We want everyone to enjoy the festival!
Across the two days, we’ve got lots of accessible experiences to ensure our programme is open to all. You can stop by our Access Hub on Rotunda Square (near the Bullring bull) where you can meet our access hosts, find out about the programme, borrow ear defenders, fidget toys, audio description headsets and take a break in our chill out zone.
We have created a visual story that tells you more about what to expect from the festival, please click here to view.
If you have any specific questions or requirements to be able to come along to the festival, please get in touch with us on access@birminghamhippodrome.com.
Accessible Viewing Points
Our Accessible Viewing Points will provide space for wheelchair users and seating for those who need it, with a great view of the action. These are available at the following performances:
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Black Voices Black Voices will take you on a journey with their singing in the black oral tradition. |
Sun 2.30pm | New Street Station Concourse |
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Circus Raj A tantalising troupe of Rajasthani artists including aerialists, acrobats, musicians and giant puppets. |
Sat & Sun 1.30pm | St. Martin’s Square |
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Got2Sing A community collective who specialise in the fun side of singing – everything from pop hits to golden oldies. |
Sat 2.30pm | New Street Station Concourse |
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The Swings by All or Nothing Theatre An aerial dance duet on a magnificent, larger-than-life swing set. After performances, the swings are open for the public to give them a try. |
Sat 2.15pm & 2.30pm, Sun 2.30pm (Accessible swings are available from 2.30pm-3pm) | Central Street |
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WILD by Motionhouse Commissioned by Birmingham Hippodrome in 2019, this daring dance-circus production returns having been seen by over 100,000 people across the UK & Europe. |
Sat & Sun 4pm | Level 0 (inside Bullring – near The Entertainer) |
Audio-described experiences
These are available at the following performances and experiences:
We are currently experiencing some technical issues with our new booking system. If you would like to book Audio Description headsets, please email hippodromeaccess@birminghamhippodrome.com or call our friendly Access team on 0121 689 1060.
Pre-booked Audio Description headsets will be available for collection at our Access Hub at Myga, Rotunda Square, B5 4BG.
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3D Street Art by Sand in Your Eye Expect wonderful creations playing with perspective across the city centre. |
Sat & Sun 12pm – 6pm, pre-recorded AD accessed via QR code | New Street station, Bullring (level 0), Southside, The Arcadian |
| Actual Reality Arcade by Matthew Harrison, SPARK by Glue Collective, The Rig!
Actual Reality Arcade is an interactive game zone for all ages. SPARK is an installation is a creative space encouraging artistic and playful participation for all ages. The Rig! is an unique musical soundscape and visual landscape. |
Sat & Sun, Live AD 3pm – 3.4pm | Edgbaston Street |
| Circus Raj
A tantalising troupe of Rajasthani artists including aerialists, acrobats, musicians and giant puppets. |
Sat & Sun, Live AD 1.30pm | St. Martin’s Square |
| The Swings by All or Nothing Theatre
An aerial dance duet on a magnificent, larger-than-life swing set. After performances, the swings are open for the public to give them a try. |
Sat & Sun, Live AD 2.15pm | Central Street |
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The Whale by Talking Birds Enter the Whale’s mouth on your own or in a small group for a short, witty, theatre performance. |
Sat & Sun 12pm – 2.30pm and 3.30 – 6pm, pre-recorded AD introduction accessed via QR code | Chaophraya Square |
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Weekender Carnival A colourful music and dance extravaganza set to the pulsating rhythms and sounds of the Caribbean. |
Sun 12 noon, Live AD | Rotunda Square (Meet at Access Hub) |
| WILD by Motionhouse
Commissioned by Birmingham Hippodrome in 2019, this daring dance-circus production returns having been seen by over 100,000 people across the UK & Europe. |
Sat & Sun 4pm, Live AD then pre-recorded AD accessed via QR code | Level 0 (inside Bullring – near The Entertainer) |
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Young Advocates Stage Torch of Excellence by Eloquent Dance – Sat 2.45pm and Sun 4.15pm, Live AD House of Allure: A variety drag/cabaret show, focusing on celebration, empowerment and fun – Sat 4pm, Live AD #50Days by British Youth Music Theatre – Sun 2.45pm, Live AD Queer-Side: A voguing and waacking performance and introductory dance masterclass with Eric Scutaro – Sat 4.15pm, Live AD
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Sat & Sun (See times on the left column) | Rotunda Stage, Rotunda Square |
BSL British Sign Language Interpreted Performances
These are available at the following performances and experiences:
| Actual Reality Arcade by Matthew Harrison, SPARK by Glue Collective, The Rig!
Actual Reality Arcade is an interactive game zone for all ages. SPARK is an installation is a creative space encouraging artistic and playful participation for all ages. The Rig! is an unique musical soundscape and visual landscape. |
Sat & Sun 3pm – 3.45pm | Edgbaston Street |
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Black Voices Black Voices will take you on a journey with their singing in the black oral tradition. |
Sun 2.30pm | New Street Station Concourse |
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Got2Sing A community collective who specialise in the fun side of singing – everything from pop hits to golden oldies. |
Sat 2.30pm | New Street Station Concourse |
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Young Advocates Stage Co-curated by Birmingham Hippodrome’s Young Advocates (aged 14-22). Hosted by Rakeem Omar and Kaylee Golding. Highlights include music from Girl Grind UK and dance from Eloquent Dance Company. |
Sat & Sun 12 – 6pm | Rotunda Square |
Guide/Hosting
Our friendly Access Hosts will be stationed at the Access Hubs all weekend. They will be able to:
- Provide Access Packs which will include ear defenders, a fidget toy, an Easy-Read programme and a Visual Story
- Help you plan your bespoke festival journey, responding to your individual needs
- Guide you to selected events and support you around the festival
These are available at the following performances and experiences, please come to Access Hubs for more information:
| Actual Reality Arcade by Matthew Harrison SPARK by Glue Collective The Rig! Actual Reality Arcade is an interactive game zone for all ages. SPARK is an installation is a creative space encouraging artistic and playful participation for all ages. The Rig! is an unique musical soundscape and visual landscape. |
Sat & Sun, Access Host available 12 noon – 6pm upon request | Edgbaston Street |
| Rainbow Stilt Walkers by Upper Level
With their bright outfits and sunny personalities, these stilt walkers are guaranteed to make everybody smile. |
Sat & Sun 2.30pm | Rotunda Square & Hippodrome Square |
| Serving Sounds by the Working Boys Club
A multi-sensory, playful installation that creates connections through music – a bar that serves bass rather than beer. |
Sat & Sun, Access Host available 12 noon – 6pm upon request | Chaophraya Square |
| The Lumini – Architects of Air
A sculptural inflatable walk-through of wonder and changing colours. For workshop programme, see below. |
Sat & Sun, Access Host available 12 noon – 6pm upon request | Hippodrome Square |
| The Princess and the Peacock by Sonia Sabri Company
Come and meet the curious, regal, playful (and sometimes naughty!) peacock. |
Sat & Sun 2pm | Rotunda Square & Hippodrome Square |
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Weekender Carnival A colourful music and dance extravaganza set to the pulsating rhythms and sounds of the Caribbean. |
Sun 12pm (please meet at Access Hub) | Rotunda Square |
Relaxed performances
These are available at the following performances:
| Community Chest by Matthew Harrison
A collaborative escape room experience for all. This puzzling art installation brings together groups of people through creative co-operation and treasure hunting. |
Sat & Sun 12 noon -12.30pm (maximum capacity 15 people) |
1000 trades square, New Street Station |
| Silent Disco Walking Tour – Guru Dudu
Sat: Sun: Back by popular demand! Join a tour for an uplifting playlist from the 70s, 80s & 90s, fun commentary and a dash of spontaneous dance moves! |
Sat & Sun 1pm (maximum capacity 15 people) |
St. Martin’s Square |
| The Swings by All or Nothing Theatre
An aerial dance duet on a magnificent, larger-than-life swing set. After performances, the swings are open for the public to give them a try. |
Sat 2.15pm & 2.30pm, Sun 2.30pm (Accessible swings are available from 2.30pm-3pm) | Central Street |
| The Lumini – Sensory Sessions
Be immersed in colour – encouraging those of all ages to play, investigate and explore The Lumini. Discover giant building blocks, beanbags and sensory toys. |
Sat & Sun 1.30pm, 5.30pm (maximum capacity 15 people) |
Hippodrome Square |
Bookings
Bookings are needed for some sessions, please click the above booking links next to the sessions. You don’t need to join our new Access Registration scheme in partnership with Nimbus Disability to book on to these sessions.
Getting Here
Click here for lots of useful information on parking, roadworks near Birmingham Hippodrome.
Photography
Please talk to a member of staff on arrival if you prefer not to be photographed or filmed as we like to use these images in our print and online.
If you have any questions or need any help, please email access@birminghamhippodrome.com or on the day, just ask a member of staff at Access hub. We look forward to welcoming you soon!