Acclaimed British-Bangladeshi vocalist Sohini Alam and her band Khiyo – formed with composer/multi-instrumentalist Oliver Weeks – headline this special celebration of 50 years of Bangladesh’s independence.

They are joined by guest performances from talented dancer and choreographer Amina Khayyam, and Birmingham Contemporary Music Group (BCMG) combining new music and the poetry of national poet Rabindranath Tagore.

Khiyo give Bengali heritage music a fresh sound, mixing powerful and expressive interpretations of the classics with dynamic and original arrangements that draw on South Asian and Western folk and classical traditions, rock, blues, and jazz. Alam and Weeks are also known for directing the music for Leesa Gazi’s multi-award-winning documentary film Rising Silence.

This celebratory evening performance will close a day of activities, curated by Legacy West Midlands, that will include drama, craft and saree workshops, performances, film screenings, exhibitions and a phita mela welcoming all.