Music, culture and community come together for major festival launch.
A new city-wide cultural movement is launching in Birmingham this May, bringing together artists, activists and communities in a vibrant celebration of unity, diversity and shared values.
Unite The People will host its official Festival Launch on Saturday 2nd May (6–10pm) at the Midland Arts Centre, transforming the outdoor arena into a lively, carnival-style space filled with live music, spoken word poetry, food and community action.
Taking place over the May Day weekend, the event draws on the legacy of International Workers’ Day, offering a timely and positive response to rising division across the UK. Rooted in Birmingham’s proud multicultural identity, the launch celebrates the city’s diversity while challenging the politics of hate, scapegoating and far-right extremism.
“This isn’t just a cultural event—it’s a statement about who we are as a city. Birmingham has always been shaped by its diversity, and that diversity is our strength. At a time when division is being amplified, we’re choosing to stand together and celebrate what connects us,” said Mukhtar Dar, Creative Director of Unite The People.
Headlining the evening is leading Birmingham reggae band LEGEND, performing music inspired by Bob Marley’s enduring messages of peace, love and unity. They are joined by a powerful line-up of local artists from Birmingham’s diverse communities including Myki Tuff, Ras King Bobo, Sanyogita Kumari, Banner Theatre, and Birmingham Poet Laureate Ayan Aden. Guest speakers taking the stage include the award winning journalist and author Gary Younge.
Rising rap artist Spektive, whose track This is England gained widespread attention online, will also perform. His work explores identity, belonging and what it means to be a Brummie in today’s Britain.
Alongside performances, the event will feature live drumming, a young people’s programme, spoken word, an outdoor bar and food stall, and community and anti-racism organisations information stalls—creating an inclusive space for people of all backgrounds to come together.
“Right now, we’re seeing communities being divided and scapegoated. The festival is about people coming together and pushing back against that. This is what community looks like – standing up to racism, oppression and discrimination in unity. Refusing to be silenced. It’s a celebration of strength, culture, and shared humanity,” said Tracy Abrahams, anti-racist campaigner, who is co-hosting the evening.
Performing artist Spektive said: “Birmingham is one of the most diverse cities in the UK, and that’s something to be proud of. Events like this show that unity isn’t just an idea—it’s something we live and create together. Music has always been a way to bring people together, especially when things feel divided.”
