Summer in Southside

This is a past event and is currently no longer running.

Family & Pantomime

STREET PERFORMANCE, MUSIC, DANCE, FOOD

Seaside sights, sounds and silliness in the heart of the city - fun for all the family!

FREE

In July 2016 our annual FREE summer festival transformed Southside into Seaside!

Over the weekend, there was a vibrant carnival atmosphere where Hurst Street was transformed with seaside sights, sounds and silliness. There were nautical encounters from a cod choir, deep-sea divers and even some pirates!

There was something for everyone – wooden street games, an enormous whale, street acrobatics, a marching band with a difference and much, much more. Our very own back dock was transformed into a beach with beautiful sculptures.

Below is a list of all the fantastic performers who were involved!

Did you attend Summer in Southside? Fill out this quick survey and be in with a chance to WIN £100 in high street vouchers.

Larkin' About - Deep Sea Divers

Two divers wearing large corroded copper helmets squirting jets of water and draped with sea-weed and crabs. Fish swim around their heads, and their backpacks play atmospheric undersea noises....

The Grand Theatre of Lemmings – Cod Choir

The naughtiest, cheekiest fishermen you will ever meet, rove around proudly displaying their larger than life puppet fish looking for any opportunity for a joke and a laugh with the unsuspecting public. Includes some terrible fishy gags....

Desperate Men - The Eco Pirates

From the high seas to the high street this scurvy bunch of squid suckers want to bury a large treasure chest. Themes of re-cycling, litter and maritime pollution are all explored by these fearsome yet daft shanty singing Pirates of the Carry-Bin. ...

Puppets with Guts - Citizen Squid

A gigantic squid has crawled into Southside but how did it get there - and what will we do with it?! Enjoy an interactive big puppet spectacle. Originally commissioned in 2015 by the Lyric Hammersmith and Watford Palace Theatre. Supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England....

Tombs Creatius - Monster Colours

Step up to an array of interactive games to test your puzzle solving, cup stacking and co-ordination abilities. Playful Catalan artists Tombs Creatius’ beautifully designed and handmade wooden games are perfect for all ages and skill levels....

Talking Birds - The Whale

Ahoy there shipmates! The Whale is coming to town, and beneath its gleaming, silvery surface there be surprises for intrepid sailors! Fun for all ages, and fully accessible for wheelchair users. Prepare to dive!...

Always Drinking Marching Band

An unforgettable musical walkabout experience! Enjoy an unusual beat and a powerful explosive rhythm from these uniquely talented musicians....

Les Vernisseurs - Merry Urban Mess

A spectacular performance where the street becomes a playground for 5 'workers' and a shower of confetti and ribbons delight and surprise the audience....

Fairly Famous – Lifeguards

Perched high on their chairs with their classic pool rules signs, the Lifeguards attempt to impose the timeless values of the municipal baths onto the streets....

Pif Paf - The Submercycle and The Flycycle

Come away with Pif Paf on a journey of your wildest dreams, aboard the famous traveling machines...Choose a traveling companion, find the Departure Lounge and they’ll take care of the rest. ...

Kitsch n Sync Collective

Taking inspiration from Vintage postcards and summer seaside pastimes, Kitsch n Sync bring a splash of nostalgia and nautical naughtiness to Southside....

Sand In Your Eye

Professional sand sculptors will be running workshops throughout the weekend. Come and learn the tricks of the trade and see the sculpture they have created too!...

Imagineer Productions - A Taste of Rio

To mark the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio – Southside will be presenting a ‘Pop Up Carnival’ with a Brazilian theme. Samba Drummers, Carnival Dancers and beautiful costumes will be creating a Brazilian Buzz. Costumed Performance Artists Bel Viso will be providing carnival make-up (free) so get your Carnival Vibe on and join the party!...

Tall Tail Acrobatics - Turbuilente

A charming pilot and daring stewardess introduce 'flying 2.0'. They might have lost their plane during the financial crisis, but the stewardess still takes off to the skies, thrown and caught by her pilot. A turbulent act full of audience interaction and acrobatic highlights....

Acrojou - All At Sea

Melancholic humour, striking design, and the visual poetry for which Acrojou is recognized, in a moving and atmospheric row-about installation....

Corey Baker Dance - Beach Party

White sand, beach balls, cocktails and speedos! This new work whisks you away on a tropical adventure and brings everything we love about the beach a little bit closer to the city. Have the best beach party of your life!...

The Audience Orchestra

The concert where you are the hero. Use everyday noises and make your voice heard - experience the simple and emotional power where everyone is a musician....

Justin Wiggan - ENDLESSSUMMERRR

Additional editing/midi by Rob Duyvestey.
Across the site, experience emotional time travel with curious sonic summer memory triggers by sound artist Justin Wiggan. Listen to the sounds again by finding yourself a Summer in Southside souvenir stick of rock!...

Birmingham Hippodrome and Open Theatre Company - Nosey Parkas’ Toffee Nose

Watch out... the Nosey Parkas are about - just nosing around at the seaside and NOT minding their own business. Sticking their noses up at everyone and into everything!...