Birmingham, the UK’s second-largest city and one of the friendliest places you can ever visit, is a hub of entertainment. Its rich heritage and culture is something you must experience. Whether you are a resident exploring more about your native city, or a visitor witnessing the beauty of Birmingham for the first time, the city’s charm is for all to see.
An interesting fact is that Birmingham’s vibrant entertainment scene goes way back to over 200 years ago. The city established its first theatre in the 1740s, and the beautiful canal boat rides take you on a historical journey to Birmingham’s early days as an industrial town.
Even in today’s modern world, you can still learn of the city’s beautiful history as you experience new entertainment options that blend seamlessly with the Brummie culture.
Theatre
From the early days of medieval pageants to the creation of the first-ever permanent theatre in 1740, performing arts are the heart and soul of Birmingham. Today, majestic theatre venues like the Birmingham Hippodrome, Birmingham Rep, Belgrade Theatre and The Royal Shakespeare Theatre stand tall as a testament to that.
The venues will entertain you with cultural plays, beautiful musicals and captivating ballet dance shows throughout the year. Household names like Laurence Olivier, Peggy Ashcroft, Kenneth More and Derek Jacobi made their debut in Birmingham theatre halls.
Canal Boats
The historical canals in Birmingham covering over 300 miles offer the best way to explore this beautiful city. With a narrowboat and an experienced tour guide, discover Birmingham’s industrial heritage and other stunning sceneries. The canals brought commercial life to the town over two hundred years ago during the Industrial Revolution.
If you aren’t claustrophobic, the 45-minute underground boat ride through the Dudley Canal is an experience worth every penny. Other canal routes will let you explore the city differently, view the countryside and see historic villages.
Cinema and Film
One entertainment option you can’t miss is the cinema experience, especially if you are a film fan. The Electric, the first cinema in Birmingham and the UK’s oldest, was established in 1909 but was recently closed, leaving many locals disappointed.
However, modern cinemas like Odeon and Cineworld offer 3D and Imax movie experiences. If you are looking for something more intimate, Everyman and The MAC Birmingham are great options.
You probably didn’t know this but Birmingham has hosted popular film premieres. Will Smith’s Hitch, Tom Hardy’s Locke and George Clooney’s The Perfect Storm had their UK premieres in this city. There are also movie directors who shot some of their scenes in Birmingham. Kingsman: The Golden Circle, Ready Player One and American Assassin are some movies that might have a familiar background.
Music, Nightlife and Virtual Thrills
Birmingham has a lively nightlife thanks to a thriving music scene and entertaining venues such as local bars. The Birmingham International Jazz Festival is a must-attend if you are in the city when it’s happening. Besides jazz, Birmingham has played a key role in the evolution of popular music, with stars like Black Sabbath (founders of heavy metal rock), UB40 (reggae) and Duran Duran (new wave), coming from the city.
If you are looking for a hangout spot to keep you entertained, there are high-tech clubs and casinos. Digbeth, Broad Street and the Custard Factory are renowned for their nightlife. For casino gaming, the Genting Casino and Resorts World Birmingham will let you place your wagers.
You can also take the fun on the go by playing online casinos on your mobile or PC. Online casinos in Birmingham are becoming popular not only for their convenience but also for their vast selection of games and casino bonuses that keep you entertained around the clock.
The virtual thrills can even extend from online casinos to esports. You can participate or watch expert teams compete at some of the best esports arenas in Birmingham.
What Next for Entertainment in Birmingham?
The entertainment scene in the city has great potential to move forward and it’s impressive how cultural and historic places and activities continue to shape the experience one gets in Birmingham. One thing is certain though, as the years go by, Birmingham is pushing for sustainable and innovative entertainment options that are eco-friendly.