Culture Writers Hannah Dalgliesh and Joi Foote review the Opening Night of Birmingham Festival 2023, highlighting the wealth of talent the evening had to offer and the importance of celebrating Birmingham’s diverse culture
Perspective One: Joi Foote
Europe’s youngest city showcased the continued legacy of the 2022 Commonwealth Games on Friday 28th July, as the Birmingham Festival 2023 was officially declared open. Exactly one year on from the Games’ Opening Ceremony, the people of Birmingham were joined by the likes of BBC presenter Ayo Akinwolere and Radio 1Xtra host Kayleigh Golding, award winning rapper and MC Sanity, and, most excitingly, Perry, Birmingham 2022’s official mascot.
Before being delighted with a selection of feet-stomping performances, our incredible presenters of the night spoke with official Team England athletes, volunteers, and the creatives behind some of the amazing shows we enjoyed last year. In conversation with Maeve Clarke and Iqbal Khan, respectively writer and artistic director of last year’s Opening Ceremony, the pair spoke on the cultural celebration that has come out of Birmingham 2022 whilst reflecting on the whirlwind of a journey the whole city has experienced.
When Sanity graced the stage with nothing but vibes and that proud Brummie spirit, the mood was already set
When Sanity graced the stage with nothing but vibes and that proud Brummie spirit, the mood was already set. Having gained global recognition at Australia’s 2018 Commonwealth Games, where she had performed at the Closing Ceremony, she returned to the Games four years later representing her hometown as an official baton bearer. Her constant interaction with members of the audience and her song ‘Midlands Child,’ written for the youth of the city, truly was something special. Accompanied by her DJ, Misha, the duo showed true girl power.
A brief pause caused by the rain certainly didn’t stop matters as headlining act and legendary group Friendly Fire Band closed with a soulful performance. As Britain continued doing what Britain does best, we laughed, we danced, and we sang along to the official song of Birmingham 2022, ‘It’s a Brum Ting,’ not letting the rain stop us. From reggae, rock, and even classical twists, they pulled on all genres of music in what can only be described as a captivating performance.
As Britain continued doing what Britain does best, we laughed, we danced, and we sang along to the official song of Birmingham 2022, ‘It’s a Brum Ting,’ not letting the rain stop us
Throughout the evening I couldn’t help but look back at the crowd full of children, parents, and members of the public alike, beaming with pride to call this city and the wealth of creativity that comes with it home. One city, a thousand memories.
Perspective Two: Hannah Dalgliesh
The festival kicked off to thunderous applause and a massive crowd in Centenary Square on Friday night. At the press opening event, Iqbal Khan, director of last year’s dazzling opening ceremony, spoke of the importance of Brummie identity, of family and belonging here, and what it means to represent a city with so much to offer. He spoke eloquently of acknowledging the past of the Commonwealth whilst celebrating its ‘aspiration’ and what it means for Birmingham to recall an amazing two weeks of sport last summer with this festival. He said ‘culture tells us about our lived experiences,’ and if anything can sum up the importance of showcasing the city’s culture, I think this is it. Ayo Akinwolere made the brilliant statement that ‘Birmingham is a tapestry of culture:’ what a phrase.
The Choir With No Name gave a cheering rendition of Queen’s ‘We Are the Champions,’ accompanied by mezzo-soprano Samantha Oxborough who sang the national anthem in the opening ceremony. They were BSL-interpreted by a team from Music In Motion. The choir also performed a song composed by themselves called ‘Lost and Found,’ which was dedicated to anyone and everyone who has found a home in Birmingham. As someone who has absolutely found a home in Birmingham, this was a beautiful and quite emotional performance.
It is impossible not to give the biggest shout-out I possibly can to BSL interpreter David, who signed every word to Sanity’s tracks without missing a beat
The festival officially opened with Birmingham’s very own Sanity, a rapper who performs tracks on identity, performance, mental health, and so much more that affects young people. She was phenomenal. Confident, funny, and a complete joy to watch on stage, you can see how much she loves performing and how much the crowd adore her. She sang ‘Midlands Child,’ a song for the potential of the youth in Birmingham; with so many children and young people in attendance, this was another emotional moment. It is impossible not to give the biggest shout-out I possibly can to BSL interpreter David, who signed every word to Sanity’s tracks without missing a beat. Sanity finished with a message for everyone listening: ‘If you have a dream you can make it right here in Birmingham; you don’t need to go anywhere else.’
Next up was bilingual R&B artist Bambi Bains (also from Birmingham, singing in English and Punjabi), an undeniable crowd pleaser who had the whole of Centenary Square on their feet within seconds and was not perturbed by the rain! She was bursting with energy, didn’t lose a second in wowing the Birmingham crowd, and is definitely a pointer to the wealth of young multicultural talent here.
It’s a good thing the Birmingham Festival 2023 is happening outside, because Friendly Fire Band would have brought the house down
It’s a good thing the Birmingham Festival 2023 is happening outside, because Friendly Fire Band would have brought the house down and possibly taken the city with it. The next ten days promise to be truly spectacular – get down to Centenary Square for music, dance and a week of celebrating our amazing city. The festival runs from 28th July to 6th August and is free to attend every day from 11am till late at night. The full festival programme can be found here.
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