There’s no need for the New Year blues when you look at everything that’s coming up in Birmingham in the next few months.
We’ve picked out the best things to see and do in the city, from meeting astronauts and Arnie to Crufts and comedy. Then there’s magic and dancing with Chinese lions, the Strictly contestants and Mary Poppins.
Why not check out our ultimate guide to things to do in Birmingham too? It’s full of great ideas of ways to spend your spare time, from the best restaurants and bars to try out in the city to days out around the region.
Space/An Evening with Chris Hadfield
Symphony Hall, Birmingham
January 19
0121 345 0600
If the recent launching into space of British astronaut Tim Peake has piqued your interest, then this is a rare chance to meet a spaceman. Colonel Chris Hadfield was on the International Space Station for five months and became famous for tweeting and singing David Bowie’s Space Oddity, a video seen more than 26 million times. The Canadian will share his anecdotes and some of his personal videos in a 90-minute presentation. Get your tickets here.
Commander Chris Hadfield who has said goodbye to life on the International Space Station by making a cover version of David Bowie’s Space Oddity
Dance/Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour
Barclaycard Arena
January 22-24
0844 338 8000
If you’re suffering from Strictly withdrawal symptoms now the show is over, you can get your fix with the live tour, which kicks off in Birmingham. Reigning champion Jay McGuiness is performing and might, just might, do THAT jive. Plus there’s Brummie Helen George, Georgia May Foote, Ainsley Harriott and Anita Rani, as well as Jake Wood and Frankie Bridge from last year. Mel Giedroyc hosts and the judges are Len Goodman, Craig Revel Horwood and Bruno Tonioli. Shimmy over here for tickets.
Jay McGuiness and Aliona Vilani dance the jive on Strictly Come Dancing
Experience/Arnold Schwarzenegger
ICC, Birmingham
January 21
This is a rare chance to get up close and personal to The Terminator in Birmingham – but it comes at an eye-watering price. Arnie will talk about his life while being interviewed on stage by a celebrity host after a black tie dinner. The tickets range from £95 for standing on the balcony to watch the show – you don’t even get a chair, let alone dinner – to £545 for a VIP experience including Champagne and a photo with Arnie, up to £1,500 for an intimate meet and greet with the star. Still keen? Get your tickets here.
Arnold Schwarzenegger
Dance/Anton & Erin
Symphony Hall, Birmingham
January 30
0121 345 0600
Fresh from finally reaching the Strictly Come Dancing final, Anton Du Beke returns to one of his favourite venues with his dance partner Erin Boag. This new show will, as usual, feature dazzling choreography, sparkling costumes and a show band. Click here for tickets.
Anton Du Beke and Erin Boag, Just Gotta Dance tour
Music/Nigel Kennedy
Symphony Hall
January 31
0121 345 0600
Aston Villa fan Nigel returns to his home city and returns to the music which made him a star – Vivaldi’s Four Seasons. But the maverick violinist adds a twist as a performs an acoustic version, adding new interpretations of the music. Click here for tickets.
Aston Villa fan Nigel Kennedy is to play in Birmingham again
Event/Chinese New Year Festival
Arcadian Centre
February 7
This free event has become the largest celebration of its kind in the Midlands, attracting around 30,000 people to the heart of the city’s Chinese quarter to celebrate the arrival of the Year of the Monkey. It combines acrobats, lion dancers and martial arts with fairground rides and stalls selling crafts and food. And don’t forget all those great Chinese restaurants in the area.
Traditional Chinese dance at The Arcadian centre, Southside.
Ballet/Matthew Bourne’s Sleeping Beauty
Birmingham Hippodrome
February 9 – 13
0844 338 5000
Any Matthew Bourne production is always worth getting excited about, and this dazzling adaptation of Sleeping Beauty is no different. With stunning sets and costumes, you’ll be transported from the Edwardian era to the modern day in a world full of magic, fairies and vampires. Yes, vampires. Tickets here.
Sleeping Beauty by Matthew Bourne
Comedy/Gary Delaney
Glee Club, Birmingham
February 7
0871 472 0400
Dorridge’s finest returns for a homecoming gig of his latest tour, There’s Something About Gary. Often seen on Mock the Week – and incidentally, married to Sarah Millican – he’s a master of the one-liner. He is also playing The Comedy Junction in Sutton Coldfield on March 17. Glee tickets are here.
Comedian Gary Delaney
Magic/Impossible
New Alexandra Theatre
February 16-20
0844 871 3011
Yes, that really is a man on fire, hanging upside down in a strait jacket. It’s just one of the death-defying stunts performed live on stage as some of the world’s greatest illusionists gather for a thrilling show. Tickets can be magicked up here.
Impossible, the West End magic show coming to Birmingham including a man setting himself on fire while hanging upside down in a strait jacket
Comedy/Adam Hills
Birmingham Hippodrome
February 28
0844 338 5000
The clever and witty star of Channel 4’s The Last Leg is on tour with his new show Clown Heart. Wonderfully crafted comedy at its best from the Australian, so get your tickets here.
Adam Hills
New hotel/Park Regis
Five Ways, Birmingham
March
Birmingham’s latest swanky hotel is due to open in March. After a £50 million renovation, the hotel overlooking Five Ways will have the largest outdoor space of any Birmingham hotel with an extensive balcony to the 16th floor all-glass cocktail bar and a la carte restaurant. No doubt it will become the place to be seen – and to see across Birmingham.
Fancy sipping your cocktail here? First pic of the large balcony of the new Park Regis Hotel in Birmingham
Musical/Mary Poppins
Birmingham Hippodrome
March 9 – April 23
0844 338 5000
One of the best musicals around and feelgood fun for the whole family, it’s practically perfect! Children will love the idea of a nanny who takes her charges on fantastic adventures, and their parents will appreciate the heartwarming message – and the dazzling choreography, effects and songs. For ages three and upwards, tickets here.
Mary Poppins with Zizi Strallen as Mary with Colby Mulgrew as Michael Banks and Madeline Banbury as Jane Banks
Food/James Martin
Symphony Hall
March 10
Chef James Martin embarks on his first UK tour after 20 years on TV, with a show which combines cooking demonstrations, stories and some surprise special guests. He promises the show, called Plates, Mates and Automobiles, is going to be ‘super cool’. Tickets here.
TV presenter and bestselling chef James Martin
Event/Crufts
Genting Arena, Birmingham NEC
March 10-13
Source: http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/