Art attack!

The atmosphere in Birmingham was electric with more than 140,000 people attending artsfest on Saturday 11th September. The end to a perfect day finished with a bang, with the much-loved Classical Fantasia, which brought together the combined talents of the Birmingham Opera Company and the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO).

Highlights from CBSO included excerpts from well known classics, including the William Tell Overture and Dvořák’s ‘New World’ Symphony, as well as the well known film themes (including Jaws and Star Wars). The show climaxed with a spectacular fireworks display highlight of which commemorated the battle of Britain in the finale to the sounds of the Dam Busters March, and an appropriately shaped aircraft firework.

David Bintley CBE and Birmingham Royal Ballet (BRB) were inaugurated to the Walk of Stars on Broad Street, adding to the many names already engraved there. Then visitors were treated to a drum and bass ballet piece from the BRB. Printer Jam was performed for the crowds along with excerpts from its forthcoming season in Centenary Square.

Cllr Martin Mullaney, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Sport & Culture said, “This evening’s Classical Fantasia concert with the city’s great arts organisations demonstrates what artsfest is all about – bringing people together to enjoy and share a sample of Birmingham’s fantastic cultural offering. Birmingham is truly home of big city culture.”

Throughout the day visitors at artsfest were treated to hundreds of events, including an exclusive preview of Ex Cathedra’s Dream of Gerontius, ahead of next week’s Papal visit. Other popular attractions included; Bollywood dancing, Japanese Sword Arts, Fretted Orchestra, street performances and families enjoyed story-making and arts and crafts at the City Centre Gardens.

Hundreds more free events, activities and attractions will continue on Sunday, for the last day of the festival, with Kerrangfest headlined by The Twang.