The wider artistic programming team includes Aaron Wright (Fierce Festival) and Tim Hodgson (Freelance Producer). The festival will be produced by independent arts producer Caroline Davis, on behalf of Culture Central, the development organisation in the city. In addition Birmingham Retail BID, Colmore BID, Bullring, Mailbox, Bullring Markets and BCU have confirmed as event sponsors alongside funding support from Birmingham City Council and Arts Council England. Midland Metro are Travel Partner and What’s On are Media Partner for Birmingham Weekender 2017.

Birmingham Weekender promises a packed weekend of free outdoor theatre, dance, music, art installations and hidden performance across the city-centre, from Broad Street to Eastside, including the city’s retail heart, with a South Asian focus as part of Utsav, Birmingham’s Year of South Asian Culture.

Graham Callister said: “Birmingham Weekender is one of the biggest events in the city’s calendar. We have outstanding support from the city’s retailers and it’s fantastic to see so many sponsors coming on board at this early stage of planning.”

Piali Ray added: “2017 is Utsav, Birmingham’s Year of South Asian Arts, and so we plan to bring an Asian flavour to this year’s Weekender. We’re expecting well over 100,000 people to visit Birmingham city centre for Weekender and we have many exciting plans to bring outstanding arts and performance into our shopping centres and streets.”

Birmingham Weekender is the chance to see Birmingham’s major arts organisations alongside shining lights from the city’s independent scene, plus invited international artists and a number of significant new commissions. The city’s streets, shops and squares will come alive with free events across the weekend, with something to entertain and delight all the family.