto Hurst Street near the Missing Bar.

dndimg alt="Bromsgrove Street" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Outdoor seating Bromsgrove St Southside 30082020.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

I later got these views of Bromsgrove Street, while crossing from Essex Street to Lower Essex Street to get to Kent Street. Road closed, drivers had to find an alternative route.

dndimg alt="Bromsgrove Street" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Outdoor seating Bromsgrove St Southside 30082020 (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Safety barriers for pedestrians on Bromsgrove Street, and in the car park on the right.

dndimg alt="Bromsgrove Street" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Outdoor seating Bromsgrove St Southside 30082020 (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Hurst Street

Seen on Sunday 30th August 2020. The Missing Bar on Hurst Street.

dndimg alt="Hurst Street" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Outdoor seating Hurst St Southside 30082020 (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Looking towards the (closed) Hippodrome past The Arcadian. Tables and chairs outside.

dndimg alt="Hurst Street" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Outdoor seating Hurst St Southside 30082020 (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Later after checking out Kent Street, got this view towards Tesco Express and the Missing Bar.

dndimg alt="Hurst Street" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Outdoor seating Hurst St Southside 30082020 (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Then down towards the Village Inn. With these security barriers.

dndimg alt="Hurst Street" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Outdoor seating Hurst St Southside 30082020 (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Saw some new rainbow banners at The Village Inn near Skinner Lane.

dndimg alt="Hurst Street" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Outdoor seating Hurst St Southside 30082020 (5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Hurst Street" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Outdoor seating Hurst St Southside 30082020 (6).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Kent Street

Seen on Sunday 30th August 2020. Kent Street was closed between Lower Essex Street and Hurst Street. Seen near the Nightingale Club.

dndimg alt="Kent Street" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Outdoor seating Kent St Southside 30082020 (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Rainbow ribbons / stripes had been installed over the last week, just in time for the Bank Holiday Weekend. Looks nice.

dndimg alt="Kent Street" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Outdoor seating Kent St Southside 30082020 (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Kent Street" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Outdoor seating Kent St Southside 30082020 (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Kent Street" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Outdoor seating Kent St Southside 30082020 (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Kent Street" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Outdoor seating Kent St Southside 30082020 (5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Photos taken by Elliott Brown.

Follow me on Twitter here ellrbrown.

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50 passion points
Art; Culture & creativity
19 Aug 2020 - Elliott Brown
Gallery

Cross with Pride in the Southside Business District

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In the middle of August 2020, two rainbow crossings were painted in the Southside BID. The first in Hippodrome Square, where Hurst Street meets Ladywell Walk. The second on Hurst Walk in The Arcadian. Part of Cross with Pride. Sharing the Chinese Quarter with the Gay Village.

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Cross with Pride in the Southside Business District





In the middle of August 2020, two rainbow crossings were painted in the Southside BID. The first in Hippodrome Square, where Hurst Street meets Ladywell Walk. The second on Hurst Walk in The Arcadian. Part of Cross with Pride. Sharing the Chinese Quarter with the Gay Village.


CROSS WITH PRIDE

 

Click here for the renamed Twitter account of the Southside BID. Now Southside District Birmingham (formerly Enjoy Southside, so links to their old Twitter handle no longer works).

 

Delayed due to the pandemic / lockdown, two sets of rainbow crossings have been painted in Southside. One on Hurst Street near Ladywell Walk (Hippodrome Square), and the other one in The Arcadian, located on Hurst Walk.

According to our friends over at Brum Hour they were painted the artists James Gavina Cowper and Matthew Stephens. The 2020 Birmingham Pride Festival should have taken place in May, but was cancelled for obvious reasons. Hurst Street will be closed for 6 weekends from the 15th August 2020, so that local businesses can put out tables and chairs, so people can eat and drink outside.

Hippodrome Square

The Rainbow Crossing seen on the 11th August 2020 in Hippodrome Square. At the time still behind barriers, but they were removed later that day. Located at the end of Ladywell Walk at the junction with Hurst Street. Traffic no longer goes around here since it was closed off years ago and bollards installed.

dndimg alt="Rainbow Crossing" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Rainbow Crossing (Aug 2020) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Rainbow Crossing" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Rainbow Crossing (Aug 2020) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Popped back to Southside on the 13th August 2020, now that I was aware that the Rainbow Crossing wasn't behind barriers any more. They also put picnic tables on Ladywell Walk in Hippodrome Square.

dndimg alt="Cross with Pride" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Cross with Pride (Aug 2020) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The hashtag #CrosswithPride was painted on the crossing towards the Hippodrome and The Arcadian.

dndimg alt="Cross with Pride" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Cross with Pride (Aug 2020) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Cross with Pride" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Cross with Pride (Aug 2020) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Cross with Pride" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Cross with Pride (Aug 2020) (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Cross with Pride" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Cross with Pride (Aug 2020) (5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

#CrosswithPride has much interest and is already a focus on some inspired photography in a similar way to Abbey Road became with the help of The Beatles. 

dndimg alt="" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Pride 3.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Photo courtesy Southside BID. 

dndimg alt="" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/pride 1.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Photo courtesy Rewired PR

dndimg alt="" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Pride 2.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Photo courtesy Birmingham City Council 

The Arcadian

The second rainbow crossing was painted on Hurst Walk at The Arcadian. You can get onto it from Hurst Street. Seen on the 13th August 2020. Remember this is still the Chinese Quarter, so many Chinese businesses around here.

dndimg alt="Hurst Walk" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Hurst Walk Arcadian rainbow (Aug 2020) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Hurst Walk" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Hurst Walk Arcadian rainbow (Aug 2020) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Photos taken by Elliott Brown unless where acknowledged. 

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70 passion points
History & heritage
10 Aug 2020 - Elliott Brown
Did you know?

Southside Theatres: The Alexandra

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The Alexandra Theatre located in the Southside area of Birmingham. The main entrance is on Suffolk Street Queensway, running along Suffolk Place. The original building, opened in 1901 is on Station Street and John Bright Street. The main entrance was originally on John Bright Street, but was relocated to Suffolk Street Queensway in the late 1960s. This was rebuilt in 2018.

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Southside Theatres: The Alexandra





The Alexandra Theatre located in the Southside area of Birmingham. The main entrance is on Suffolk Street Queensway, running along Suffolk Place. The original building, opened in 1901 is on Station Street and John Bright Street. The main entrance was originally on John Bright Street, but was relocated to Suffolk Street Queensway in the late 1960s. This was rebuilt in 2018.


The Alexandra Theatre

For another theatre post in Southside currently closed due to the pandemic go to the Birmingham Hippodrome.

The Alexandra Theatre is the second main theatre in Southside Birmingham. Located on Suffolk Street Queensway (the current main entrance is not too far from Holloway Circus). It is also on Suffolk Place, John Bright Street (formerly the main entrance) and up Station Street.

The theatre has gone by many names over the years. Either known as The Alexandra, The Alex or more recently the New Alexandra Theatre (before going back to just The Alexandra Theatre).

Construction of the theatre began in 1900 and it opened in 1901. The main entrance was originally on John Bright Street. The original architects was Owen & Ward and was built by William Coutts. It's original name was the Lyceum Theatre. After low ticket sales, it was sold in 1902 to Lester Collingwood and renamed to the Alexandra Theatre. Collingwood died in road traffic accident in 1910 and he was replaced by Leon Salberg, who died in his office at the theatre in 1938. In 1935 the theatre was rebuilt in the Art Deco style to a design by Roland Satchwell. After Leon Salberg's death, the running of the theatre was taken over by Derek Salberg. The Salberg family ran the theatre from 1911 until 1977.

The main entrance was relocated to Suffolk Street Queensway with a concrete bridge. This was built from 1967-69 from a design by the John Madin Design Group. The Art Deco interior of Satchwell was refurbished in 1992 by the Seymour Harris Partnership.

In the last 25 years the ownership of the theatre has changed hands a few times. In 1995 it was taken over by the Apollo Leisure Group. Who brought many West End productions to The Alex. In 1999 they were bought by SFX Entertainment. In 2001 they merged with Clear Channel Entertainment. In 2006 it was taken over by Live Nation, then in 2011 it was taken over by Ambassador Theatre Group who renamed the theatre New Alexandra Theatre after a minor refurbishment. The main entrance on Suffolk Street Queensway was rebuilt and modernised in 2018 and the theatre was renamed back to The Alexandra Theatre.

 

Live Nation: The Alexandra Theatre

My earliest photos of The Alexandra was taken from Suffolk Street Queensway during April 2009. Island Bar was next door to the right.

dndimg alt="The Alexandra Theatre" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/The Alex Theatre (April 2009) (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="The Alexandra Theatre" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/The Alex Theatre (April 2009) (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

In February 2010, I got photos from Suffolk Place, John Bright Street and Station Street. Main entrance is on Suffolk Street Queensway. Then over the bridge. At the time the theatre was showing Porridge starring Shaun Williamson as Fletcher (originally played on TV by the late Ronnie Barker). You could see the former main entrance on John Bright Street (from 1901 until the late 1960s).

dndimg alt="Alexandra Theatre" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/The Alex Theatre (Feb 2010) (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Alexandra Theatre" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/The Alex Theatre (Feb 2010) (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Alexandra Theatre" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/The Alex Theatre (Feb 2010) (3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Alexandra Theatre" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/The Alex Theatre (Feb 2010) (4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

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dndimg alt="Alexandra Theatre" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/The Alex Theatre (Feb 2010) (7).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

New Alexandra Theatre

Under new ownership. And now called New Alexandra Theatre as seen in January 2011. A World Class Theatre. At the time the theatre was being used by Britain's Got Talent for auditions. Main entrance building seen on Suffolk Place and opposite from Suffolk Street Queensway.

dndimg alt="New Alex Theatre" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/The Alex Theatre (Jan 2011) (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="New Alex Theatre" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/The Alex Theatre (Jan 2011) (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="New Alex Theatre" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/The Alex Theatre (Jan 2011) (3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="New Alex Theatre" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/The Alex Theatre (Jan 2011) (4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

My only nightshot of the New Alexandra Theatre was taken during December 2012, when the theatre had 9 to 5 by Dolly Parton on at the time.

dndimg alt="New Alex Theatre" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/New Alex Theatre (Dec 2012).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

In May 2017 the New Alexandra Theatre was advertising Arthur Miller's Crucible, from the 5th to 10th June 2017.

dndimg alt="New Alex Theatre" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/New Alex Theatre (May 2017).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The Birmingham Weekender was held during September 2017. And there was inflatable Sky Dancers on the roof of the New Alex. This was held over the weekend from the 22nd to 24th September 2017. Meanwhile the theatre was advertising Cilla The Musical and The Rocky Horror Picture Show.

dndimg alt="New Alex Theatre" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/New Alex Theatre (Sept 2017) (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="New Alex Theatre" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/New Alex Theatre (Sept 2017) (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

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dndimg alt="New Alex Theatre" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/New Alex Theatre (Sept 2017) (6).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

The Alexandra Theatre 2018 refurb to present

In August 2018, scaffolding went up on the main entrance building on Suffolk Street Queensway of what was then the New Alexandra Theatre. Boogie Nights The 70s Musical was to be shown in the theatre from the 22nd to the 25th August 2018. Scaffolding by Gorilla Scaffolding.

dndimg alt="The Alex Theatre" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/The Alex Theatre (Aug 2018).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

By September 2018 they had stripped the old late 1960s concrete facade off. And was all these exposed wooden boards at the front.

dndimg alt="The Alex Theatre" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/The Alex Theatre (Sept 2018) (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="The Alex Theatre" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/The Alex Theatre (Sept 2018) (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

In October 2018 you could already see the new facade on the Suffolk Street Queensway entrance, and it had gone back to The Alexandra name. They also had a digital billboard advertising what they had one. Such as David Walliams Awful Auntie and Benidorm Live.

dndimg alt="The Alex Theatre" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/The Alex Theatre (Oct 2018) (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="The Alex Theatre" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/The Alex Theatre (Oct 2018) (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Another look in December 2018 from Suffolk Place and John Bright Street. They had recladded the late 1960's building by John Madin. So not as much exposed concrete as there had been for almost 50 years. There was also shiny new red steps at the Suffolk Street Queensway main entrance. Beetham Tower and one of The Sentinels towers behind.

dndimg alt="The Alex Theatre" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/The Alex Theatre (Dec 2018) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="The Alex Theatre" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/The Alex Theatre (Dec 2018) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

One of my last photos of 103 Colmore Row before lockdown was above The Alexandra Theatre on Suffolk Street Queensway during early March 2020. I wouldn't see the theatre again until the beginning of August 2020.

dndimg alt="The Alex Theatre" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Constr 103 Colmore Row (March 2020) (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Closed since the lockdown began in late March 2020. As of August 2020, The Alexandra Theatre remains closed due to the pandemic. It is unknown when the theatre will be able to reopen, or even if they will be able to do social distancing with less seats available. The Shows Will Go On. Suffolk Street Queensway main entrance, then views a week later from Station Street, John Bright Street and Suffolk Place.

dndimg alt="The Alex Theatre" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/The Alex Theatre (Aug 2020) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="The Alex Theatre" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/The Alex Theatre (Aug 2020) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="The Alex Theatre" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/The Alex Theatre (Aug 2020) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="The Alex Theatre" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/The Alex Theatre (Aug 2020) (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Follow The Alex Theatre on social media:

 

Photos taken by Elliott Brown.

Follow me on Twitter here ellrbrown. Thanks for all the followers.

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60 passion points
History & heritage
06 Aug 2020 - Elliott Brown
Did you know?

Southside Theatres: Birmingham Hippodrome

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The Birmingham Hippodrome is located on Hurst Street in Southside (part of the Chinese Quarter). It is also up Inge Street and near the Back to Backs. The theatre is home to the Birmingham Royal Ballet. There has been a theatre on this site since 1895. There has been several redevelopments since. The last one in 2001. The Birmingham Christmas Pantomine usually takes place here.

Related

Southside Theatres: Birmingham Hippodrome





The Birmingham Hippodrome is located on Hurst Street in Southside (part of the Chinese Quarter). It is also up Inge Street and near the Back to Backs. The theatre is home to the Birmingham Royal Ballet. There has been a theatre on this site since 1895. There has been several redevelopments since. The last one in 2001. The Birmingham Christmas Pantomine usually takes place here.


BIRMINGHAM HIPPODROME

Lets support Birmingham's theatres during this troubling time of closure. In Southside there is the Birmingham Hippodrome (on Hurst Street), The Alexandra Theatre (on Suffolk Street Queensway and John Bright Street) and The Old REP Theatre (on Station Street).

Here though we will take a look at the Birmingham Hippodrome. Home of the world famous Birmingham Royal Ballet.

Assembly rooms was the first venue to be built on the site of the Hippodrome in 1895. It was redesigned in 1899 by local architect F. W. Lloyd. A stage and a circus was added with a Moorish tower (removed in 1963). It had the name the "Tower of Varieties". After this failed, it was rebuilt as a normal variety theatre in 1900 as the "Tivoli".  It got the name "The Hippodrome" for the first time in October 1903 under the ownership of Thomas Barrasford (it has previously been named the "Tower Theatre"). The current neo-classical auditorium which was designed to seat 1,900 people, was built in 1924 by Burdwood and Mitchell. After Smallbrook Queensway was built, the entrance building and tower was demolished in 1963.

For a time it was renamed as the "Birmingham Theatre". The plain façade was refaced in the 1980s with mock-Victorian plasterwork. Central TV spent the '80s using the Hippodrome for the ITV Talent Show New Faces.

The exterior was last rebuilt in 2001 by Associated Architects with Law and Dunbar-Nasmith, with a new glass façade and accommodation for the Birmingham Royal Ballet.  There will be another redevelopment of the façade to be completed in 2021 by AHMM Architects.

The BRB has been based in Birmingham since 1990 at the Birmingham Hippodrome. Having been founded in 1946 as the Sadler's Wells Theatre Ballet in London. Every Christmas season, the BRB perform Swan Lake at the Hippodrome. A production of Sir Peter Wright, the Director Laurete of the BRB. Then there is the annual Christmas Pantomime, where a variety of celebrities come to Birmingham to perform them.

 

Some of my earliest photos of the Birmingham Hippodrome from Hurst Street were taken in June 2009.

dndimg alt="Birmingham Hippodrome" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bham Hippodrome (Jun 2009) (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Birmingham Hippodrome" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bham Hippodrome (Jun 2009) (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Birmingham Hippodrome" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bham Hippodrome (Jun 2009) (3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Seen during April 2012 on the main entrance doors from Hurst Street was these labels for the NEW STAGE APPEAL. At the time the Hippodrome was showing Oliver!

dndimg alt="Birmingham Hippodrome" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bham Hdrome (Apr 2012) (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Birmingham Hippodrome" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bham Hdrome (Apr 2012) (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

In December 2012, I saw this pair in Angel Wings. It was when Cinderella was on (as performed by the Birmingham Royal Ballet), and they welcomed theatre goers at the time.

dndimg alt="Birmingham Hippodrome" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bham Hippodrome (Dec 2012).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Direct from the West End was Disney's The Lion King. Seen during August 2013. This touring West End show would be at the Hippodrome until the 28th September 2013.

dndimg alt="Birmingham Hippodrome" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bham Hippodrome (Aug 2013).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

"When in Rome do what the Romans do". Also in August 2013 was the annual Summer in Southside, which used to be held outside of the Hippodrome and down Hurst Street and in The Arcadian every summer. It was a free event held by Birmingham Hippodrome Outdoors.

dndimg alt="Birmingham Hippodrome" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Birmingham Hippodrome (Aug 2013).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Christmas decorations and Christmas trees lit up after dark at the Birmingham Hippodrome during December 2013. At the time the panto being held here was Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs staring Gok Wan.

dndimg alt="Birmingham Hippodrome" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bham Hippodrome (Dec 2013).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Birmingham Hippodrome" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bham Hdrome (Dec 2013).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Wicked was going to be at the Birmingham Hippodrome from the 9th July until the 6th September 2014. I saw this poster during July 2014. While I've not seen Wicked in Birmingham, I did once see it in London's West End at the Apollo Victoria during October 2012. It was amazing! (it was the last time I went to see a West End show).

dndimg alt="Birmingham Hippodrome" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bham Hippodrome (Jul 2014).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Summer in Southside seen during August 2014. Members of the Team in the white t-shirts. With the pointy fingers and at the Info stalls.

dndimg alt="Birmingham Hippodrome" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bham Hdrome (Aug 2014).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Near the end of December 2018, saw some Chinese lantern style Christmas lights hanging from trees on Hurst Street, not far from the Hippodrome. It was nice to see. Southside always makes the area look pretty at night.

dndimg alt="Birmingham Hippodrome" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Birmingham Hippodrome (Dec 2018).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

In July 2020, for my first walk around Southside since the lockdown began (4 to 5 months after I was last here). I took a few photos of the Hippodrome from Hurst Street. Obviously they have been closed since the end of March 2020. And it is not known when it will be safe for them to reopen. Social distancing in the theatre will be hard, and the theatre may have to make people redundant sadly. Meanwhile the Southside BID gives a huge THANK YOU to all keyworkers and to the NHS.

dndimg alt="Birmingham Hippodrome" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bham Hippodrome (Jul 2020) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Birmingham Hippodrome" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bham Hippodrome (Jul 2020) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Photos taken by Elliott Brown.

Follow me on Twitter here ellrbrown. Thanks for all the followers.

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40 passion points
Art; Culture & creativity
21 Jul 2020 - Elliott Brown
Gallery

Famed Brummie street artist Gent 48 spruces up Bath Passage for the Southside BID

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During the Great Lockdown of 2020, the Southside Business Improvement District had commissioned famous local Birmingham street artist known as Gent 48 to spruce up Bath Passage. A little known hidden area between Dudley Street and Ladywell Walk in the Chinese Quarter. It looks nice now. It looks like the Southside BID might be turning this area into some kind of stage or square?

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Famed Brummie street artist Gent 48 spruces up Bath Passage for the Southside BID





During the Great Lockdown of 2020, the Southside Business Improvement District had commissioned famous local Birmingham street artist known as Gent 48 to spruce up Bath Passage. A little known hidden area between Dudley Street and Ladywell Walk in the Chinese Quarter. It looks nice now. It looks like the Southside BID might be turning this area into some kind of stage or square?


GENT 48'S

BATH PASSAGE

SOUTHSIDE

STREET ART

I'd like to thank the Enjoy Southside Twitter for letting me know months in advance about this, and for also welcoming me back to the City Centre, after not being able to get there during 4 months in lockdown.

After popping to the Caffe Nero on the Bullring link bridge for the first time in months (and since they reopened), I headed towards Southside. During a walk around town on Saturday 18th July 2020, I'd earlier walked around Digbeth. Almost went down Hurst Street from Smallbrook Queensway, but spotted this from the bridge, so went down the spiral staircase from the Bullring (near Debenhams) and got it from Dudley Street.

I will leave the photos to do the talking from Bath Row. The art is by Gent 48.

dndimg alt="Gent 48 Bath Passage" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Gent48 Bath Passage Southside (July 2020) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Gent 48 Bath Passage" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Gent48 Bath Passage Southside (July 2020) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

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dndimg alt="Gent 48 Bath Passage" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Gent48 Bath Passage Southside (July 2020) (5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Gent 48 Bath Passage" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Gent48 Bath Passage Southside (July 2020) (6).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Gent 48 Bath Passage" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Gent48 Bath Passage Southside (July 2020) (7).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Gent 48 Bath Passage" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Gent48 Bath Passage Southside (July 2020) (8).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Photos taken by Elliott Brown.

Follow me on Twitter here ellrbrown. Thanks for all the followers.

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50 passion points
History & heritage
26 Jun 2020 - Elliott Brown
Inspiration

Tour of the Gay Village in Southside

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It's Pride Month 2020, the annual Pride Parade can't take place in Birmingham for obvious reasons. Here we will look at the buildings / pubs of the Gay Village in Southside, taken over the years. Plus some of the sculptures and public art on display. Down the bottom of Hurst Street and some of the side streets. Welcome to the Chinese Gay Quarter Village! (overlap)

Related

Tour of the Gay Village in Southside





It's Pride Month 2020, the annual Pride Parade can't take place in Birmingham for obvious reasons. Here we will look at the buildings / pubs of the Gay Village in Southside, taken over the years. Plus some of the sculptures and public art on display. Down the bottom of Hurst Street and some of the side streets. Welcome to the Chinese Gay Quarter Village! (overlap)


Hurst Street

The Village Inn seen on Hurst Street in Southside during March 2011.

dndimg alt="The Village Inn" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Gay Village Hurst St (March 2011) (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

It dates to the early 19th century and the ground floor was rebuilt in 1887 by C.J. Hodson. The pub has been altered again in recent years.

dndimg alt="The Village Inn" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Gay Village Hurst St (March 2011) (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

The pub was proudly flying the rainbow gay flag on it's flagpoles.

dndimg alt="The Village Inn" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Gay Village Hurst St (March 2011) (3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

The Village Inn was also on the corner of Hurst Street with Skinner Lane.

dndimg alt="The Village Inn" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Gay Village Hurst St (March 2011) (4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Next up was The Angel on the corner of Kent Street and Hurst Street. It was formerly a car showroom built in 1931 by Alfred J. Dunn. It's at 125 Hurst Street.

dndimg alt="The Angel" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Gay Village Hurst St (March 2011) (5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

The Angel was a Cafe Bar at Wynner House.

dndimg alt="The Angel" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Gay Village Hurst St (March 2011) (6).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

In the same building was Amsterdam XXX. An Adult Shop and Cinema. Was also formerly part of the car showroom of the past.

dndimg alt="Amsterdam XXX" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Gay Village Hurst St (March 2011) (7).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Now onto January 2015. The Devils Kitchen was on Kent Street, not far from Hurst Street. It was next to a venue called Sidewalk. Which was a Coffee House. They also serve Cocktails, Ciders and Beers. As well as being a Music Bar. It replaced The Angel by 2012.

dndimg alt="The Devils Kitchen" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Gay Village Hurst St (Jan 2015) (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

When open, you could have a take away Cheese Burger for £2.50. Cold drinks was £1.00.

dndimg alt="The Devils Kitchen" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Gay Village Hurst St (Jan 2015) (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

In April 2018 a look at Sidewalk from Kent Street. The Devils Kitchen was to the left.

dndimg alt="Sidewalk" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Gay Village Hurst St (Apr 2018).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

In July 2018 a first look at the Rhinestone Rhino sculpture. It was seen above The Urban Kitchen at the corner of Hurst Street and Bromsgrove Street. There was a red baseball cap on it's front horn. Was on the top of Wynner House.

dndimg alt="Rhinestone Rhino" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Gay Village Hurst St (July 2018).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Took it again in October 2018. As well as the red cap there was a multicoloured scarf around it's neck. Made in 2012 by the artists Emma Butler, Vikki Litton and Robbie Coleman. It was unveiled in time for Birmingham Pride 2012. It was made of a polystyrene mould, carved into a rhino shape and then coated in fibreglass.

dndimg alt="Rhinestone Rhino" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Gay Village Hurst Street (Oct 2018) (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Also seen on Hurst Street at Wynner House during October 2018 was Equator Bar. Decorated for Halloween. I called it Halloween Horrors at the time. It is to the right of Sidewalk and was formerly part of a car showroom.

dndimg alt="Equator Bar" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Gay Village Hurst St (Oct 2018) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

A skeleton hanging from the Equator Bar sign.

dndimg alt="Equator Bar" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Gay Village Hurst St (Oct 2018) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Inside was a ghostly skeleton in red, white and black. They serve coffees and teas here.

dndimg alt="Equator Bar" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Gay Village Hurst St (Oct 2018) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Next up Hurst Street views from August 2015. On the side of Missing Bar. There is a statue of Marilyn Monroe on the top, and street art at the bottom.

dndimg alt="Missing Bar" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Gay Village Hurst St (Aug 2015) (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

I would assume that Marilyn Monroe was a gay icon. Sadly she died young in 1962 at the age of 36 (of an overdose).

dndimg alt="Missing Bar" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Gay Village Hurst St (Aug 2015) (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

The street at at the bottom looks like a pair of eagles firing lasers at a cube. With a dancing lady in the middle. The art was painted over in 2017.

dndimg alt="Missing Bar" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Gay Village Hurst St (Aug 2015) (3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

To the left of that is a shop called CZ Birmingham. With clothes that LGBT people would like. It's at The Arcadian.

dndimg alt="CZ Birmingham" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Gay Village Hurst St (Aug 2015) (4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Essex Street and Lower Essex Street

In December 2017 a look at the street art at Nightingale. On the corner of Kent Street and Lower Essex Street. The artwork was by Inke, and says Love is Love.

dndimg alt="Nightingale" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Gay Village Kent St (Dec 2017) (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

This side of Nightingale on Kent Street. Clearly painted for Birmingham Pride.

dndimg alt="Nightingale" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Gay Village Kent St (Dec 2017) (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

On Essex Street in March 2011. A look at 23 Essex Street. Known at the time as the Queens Tavern.

dndimg alt="Queens Tavern" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Queens Tavern Essex St (March 2011) (3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

It was built in 1894-95 by James & Lister Lea. They were famed all over Birmingham for designing and buildings pubs in the City.

dndimg alt="Queens Tavern" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Queens Tavern Essex St (March 2011) (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

At the time there was a pink pub sign for Queens Tavern.

dndimg alt="Queens Tavern" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Queens Tavern Essex St (March 2011) (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

An update in January 2013, as the pub had a make over with a new pub sign, andwas now called the Queen Elizabeth. The building is at the corner of Inge Street, so it was quite close to the Birmingham Hippodrome and the Back to Backs.

dndimg alt="Queens Tavern" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Queens Tavern Essex St (Jan 2013) (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

The new pub sign (at the time) resembled a postage stamp of Queen Elizabeth II.

dndimg alt="Queens Tavern" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Queens Tavern Essex St (Jan 2013) (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Another rebrand by May 2014. The pub was now calling itself Priva. Probably a nightclube or strip club? It is still called Priva to this day, but they repainted the outside in red (but is still black at the top).

dndimg alt="Queens Tavern" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Queens Tavern Essex St (May 2014).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Sherlock Street

Eden seen on Sherlock Street during March 2011. It was formerly calledThe White Swan and located at 116 Sherlock Street, near Hurst Street.

dndimg alt="Eden" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Eden Sherlock St (March 2011) (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

The White Swan was built in the early 19th century, but was completely recast in 1937 by J.B. Surman.

dndimg alt="Eden" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Eden Sherlock St (March 2011) (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

At the time Eden had all of these Eden banners on the Sherlock Street facade.

dndimg alt="Eden" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Eden Sherlock St (March 2011) (3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

On the side was painted a Jack Daniels Tennessee Whiskey advert. Old No 7 Brand.

dndimg alt="Eden" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Eden Sherlock St (March 2011) (4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Eden was lit up after dark in December 2018. Seen from the no 45 bus on Sherlock Street. by this point there was a Smirnoff advert painted onto the side of the gay pub. They also painted the bottom half of the pub green.

dndimg alt="Eden" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Eden Sherlock St (Dec 2018).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Another after dark shot of Eden from October 2019. This time seen from a no 35 bus. Both times lit up in rainbow colours. Was a bit too many reflections from the bus window on the top deck. Could see the Hurst Street side from here.

dndimg alt="Eden" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Eden Sherlock St (Oct 2019).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Sherlock Street gave it's name to Sherlock Holmes as author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was at one point based in Birmingham. He also got the Hound of the Baskervilles from the Baskerville typeface. But that's all for a different post.

 

Photos taken by Elliott Brown.

Follow me on Twitter here ellrbrown. Thanks for all the followers.

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40 passion points
Food & drink
20 Mar 2020 - Elliott Brown
Gallery

A look around the Chinese Quarter over the years around Ladywell Walk and Hurst Street

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The Chinese Quarter in Birmingham's Southside, has been based in the area around Ladywell Walk and Hurst Street for well over 30 years now. The area stretches from Dudley Street and Pershore Street in the east towards Bristol Street in the west. But the main area is around The Arcadian with all the Chinese Restaurants and shops nearby. Southside now stretches up to Station Street.

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A look around the Chinese Quarter over the years around Ladywell Walk and Hurst Street





The Chinese Quarter in Birmingham's Southside, has been based in the area around Ladywell Walk and Hurst Street for well over 30 years now. The area stretches from Dudley Street and Pershore Street in the east towards Bristol Street in the west. But the main area is around The Arcadian with all the Chinese Restaurants and shops nearby. Southside now stretches up to Station Street.


The Chinese Quarter in Birmingham is located in the City's Southside area. Mainly around Pershore Street, Ladywell Walk and Hurst Street, with The Arcadian in the centre. Many of the buildings are Chinese owned, having been established here since the 1960s. It was recognised as the Chinese Quarter during the 1980s. Many of the buildings have Chinese style roofs and wall murals.

 

Ladywell Walk

These views of Ladywell Walk were taken during January 2011, just before Chinese New Year.

The Mapstone building on the corner of Ladywell Walk and Wrottesley Street. Various restaurants and establishments are located in this building. Malaysian Delight is located on the corner. Next door to that on Ladywell Walk, was The Village Cafe. They had Singapore, Malaysian, Thai & Chinese Cuisine. Since 2016 this has been Look In Takeaway Restaurant. On Wrottesley Street is Bambu, which is a nightclub.

dndimg alt="Ladywell Walk" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chinese Quarter Ladywell Walk (Jan 2011) (3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

This is Chung Ying - Cantonese Restaurant. They were established in 1981 on Thorp Street. Located at 16-18 Wrottesley Street. This restaurant is known as Chung Ying Cantonese. They also have another restaurant on Colmore Row called Chung Ying Central.

dndimg alt="Ladywell Walk" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chinese Quarter Ladywell Walk (Jan 2011) (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Next up near the car park is China Court Restaurant and Legs 11. China Court is at 24 Ladywell Walk. Legs 11 is now Stories Nightclub and this is at 30 Ladywell Walk.

dndimg alt="Ladywell Walk" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chinese Quarter Ladywell Walk (Jan 2011) (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

View of the entrance to China Court Cantonese Restaurant.

dndimg alt="Ladywell Walk" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chinese Quarter Ladywell Walk (Jan 2011) (4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Close up to what used to be Legs 11. United Travel used to be on the left. For many years that has been United Travel Alliance.

dndimg alt="Ladywell Walk" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chinese Quarter Ladywell Walk (Jan 2011) (5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

A close up look at what used to be Legs 11. In more recent years this has been Stories Nightclub.

dndimg alt="Ladywell Walk" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chinese Quarter Ladywell Walk (Jan 2011) (6).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

At the far end near Dudley Street used to be CC Karaoke. From 2014 this was then CCK Lounge. But they still did karaoke. It is now the Royal 1 Club.

dndimg alt="Ladywell Walk" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chinese Quarter Ladywell Walk (Jan 2011) (7).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

The main entrance to The Arcadian from the corner of Pershore Street and Ladywell Walk, seen during January 2011. The Chinese Lanterns were in place at the time just before Chinese New Year. You can either walk straight in, or use (as I have done many times) the steps to go up to or down from the upper level. The path / road this way is called Cathay Street.

dndimg alt="The Arcadian" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/The Arcadian Pershore St Ladywell Walk (Jan 2011).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

By January 2017 this entrance to Cathay Street had been completely redesigned. These red Chinese shutters / gates had been added. To the left is New Sum Ye Chinese Restaurant, and Day In Oriental Supermarket is to the right. The entrance still looks like this now.

dndimg alt="The Arcadian" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/The Arcadian Pershore St Ladywell Walk (Jan 2017).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

This is how the Ladywell Walk entrance to The Arcadian looked like during April 2012. If you enter this entrance, the path is called Ladywell Way. The French restaurant Le Truc used to be to the left, but the unit has been vacant for quite some time. In recent years, this archway has long since gone.

dndimg alt="The Arcadian" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/The Arcadian (April 2012) (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Seen in December 2012 at the corner of Pershore Street and Ladywell Walk at night was the Day In Supermarket at The Arcadian. This was before the top of Hurst Street was closed off to traffic at Smallbrook Queensway, so it was very busy with all the cars during the evening rush hour.

dndimg alt="The Arcadian" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/The Arcadian (Dec 2012) (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

This view of Ladywell Walk was during February 2013 with the Chinese Lanterns out for Chinese New Year. The Arcadian is the left and the Mapstone building to the right. Straight ahead on Hurst Street was Albany House (before it was recladded).

dndimg alt="Ladywell Walk" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chinese Quarter Ladywell Walk (Feb 2013).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

In February 2017 Ladywell Walk was quiet. This was due to the fact that the top end of Hurst Street was no closed to cars, and they would eventually put bollards on Ladywell Walk just after the Mapstone building. At The Arcadian is the Oriental Supermarket, and next to that is the Ibis Hotel. This is near the proposed site for a Chinese Arch, which still hasn't been built to date. Although was a temporary cardboard box version in Hippodrome Square a few years ago.

dndimg alt="Ladywell Walk" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chinese Quarter Ladywell Walk (Feb 2017).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Hurst Street

This entrance to The Arcadian from Hurst Street is along Theatre Walk. Which was between The Coffee Room Cafe Bar (now The Green Room) and The Old Fox Theatre Bar. Seen in January 2011 just before Chinese New Year hence all the Chinese Lanterns.

dndimg alt="The Arcadian" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chinese lanterns The Arcadian (Jan 2011) (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

On Theatre Walk to The Arcadian during September 2017, this entrance had been replaced by umbrellas. But there is now just light bulbs up there.

dndimg alt="The Arcadian" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/The Arcadian umbrellas (Sept 2017).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

On Hurst Street during February 2011 was Circus Casino and Ming Moon. It was the former W.H. Smith warehouse by H.F. Bayliss of their architects department. There are shops on the ground floor to the right including Mr Egg to the far right.

dndimg alt="Hurst Street" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chinese Quarter Hurst Street (Feb 2011).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

In this night shot from December 2012, I was able to get the building all in one, instead of having to stitch two or three photos together. Was by this point Genting Casino. Ming Moon was still there.

dndimg alt="Hurst Street" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chinese Quarter Hurst Street (Dec 2012).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Seen on these trees during December 2016 was these Chinese Lanterns. Seen a few days before Christmas Day. Passing The Arcadian.

dndimg alt="Hurst Street" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chinese Quarter Hurst Street (Dec 2016) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The Chinese lanterns on these trees on Hurst Street, close to what is now Hippodrome Square (or Southside Square) at the junction of Hurst Street and Ladywell Walk. Genting Casino and Ming Moon to the far left. Shops including Happy Lemon and Mr Egg. Then the Mapstone building on Ladywell Walk. Chinese Christmas lights were up at the time.

dndimg alt="Hurst Street" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chinese Quarter Hurst Street (Dec 2016) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The shops on Hurst Street during January 2017. Close to Chinese New Year, when it would be the Year of the Rooster. Happy Lemon and Mr Egg.

dndimg alt="Hurst Street" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chinese Quarter Hurst Street (Jan 2017) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

A close up look at the Happy Lemon figure outside. They have different variety of teas and smoothies.

dndimg alt="Hurst Street" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chinese Quarter Hurst Street (Jan 2017) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Seen on Hurst Street during September 2017 was this Greek Restaurant called Santorini Restaurant. Located at 16 Hurst Street. In 2008 this used to be K Bar. By 2011 on the ground floor was The Spaceroom Cafe Bar. By 2014 this was T.E. Bar.

dndimg alt="Hurst Street" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chinese Quarter Hurst Street (Sept 2017).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Seen in the window of So Hair on Hurst Street was this Waving cat and dragon skeleton. Seen during November 2017. At the time I was heading to Victoria Square to catch the Remembrance Sunday Service. They are a Chinese hair salon.

dndimg alt="Hurst Street" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chinese Quarter Hurst Street (Nov 2017).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

This night shot of the Genting Casino and Ming Moon Chinese Restaurant & Karaoke Bar was taken near the end of December 2018. In 2008 Ming Moon was Barracuda, while Genting Casino was Circus Casino.

dndimg alt="Hurst Street" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chinese Quarter Hurst Street (Dec 2018).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

This restaurant is off Hurst Street, but is on Thorp Street. Chung Ying Garden Cantonese Restaurant. This was the site of their first restaurant in 1981, which led to the establishment of Birmingham's China Town (or the Chinese Quarter as it's also known). Seen during December 2018. From the same owners as Chung Ying on Wrottesley Street and Colmore Row. It is within a building dating to 1880. Built as the Warwickshire Rifle Volunteers' Drill Hall, the foundation stone was laid by Alderman Richard Chamberlain. The architects was Osborn & Reading. It was once home to the 1st Warwickshire Rifle Volunteers. Further down Thorp Street, is an entrance to Thorp Street Car Park through this Victorian building.

dndimg alt="Thorp Street" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chinese Quarter Thorp Street (Dec 2018).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Photos taken by Elliott Brown.

Follow me on Twitter here ellrbrown. Now at 1,100 followers. Thank you.

Birmingham We Are People with Passion award winner 2020

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60 passion points
Art; Culture & creativity
19 Dec 2019 - Elliott Brown
Gallery

Summer in Southside through the years at The Arcadian

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Every summer during July or August, Birmingham Hippodrome hosts Summer in Southside, also called #BHOutdoors (if you use the hashtag on Twitter during the summer). Here we will look at the goings on at The Arcadian over the years. The Arcadian opened in the early 1990s in the Chinese Quarter in what is also now Southside. Used to be a cinema here but it closed in the early 2000s.

Related

Summer in Southside through the years at The Arcadian





Every summer during July or August, Birmingham Hippodrome hosts Summer in Southside, also called #BHOutdoors (if you use the hashtag on Twitter during the summer). Here we will look at the goings on at The Arcadian over the years. The Arcadian opened in the early 1990s in the Chinese Quarter in what is also now Southside. Used to be a cinema here but it closed in the early 2000s.


Summer in Southside

2013

The first Summer in Southside I remember hearing about was during August 2013. I popped to The Arcadian on the 24th August 2013 when I saw these men in white t-shirts, including one spinning a board.

dndimg alt="Summer in Southside" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Summer in Southside The Arcadian (Aug 2013) (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Another man climbed onto the water feature near the steps spinning a pointed sign saying Culture Alert.

dndimg alt="Summer in Southside" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Summer in Southside The Arcadian (Aug 2013) (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

And another one. Seemed like they had several of those signs to spin!

dndimg alt="Summer in Southside" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Summer in Southside The Arcadian (Aug 2013) (3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Over at the canopied area was some Chinese ladies performing, perhaps dancing?

dndimg alt="Summer in Southside" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Summer in Southside The Arcadian (Aug 2013) (4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

2014

The next year, another Summer in Southside, now the 24th August 2014. People sitting on deckchairs on the left.

dndimg alt="Summer in Southside" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Summer in Southside The Arcadian (Aug 2014) (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

This raised area is always good for views. This was the FLOAT Circus Mash.

dndimg alt="Summer in Southside" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Summer in Southside The Arcadian (Aug 2014) (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

INFO from this yellow and red cart.

dndimg alt="Summer in Southside" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Summer in Southside The Arcadian (Aug 2014) (3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Close up at Circus Mash, they were raising this pink and yellow thing up.

dndimg alt="Summer in Southside" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Summer in Southside The Arcadian (Aug 2014) (4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

2015

Now August 2015. This time on the 29th August 2015. A stage to the left with a couple of blokes playing the guitar.

dndimg alt="Summer in Southside" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Summer in Southside The Arcadian (Aug 2015) (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

A row of chairs for people to enjoy the music.

dndimg alt="Summer in Southside" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Summer in Southside The Arcadian (Aug 2015) (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

In the middle was some people dancing.

dndimg alt="Summer in Southside" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Summer in Southside The Arcadian (Aug 2015) (3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

The next move, leg up, arms out.

dndimg alt="Summer in Southside" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Summer in Southside The Arcadian (Aug 2015) (4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

2018

Skipping ahead to 3 years later. This was on the 14th July 2018. A band on the stage with brass instruments.

dndimg alt="Summer in Southside" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Summer in Southside The Arcadian (July 2018) (1) .jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Saw this Indian TucTuc. The Chutney TucTuc. There next performance at 3pm. Perhaps banging those drums and dancing.

dndimg alt="Summer in Southside" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Summer in Southside The Arcadian (July 2018) (2) .jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

This was a day later on the 15th July 2018. A rapper and a DJ behind him.

dndimg alt="Summer in Southside" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Summer in Southside The Arcadian (July 2018) (3) .jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

2019

The 50th anniversary of the Moon landing by Apollo 11 in July 1969. Saw this giant moon on the 14th July 2019. Most of the activities were happening outside on Hurst Street and Ladywell Walk.

dndimg alt="Summer in Southside" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/The Arcadian Summer in Southside Moon (July 2019).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Photos taken by Elliott Brown.

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