Solihull Council is supporting the recovery of the cultural economy with a jam-packed programme of activities and events for residents and visitors to enjoy.
Launching on Friday 17 September, Solihull will play host to a pop-up touring theatre at various locations around the borough. The Town in the Country Radio Show is a free, family-friendly 40-minute show that celebrates Solihull, its people, and places. The first performance takes place in Mell Square at 11am followed by Hillfield Park at 2pm, before heading to Chelmsley Wood Shopping Centre and Castle Bromwich Hall Gardens on Saturday 18 September. The tour visits 14 other locations until Sunday 26 September so there’s plenty of opportunity to see it. Find out more at The Town In The Country Variety Radio Show Live (thecoretheatresolihull.co.uk)
In addition to this, on Friday 17 September there will be a free event in The Core at 2pm - Solihull Back to the Future. Visitors will get the chance to see a virtual animation of Solihull High Street in 1948 which has been created by a local resident, as well as 1940s wartime film footage and old photos of Solihull. Local historians will also be on hand to speak to and people can see a demonstration of how augmented reality can make a building appear to be on the theatre stage. To book a free ticket contact The Core Box Office in person, online at www.thecoretheatresolihull.co.uk or call 0121 704 6962.
This is followed by an Archaeology Takeover Day by HS2 on Saturday 18 September. From 11am – 3pm experts from Wessex Archaeology will be in The Core foyer with artefacts from Warwickshire and beyond. Discover more about what it’s like to be an archaeologist and learn archaeological processes to try at home. At 11.30am and 2pm they will be screening a four-part series (approx. 40 mins) exploring the recent archaeological excavations at Coleshill. Find out more: https://www.thecoretheatresolihull.co.uk/whats-on/all-shows/archaeology-takeover-day/25745/
The Council is working in partnership with community interest company Parrabbola to put on the programme of events over the next six months in the run up to the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
Other confirmed projects to look out for over the coming weeks include: a Shirley fashion upcycling event, British film festival at The Core, a public art installation in Shirley, micro-commissions for local artists and performers, plus Our COVID story: capturing the social history of people’s COVID experiences.
More events will take place in locations across the whole borough – details will be available on the Visit Solihull website.
Deputy Leader of Solihull Council, Councillor Karen Grinsell said:
“The last year has been really challenging for the cultural sector, and so as we emerge from COVID restrictions we want to make sure we are supporting its recovery as best we can.
“Not only does a vibrant cultural scene make a place more attractive, it’s also a great way to engage with more residents and visitors which is really important to the Council.
“We have a fantastic line-up of events, performances and activities planned, so I would encourage everyone to take a look at what’s on offer and get involved.”