Setting the sky alight at Bullring, FORGED will feature performances from local spoken word artist, Amerah Saleh and Insurgent, a progressive metal band from the city.
Performing against the backdrop of a giant flaming organ, these artists will be bringing a powerful contemporary voice to this year’s festival.
Brummies still have time to be at the heart of the festival, as Birmingham-born artist Anna West and Davi Callanan (idontloveyouanymore) bring they’re The Matter of the Heart project to Brindleyplace.
It’s the last chance for local people to apply to be one of the live heartbeats featured as part of The Heartbeat of Brindleyplace.
Those with a special story to tell only have until 1st February to apply to be part of the installation, which will be based in Oozells Square. Applications can be made via the Birmingham Light Festival website.
The programme of artworks also features Birmingham talent.
Artist Jack Quddus (NeonCow) will be spreading the love on Lower Temple Street with My Heart A Belongs in Birmingham and mural artist Richard O’Gorman will be unveiling this year’s legacy piece, Where the Trees Begin, in Edgbaston Village.
Birmingham Light Festival has also added a new event to the programme, with support from Birmingham City University (BCU) as the festival’s first ever Connectivity Partner.
Love on the Line will invite festivalgoers to Birmingham New Street, during the festival, to write a love letter to the city.
These heartfelt declarations will be on proud display in light, on the station concourse throughout the festival.
Outside Birmingham New Street, Reunion will be the perfect greeting for those arriving into the city by train, inviting them to share in connection underneath the luminous colourful arches.
Visitors will also be able to experience pop-up musical performances from Royal Birmingham Conservatoire students, all of which will be inspired by human connection.
The installations create a perfect path across the city, with visitors encouraged to use the Birmingham Light Festival map to explore on foot.
Maps are available to download online, or can be picked up from the Festival Information Point at Bullring.
For those that would prefer to explore with company, dog walks, group runs and walking tours are also available as part of the Festival events programme.
Festivalgoers heading into the city by tram, or looking to rest their legs between installations, can enjoy an exclusive travel offer thanks to West Midlands Metro.
Visitors can get up to 15 per cent off day tickets in Zones 1–4 and Zone 1 only, covering the full route from Edgbaston Village to Wolverhampton.
To claim the discount, visitors can download the MyMetro app from the Google Play or Apple App Store and visit the Birmingham Light Festival website to access the code.
Over at Birmingham Botanical Gardens, visitors can join even more local organisations such as Fruit and Nut Village, Birmingham Open Spaces Forum, Sustainability WM and Brum Biosphere for Climate Conversations; a special climate change event featuring stalls, talks and activities running alongside festival artwork, Tipping Point.
