And the Birmingham 2026 organisers have launched an open call to artists, creatives and cultural organisations to be part of a planned cultural programme to coincide with the sporting extravaganza.
Four days of live sport, entertainment and culture will take place in the heart of the city this summer – and Centenary Square will become ‘Champions Square’ from 13-16 August.
The free-to-attend Champions Square Fan Zone aims to create a vibrant festival atmosphere in the heart of Birmingham, bringing together sport and culture in a celebration of the city's creativity, energy and community spirit.
Building on the hugely successful Festival Sites during the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games and the legacy Birmingham Festival 23, Outdoor Places Unusual Spaces (OPUS) has been appointed to curate the four-day Cultural Programme in Champions Square.
To help bring Champions Square to life, an Open Call has been launched inviting artists, creatives and cultural organisations to be part of this unique celebration.
The programme, funded by Birmingham City Council’s Together on Culture Magnets and Moonshots programme, is seeking high-energy outdoor performances.
Cherry Alexander, championship director for Birmingham 2026, said: “We’re delighted to confirm the fan zone at Centenary Square, giving even more spectators the chance to be part of the European Athletics Championships this August.
“With just one month to go, fans can make their plans to be a part of the UK's first ever staging of a European Athletics Championships, whether buying tickets to see the best in Europe competing in Birmingham, picking a spot to view the elite race walks and marathon events in the city centre, signing up to run the mass participation Unity Challenge for their own medal moment, or joining in the celebrations and programme at Champions Square fan zone at Centenary Square.”
Caroline Davis, managing director of OPUS, said: “Birmingham showed the world during the Commonwealth Games that culture doesn't sit alongside sport - it helps define the experience. It creates moments of joy, surprise and connection that people remember long after the competition has finished.
“We're excited to build on that legacy by creating another programme that belongs to the city and shines a light on Birmingham's incredible creative community."
Rebecca Phillips, senior producer at OPUS, added: “We're looking for artists who can create energy, surprise and delight, and bring audiences together. Whether you're an established company or an emerging performer, if you've got work that thrives outdoors and invites people to stop, watch and take part, we'd love to hear from you.”
“We know that the enthusiasm of the fans, both local and visiting, will bring added excitement and buzz to the Championships.”
Open Call applications are now open, with a deadline of 23.59 on Monday 20 July.
Successful applicants will perform as part of Birmingham's official European Athletics Fan Zone, with opportunities for thousands of visitors to experience their work throughout the Championships.
