One of Birmingham’s oldest community-run festivals celebrates its fiftieth anniversary.
The Moseley Community Festival is marking its 50th anniversary next month, with a host of free or low-cost events for the whole family.
Between Thursday 4th and Sunday 7th July, the Moseley Community Festival will be making its return, and this year it’s extra special.
Back in 1974, when Tom Baker started as Doctor Who, the UK had two general elections and Abba became superstars after winning Eurovision, the first-ever Moseley Festival was held in the leafy Birmingham suburb.
Throughout its history, the Moseley Community Festival has been run not-for-profit by a small group of volunteers, with support from local businesses and community groups.
During the four days of this year’s festival, there will be a range of events at venues including the Moseley Hive community hub. While normally only open to keyholders, the gorgeous Moseley Park and Pool will also be free for all visitors to wander round, enjoy the views, bring a picnic, or take part in events.
Before or after voting at your local polling station on Thursday 4th July, you could pop over to Moseley Hive The community venue is the location for a Neighbourly Festival Feast between 1 and 2:30pm, craft some mythical creatures for a village parade (on Sunday 7th July) between 3 and 5pm, or join in a Ceilidh from 8pm.
Events on Friday include an after-school sea-themed party in Moseley Park, plus various dance and music events during the day and evening at Moseley Hive, and a Burt Bacharach-themed night of music at the One Trick Pony from 8pm.
On Saturday, there will be a special anniversary street fair in Moseley Village, as well as arts and crafts, cultural and music events in both Moseley Hive and Moseley Park and Pool between 10am and the evening.
On Sunday 7th July, there will be a street party between 12 and 4pm on King Edward Road, as well as Ukrainian music and flower headband making in Moseley Park.
One of the most notable memories local residents have of the early days of the Moseley Community Festival is a big parade through the village.
Therefore, this year a version of the parade’s being brought back! From 3pm on the Sunday there will be a special 50th anniversary Moseley Festival parade between Tipu Sultan, along the high street and into the Park and Pool. Expect music, singing, and costumes and props inspired by magical mythical creatures!
Rhiannon Simpson from the Moseley Festival organising committee said: “The Moseley Community Festival has such a long history. The fact that it’s still going strong 50 years later is testament to the community spirit in the village.
“We’re so excited about our 50th anniversary programme, particularly the return of the parade. Whether or not people have visited the Festival before, we hope they find there’s something for everyone, with events that truly celebrate the diversity and friendliness of Moseley.
“As well as joining in with the events, we’d also love to hear people’s memories of the festival over the last 50 years. If it’s the floats and parades, the time UB40 played for an entry fee of just a few pence, or any other notable events since 1974, we can’t wait to hear about it.”
If anyone has any photos or written memories of previous festivals, or would be available on either Saturday 6th July or Sunday 7th July to support with volunteering at the street fair, parade or any of the events at Moseley Hive, contact [email protected]
The full festival line-up will be published hereand the Moseley Community Festival Facebook page.
You can also follow the Festival on X and Instagram at @moseleyfestival.
