B-Side is the free annual festival – happening this week until 19 June at the Hippodrome, Bullring and across the city – that brings together extraordinary artists and breath-taking acts from across all four elements of Hip-Hop: breakin’, graffiti, DJ’ing and MC’ing. After a year online due to the pandemic, and then a year where the festival took place in Coventry as part of City of Culture 2021, B-Side Hip-Hop Festival is presented as part of the Birmingham 2022 Festival, and showcases UK and international artists.

Highlights for this week include:

The return of Sadlers Wells’ Breakin’ Convention Emerge and See, which gives Hip Hop artists the opportunity to develop a new idea or existing piece for the stage (Tuesday 14th June)

A large new bespoke mural painted onto the back of the Hippodrome by legendary Graffiti artists including Brim and Gent 48 (Saturday 18th June)

Workshops with leading Waacking dancer Princess Lockerooo (Sunday 19th June) and Menno van Gorp, one of the most accomplished B-Boys on the Breaking Scene (Friday 17th June)

Workshops and performances by Afroflux and Fluxcon; a series of talks, art, DJs, live graffiti and music performances throughout the Hippodrome (various times across the week – full listings here)

Graham Callister, Director of Festivals at Birmingham Hippodrome said, “The festival launched with a bang this weekend, and there is such a brilliant and eclectic mix of performance, workshop and activities to enjoy across the city – it’s great to be back!”

Danielle Bozward, Marketing Manager at Bullring & Grand Central said, “We are so pleased to be working with the Hippodrome and B-Side festival partners again. Our visitors can enjoy world class dance in the centre, alongside pop up graffiti outside on Sunday 19th June, it’s set to be a fantastic way to end the festival.”