Up to 50 leading creatives from across dance, food and music will come together at Hockley Social Club for Birmingham Reggae Carnival on Sunday 25th May. Presented by HSC together with New Vision Events, the day-long celebration will feature tastes and sounds from across the 13 countries that make up the Caribbean region.

The event will both underline Birmingham’s place as home to many cultural and culinary professionals – from carnival dancers to DJs, and steel pannists to chefs – and celebrate the city’s credentials as a landmark city for reggae. Building on its vibrant programme of live events embracing sound system culture, along with a strong roster of food traders with Jamaican, Trinidadian and Tobagonian, Bajan and other West Indian island heritage, HSC will also mark the event by expanding its footprint for the day with a road closure of St George’s Street.

Live music as part of the special day will come from Birmingham reggae veterans Friendly Fire Band, eight-piece Midlands-based outfit The Marley Experience who pay tribute to Jamaica’s most famous son, UK reggae pioneer and dancehall artist Solo Banton, and UB40 tour support and rising reggae royalty Young Culture.

Speaking ahead of Birmingham Reggae Carnival, UB40 founding member and guitarist-vocalist, Robin Campbell said: “Over the course of our 46 years in the business, we’ve witnessed many artists, bands, vocalists, producers, soundsystems, and dances emerge from Birmingham to represent our city and reggae internationally.

“As a band, UB40 has always supported emerging artists and talent, like Young Culture. We understand the importance of supporting the industry, and we believe that these budding young artists will take reggae from Birmingham to the world with messages of unity and consciousness that originally inspired and drove us to come together and make our music.”

HSC has confirmed food traders for the all-day celebration as Bad Boy Wings, Esmie’s Caribbean Fusion, Flavours on Fire, and West Midlands Jerk Centre (WMJC). Birmingham Reggae Carnival will also be an additional moment of celebration for WMJC, who have extended their residency at the Jewellery Quarter venue by another six months, owing to popular demand, taking them up to the end of 2025.

Adrian, owner of WMJC, said: “Community moments like Birmingham Reggae Carnival celebrate the heart and soul of the city, its people, culture, and rhythm. West Midlands Jerk Centre has been jerking in the community since the late ‘90s, so we can confidently say Birmingham is a true reggae city where sound system heritage runs deep.”

DJs at the event include Birmingham mainstays Jam Jah Sound, in demand selecter Milo Sadler, international disc jockey Neeko, and godfathers of sound system culture in the Midlands, Wassifa Sound.

Robin Giorno, of Friendly Fire and Jam Jah Sound, said: “Reggae comes from the melting pot that is Jamaica, which mirrors Birmingham in its diversity, and carries elements from so many different cultures. Reggae embodies elements of so many different cultures, that it resonates with everyone – just like Caribbean food, which is the ultimate fusion.

“We can’t wait to celebrate the UK’s reggae capital once again, alongside the best home-grown live acts and DJs, bringing Brummies together.”

Curated and operated by Digbeth Dining Club, HSC brings together the best of Birmingham’s street food with a rotating line-up of talented traders. More than just a place to eat, the warehouse is a love letter to the vibrant cultural and music scene within Birmingham, offering a diverse calendar of incredible events, from grassroots live music and lifestyle markets, to comedy nights and classical performances from the CBSO.