News

Home
News

Liz Berry returns to Balsall Heath in Changing Times

We’re thrilled to welcome Liz Berry for an intimate event of poetry, informal chat, interviews, film and exhibition dedicated to the living history, stories and memories of Balsall Heath at St.Paul’s Venture.

Live performance by Liz Berry, award winning poet
An interview with Liz Berry by Val Hart
Haqi Ali presents a ten minute film made for ‘Balsall Heath in Changing Times’, alongside film clips from 1960-80s including ‘The Media Archive of Central England’ footage.
Exhibition, ‘Balsall Heath In Changing Times’

Book your tickets now!

Check out Frank Skinner’s praise for Liz Berry, who brought him to tears with her reading of ‘Birmingham Rollers’:

Award-winning West Midlands poet Liz Berry will be reading live, including her new poem, “Psalm”, followed by a chat with Val Hart. She’ll be chatting about the inspiration behind her poems and her lifelong project of mapping the emotional geography of the West Midlands.

Liz’s work has been described by The Guardian as a “sooty soaring hymn to her native West Midlands.” An award-winning poet and author of the critically acclaimed collections Black Country (Chatto, 2014); The Republic of Motherhood (Chatto, 2018); The Dereliction (Hercules Editions, 2021) a collaboration with artist Tom Hicks; and most recently The Home Child (Chatto, 2023), a novel in verse.

Liz shares a deep, personal connection with Balsall Heath. Published in May 2026 and featured in the Times Literary Supplement, her new poem “Psalm” is a deeply evocative, secular hymn that celebrates community, resilience, and womanhood. True to her remarkable ability to transfigure working-class landscapes into something sacred, “Psalm” anchors itself right here in Balsall Heath.

Film Clips & Archives: An Earlier Balsall Heath

Step back in time as we screen a selection of rare film clips capturing Balsall Heath. Also we are be premiering a short film created as part of Balsall Heath in Changing Times.

Balsall Heath in Changing Times

This is the end event of a wider FREE exhibition tour with art, poetry, history trails. All is inspired by the amazing photography of Mick Turner and archive images in Balsall Heath in Changing Times. Find out more on eventbrite. Come browse the photographs, share your own memories, and celebrate the enduring joy of our community coming together.

Event Details:

What: Liz Berry and Balsall Heath in Changing Times
When: Sunday 20th September 5-6:30pm 2026
Where: St. Paul’s Venture Hall, Balsall Heath
Featuring: A live reading and interview with Liz Berry, local heritage film screenings, and exhibition.

Whether you have lived in Balsall Heath your entire life or are new to the area, you’ll love this special evening. Let’s celebrate the extraordinary story of the place we call home.

Tickets for Liz Berry event cost £5 – book on our eventbrite.

Bringing Balsall Heath’s History to Life in Changing Times

Moseley Road Baths Joe’s Update #3

Joe Holyoak has written an update for us from the Baths and also will be leading tours of the Baths as part of Birmingham Heritage Week starting 11th September. Also look out for Balsall Heath in Changing Times exhibition and tours coinciding so you can view the baths and tour Moseley Road with local historian Val Hart.

Work proceeds on the Baths and Balsall Heath Library. In the library, the structure of the new mezzanine floor, and the lift giving access to it, are nearing completion. In the baths, striking progress has been made in the slipper baths on the Moseley Road frontage. The arched cast iron beams have been painted the same green as those in the Gala Pool. This was researched some years ago when the Gals Pool roof was renewed, with paint scrapings being taken to establish the original colour used in 1907.

Slipper Baths in new light

Most striking is the return of the stained glass windows to the slipper baths. These have been repaired and cleaned by a specialist in the Jewellery Quarter. You need to be inside to appreciate these changes. There is an opportunity when public tours of the two buildings happen as part of |Birmingham Heritage Week. The tours happen on September 11th and 18th, and if there is still room you can sign up for these on the Birmingham Heritage Week website.

The Baths uring the last public tour in July

A Visit to Moseley Road Baths – Joe’s update #2

Moseley Road Baths and Library Update

Bringing Balsall Heath’s History to Life in Changing Times

This September, experience Balsall Heath in Birmingham Heritage Week through a multi-venue touring FREE exhibition, ‘In Changing Times‘ by Balsall Heath Local History Society. Featuring the photographic archive of Mick Turner, community oral histories, poetry, art, and history trails exploring Balsall Heath through the eyes of those who live it.

Balsall Heath’s story is one of dramatic transformation and social change. Within living memory, we’ve seen bomb sites used as playgrounds well into the 1970s, mass demolition and redevelopment, and the arrival of different communities that reshaped our streets.

Touring Exhibition & Venue Highlights

Six local hubs across Balsall Heath will host unique events, workshops, guided trails, and activities:

SS. John & Martin Catholic Church. Guided heritage tour exploring the building’s architectural and community legacy.
Moseley Road Heritage Trail. Guided walking tour with local Historian Val Hart
The Old Print Works & Creation Climbing Centre. Pop-up archival displays, film and art.
St. Paul’s Venture, special event (September 20th). An intimate afternoon with acclaimed poet Liz Berry, featuring poetry readings, film screenings, and shared local memories.

Find out more

Inspired by our Past

Local artist Muhmood Tahir, inspired by archive images and Mick Turner’s photography painted his Balsall Heath. Meet the artist, sketch and paint alongside him – bring your contemporary visual perspective on our Balsall Heath – all free, including materials, date to be confirmed.

Mick Turner Archive of photographic images is a vast collection of images, thousands of which were published in the Balsall Heathan from 1960 to 1990. We used these images as a starting point to understand Balsall Heath through the eyes of people who have lived there.

Charles and Diana marry at Balsall Heath Carnival

Plan Your Visit

Explore the full festival schedule to make the most of Birmingham Heritage Week and Heritage Open Days. #BHeritage #HeritageOpenDays #HODs2026 #BHeritageWeek

Changing Times in Balsall Heath: A Conversation with Zhor Malik

From the streets of 1960s Balsall Heath to decades of dedicated community service, Zhor Malik’s story is woven into the history of Calthorpe Park and Balsall Heath. A former Royal Mail union representative, long-time community advocate, and former local councillor, Zhor sat down with Marcus and Val for Changing Times to look back at Balsall Heath and where it’s heading next.

Deep Roots in Balsall Heath

Born in Derby, Zhor moved to Balsall Heath with his parents. Since then, the area has been home to three generations of his family.

“I went to Percy Shurmer School. My sons and daughter went to Percy Shurmer, and now my grandkids have been going to Percy Shurmer… I’ve lived around this area since 1966.”

Zhor remembers the major clearances and redevelopment of the mid 1970s when old terraces along Princess Road, Balsall Heath Road, and Varna Road were demolished to make way for new housing. His family moved to Edward Road around 1976, where he still lives today.

Playgrounds, Parks, and Community Space

For Zhor, growing up in 1970s Balsall Heath:

“So I can tell you when I those times, they were brilliant times …it was the times when our mothers used to leave the back doors open. We hardly used the front door, we used to go down the back, and we had visitors and we used to go to people there and we didn’t even think or were afraid of people stealing or anything. The best days I remember growing up were in the summer. uh the six seven weeks of summer we used to spend playing in Calthorpe Park.”

After working 27 years with Royal Mail he brought his passion for public service directly to Calthorpe, joining Birmingham City Council. He became the first manager of the Calthorpe Park Pavilion.

During his time there he established football pitches and a cricket pitch inside Calthorpe Park, installed cricket practice nets in partnership with Edgbaston Cricket Groundskeepers., converted disused tennis courts into the game area there now, and worked tirelessly alongside community champions like Foster Derby at the local Play Centre to provide after-school and holiday schemes.

Taking Back the Streets

During the late 1980s and 1990s, he took an active role in the famous community-led movement to clear street prostitution and pimping from the area. Spurred into action by community elders and local figures like Dick Atkinson of the St. Paul’s Trust, residents organised street corner patrols to reclaim their streets.

“The community came together… It was all the residents. Taxi drivers helped us before mobile phones existed, using their radio systems to call for backup if there was trouble. It took us nearly two years, but we took our streets back.”

A Vision for the Future

Zhor remains determined as ever to advocate for Balsall Heath. He was teh first Balsall Heath West Ward Councillor in 2018. Reflecting on changes to ward boundaries, local media, and local politics, his core priority remains simple: transparent, open facilities for everyone.

“I don’t care who gets the credit, as long as we achieve what we want for the betterment of Balsall Heath.”

Find out more and listen to interview clips
Join Friends of Calthorpe Park
Visit our Touring exhibition in September 2026

Wildlife Trusts seek Youth Leadership

The Environmental Leadership Programme (ELP2), a free nine months course for ages 18-25, opens for applications: Its to build leadership skills, create local nature projects, and explore green careers. Wildlife Trusts particularly encourage applications from people in the Balsall Heath area:

Apply now

Run by The Wildlife Trusts and Shropshire Wildlife Trust, it helps young people build green skills, connect with nature, and launch community projects locally.

The Environmental Leadership Programme is a FREE programme for 18–25-year-olds based in the West Midlands. Running from October-July, it consists of both online and in person sessions. The aim is to increase your connection to nature and provide the development of important environmental leadership skills.

Build your skills

Throughout the programme, sessions are designed to enable you to build the skills and knowledge you need to understand green leadership and what a future career in the green sector might look like.

There is no cost to take part, and our dedicated team are on hand to ensure you are fully supported to get the most out of your experience, including a pre-programme check in to make sure you have everything you need and answer any questions. Financial support with travel to the in-person sessions is always available!

Hear first hand from guests and speakers with experiences in the sector. There are opportunities to network with experienced professionals as well as meeting and sharing experiences with each other.

The programme is hybrid and flexible in nature. Play back recorded sessions and connect in-person at our events.

How to apply

Applications are now OPEN for the Environmental Leadership Programme 26/27! Please contact el**@************ts.org with any questions.

Environmental Leadership Programme 2026-27

Summer Fun in Nature!

Join summer family fun activity session at the Belle Walk green space 25th August 10:45am.

Learn about the environment and widlife
Meet friends and find out about Belle Walk Green Space
Make something to take home

Book your place

Birmingham Open Spaces Forum (BOSF) is a volunteer-led network that has been connecting and supporting the people who care for our city’s open spaces since 2005, whether that open space be a park, a community garden, an allotment site or a piece of land which has significance for you and your neighbours. We help volunteers make a lasting impact – bringing communities together, improving open spaces, and ensuring they thrive for generations to come.

Find out more about BOSF

Start a volunteer Friends group for your local open space

Friends groups bring people together to care for, improve, and celebrate their local open spaces. They’re made up of local volunteers who share a passion for parks, woodlands, playing fields, or pocket greens.

Whether it’s organising community events, planting flowers and trees, applying for funding, or simply keeping the space clean and welcoming, starting a Friends group is a powerful way to make a lasting difference where you live. It’s also a great way to meet neighbours, learn new skills, and build a stronger sense of community!

Road Safety Emergency Continues

1 August 2026 marks the second anniversary of the declaration of Birmingham’s Road Safety Emergency. Better Streets for Birmingham will mark this anniversary and ask the new councillors who represent us to increase their efforts to reduce road harm on Friday 4th September at 5pm outside the Council House. Contact Better Streets to join this or to help with the organisation.

Four year old Mayar Yahia tragically passed away on the evening of Sunday, April 14, 2024 next to New Hope Park, Upper Highgate Street. Plans to pedestrianise the road where Mayar was killed were shelved in May. The father of Mayar, who was hit with her mother and her friend by a speeding, reckless driver, has spoken out in sadness after Birmingham City Council ‘broke a promise’ to create a pedestrian zone in her memory, providing safer streets near where she died.

City of Cars

City of Cars will be screened at Birmingham Council House before the Full Council meeting on 15 September, telling the story of the tragic death of Mayar Yahia and the immeasurable loss experienced by her family. The film was made to challenge the political and societal apathy around dangerous driving in Birmingham and to highlight the threat this poses in the city.

Better Streets say plans to pedestrianise a part of Upper Highgate Street were apparently delayed because:

‘A series of ‘errors’ had been made that meant local opinions were outweighed by objections from people out of the area.’

As filmmaker Sarah explains:

“I made this film because I was so concerned about what I was witnessing on Birmingham’s roads every day. In the film I speak to people who have lost loved ones in road traffic collisions and follow the campaigning activities of Better Streets for Birmingham.”

We encourage you to email your local councillors and urge them to attend the screening.

Working together for Better Streets

To find out more about Better Streets:

6pm to 8pm general meetup – Monday 10 August 2026, 6pm The Warehouse, Alison Street

Monthly meetup for city-wide Better Streets.

Circle the City – Friday 7th August

A group ride around Birmingham leaving from Hippodrome Square, B5 4BN at 6pm. Meet people, learn new cycle routes and enjoy the fun and freedom of cycling safely in the city. All ages and all abilities are welcome. The more the merrier!

Celebrating Balsall Heath – Festival faces, figures and fun

Sadly the Festival is over for 2026, but the good news is we are already making plans for 2027, the fiftieth anniversary of Balsall Heath Carnival!

We had over 1600 participating in over 20 events and 40 workshops over the 10 days of Festival. Here’s a quick breakdown of some of what’s been happening (there’s too much to put in a single blog so apologies to events not mentioned!

Colouring Competition

‘I won an orange skipping rope!’
Miss Choudhury, a former winner

The colouring competition was well received and remembered – there were several occasions where I met proud former winners. Thanks to the many people who volunteered to support this, visiting local schools and organisations as well as walking streets to judge the entries.

Colouring Competition winner at Clifton Primary School

Historic Interpretation Panels

‘These are great – it’s about our history, all of it, for everyone’

A comment and conversation with a BCC street cleaner captures the heart of the Historic Interpretation Panels project as well as helping with the installation, cleaning all around a corner of a Ladypool Road Car Park opposite the Congregational Church. Two local shops have offered to help maintain the space around this panel. Funded by Believe in Balsall Heath and led by BHLHS, what started as an idea for five heritage boards expanded into nine due to overwhelming local support. The collaborative approach to displaying our history built a real sense of local ownership and has been celebrated as part of a history trail in the build up, and during #BHCFest26. After the festival passersby can still stop and see our heritage, and many are diving deeper into Balsall Heath’s rich story by scanning the QR codes, sparking conversations both on the street and in The Heathan.

Fireman Louis reads about the history of Balsall Heath

Jago, a regular climber finds out about the Trams for the first time 2026 — Jago, a regular climber finds out about the Tramworks for the first time 2026

Festival events

‘We have to do [The Festival] next year’

With so many events over 10 days indoors and outside, all over Balsall Heath, it is impossible to single out any, so here is a photo gallery covering some!

Joe Holyoak explains plans for Moseley Road Baths — Touring Moseley Road Baths

Working together

‘We were really happy with the event. We are a very small volunteer group and we were too busy to get on with all our usual work! The attendance was good and much boosted by the involvement of our local partner organisations. It was lovely to share our lovely little pocket park with people that may have never been there before’ Friends of Seven Street Park

Much thanks to Together St.Paul’s who funded the Festival. Also thanks to all the partner organisations who contributed time, organised and ran all events, and all the volunteers without whom the festival would not have happened.

From colourful windows and rich local history to lively events in our green spaces, this year proved what makes Balsall Heath truly special: our people. A massive thank you to everyone who showed up, volunteered, and brought the energy. Here’s to the connections made, the stories shared, and a festival season we won’t forget anytime soon. See you all next year!

Balsall Heath Community Festival 2026 Schedule – so much more happened – see Balsall Heath Community Festival 2026 page

My Faith Reflection – visit to Guru Gobind Singh Gurdwara

The Faith Trail as part of Balsall Heath Community Festival has been a great way to celebrate our diverse community. It has been for me an invitation to visit the many different faiths I knew little about, like Sikhism. There was early migration during that time from India. As a Muslim interfaith is important to me and I wanted to share my faith reflection visiting this Gurdwara as part of Balsall Heath Community Festival, there was a group including Anawim who were there for the first time.

Langar, the act of selflessness

We were kindly asked to cover our heads as a sign of respect. The Langar plays a vital role in day to day activity. The principle is simple: Sikhs share their honest earnings to provide free food for everyone, regardless of religion, caste, colour, creed, age, gender or social status.

The Gurdwara opens every Sunday for all and on the Wednesday a women’s group meet there. The women serving were friendly and hospitable, the food was delicious. We had a vegetarian curry with rice pudding as dessert, it was refreshing that the air conditioning was on, especially with the heatwave.

Guru Gobind Singh Gurdwara — Sikhs regard and respect the *Granth* (holy book) as their *living* Guru. Above is the Palki, a domed structure that covers the area that holds the Guru Granth Sahib. This is covered by the Chanani, made from decorated cloth known as the Rumalla.

Sikh History

We were told about the history of Sikhism from its early roots with Gura Nunak, the first Guru. There is
selflessness to Sikhism and equality is important. Sitting together is a demonstration, it makes you feel
included which I believe is important.

Foundation (c. 1481): Guru Nanak established the first community kitchen to challenge social
discrimination. According to Sikh tradition, when his father gave him money to start a profitable
business, a young Guru Nanak instead spent it feeding a group of hungry travelers, calling this
“the true business”

We were told that Sikhs come from around Birmingham, many having that connection from 1950s, building their first Gurdwara in 1957. A former petrol station, the Gurdwara became a place of worship for the Sikh community. It is the Second oldest Gurdwara in UK and the first one in Birmingham. I really enjoyed my visit and I would encourage residents of Balsall Heath who have never visited but have always been interested to book a tour.

Festivals and the Future

Sharing a meal at Guru Gobind Singh Gurdwara as part of the Faith Trail

As someone who has volunteered with Retrofit Balsall Heath, I learnt how Detroit helps insulate homes and reduces bills. I hope to make a connection and perhaps the Gurdwara may benefit with support such as solar panels and air source heat pumps, in this heat it would have generated renewable energy.

For me festivals like this bring people together, it’s a time to celebrate the best of Balsall Heath, for me hearts and minds start with caring, supporting neighbours and respecting one another. Balsall Heath is a
diverse community with a rich history, today we make history and long may it continue.

Please support the Balsall Heathan by subscribing and visit my own blog.

www.greenfaithadventurer.com
www.footstepsbcf.org.uk

A Visit to Moseley Road Baths – Joe’s update #2

Joe Holyoak has written an update for us from the Baths and also has been leading tours of the Baths as part of Balsall Heath Community Festival #BHCFest – Initially tours were offered to neighbours, stakeholders and local charitable friends. For our our festival we had limited free bookings for members of the public, which were fully booked within 24 hours of us putting out the message.

We are very grateful to Joe, volunteers and staff at the Baths who made this possible – keep an eye on the Heathan for the next opportunity to visit – we’re hoping this will be in Heritage Week in September.

‘We are very keen that those on the doorstep get priority access.’

Simon Piaia, Project Manager

Report from Joe

As of 13th July, we are now in Week 46 of the 80 weeks of the Phase 1 contract, and all is going successfully.

Buildings Connected

You can’t see it from outside in the street, but for the first time ever, the two buildings are now connected. You can walk from one to the other through a new opening. This was one of the first things that the contractor Galliford Try did, in order to enable access to the library internally from the compound at the back. The decision to join the two buildings together was a bit controversial, but it was decided to do it because when the contractor hands over the completed buildings at the end of the contract,
they will constitute a single community resource. The library floor is a bit lower than that of the baths, so a ramp is necessary to connect the two.

The link between Library and Moseley Road Baths

Mixing Jacobean and Flemish Renaissance

Because they are built in a similar style (described as a mixture of Jacobean and Flemish Renaissance), and use the same external materials, red brick and buff terracotta, the two buildings are often mistakenly read as a single building. Historic England, which is responsible for their listing as architecturally significant buildings, contributes to this confusion by listing them together as one building. But they were designed at different times, by different architects. The library, designed by Cossins and Peacock, opened in 1896. It is therefore Victorian. The baths were designed by William Hale and Son. Because of the years spent drilling a well in order to find water, the baths did not open until 1907. They are therefore Edwardian. As I wrote in the first progress update, most of the work in Phase 1 is targeted at the library. That now has a lovely new Westmorland slate roof.

Library to open soon!

The library will reopen in 2027, with a new mezzanine floor added. This now under construction, with the steel structure in place. The connection to the baths will not then be in public use: that will have to wait until work on the baths is completed in Phase 2.

Joe Holyoak

Keep in Contact with Friends of Moseley Road Baths

The Sights and Sounds of Reaside Forest Garden

A community grows when you give it a little space, some shade, and some love. July 8th, Reaside Forest Garden, one of many Fruit and Nut Villages in Balsall Heath, welcomed visitors to the site. With the summer sun beaming down, we spent a very pleasant morning gathered under the cool, welcoming shade of the big poplar tree right in the middle of the garden. Another beautiful day of growth, connection, and celebration, part of Balsall Heath Community Festival #BHCFest26!

And tonight (Friday 10th July) we’re back to enjoy Forest Sound Garden!

Food and Vine Sharing

We were joined by Friends of the Earth! They spent the morning filming and interviewing our visitors, volunteers and partners about the Postcode Gardener Project, which they have funded right here in Balsall Heath. It was a fantastic opportunity to showcase the hard work happening on the ground.

We also gave out a dozen grape vines! Lovingly propagated from the original vine at Apna Ghar.After a productive morning, our friends at Apna Ghar hosted 17 of us for a spectacular, delicious meal. Gathering around the table provided a much-needed moment to rest, catch up, and swap stories with both familiar faces and new friends.

“A community garden is about growing relationships.”

Learning about growing — Shade and chat iunder the trees

Live music among the trees!

The week isn’t over yet, and we have the perfect way for you to unwind.

After the heat of the day breaks tomorrow evening, why not join us back in the garden? We are hosting a magical evening of live music right among the trees.

When: Friday 10th July 7 – 9pm
Who: Featuring the incredible talents of local singer-songwriters Alicia Achar, Lyndon Tyler and Emily Churchill.

Bring a friend, enjoy the cooler evening air, and let the music wash over you in our favorite green space. We can’t wait to see you there!

Faith in the Future in Balsall Heath

With over 60 different Faith Centres across Balsall Heath, and many more either demolished or changed purpose, there are lots of places to visit. For Balsall Heath Community Festival Faith Trail, #BHCFest26, we were welcomed into Al Abbas Islamic Centre, Balsall Heath Church Centre, Birmingham Buddhist Centre, Guru Gobind Singh Gurdwara Ss John and Martin Catholic Church.

Faith Trail 2026

Over three days (6th to 8th July) over 100 visitors have been warmly welcomed into our local Faith Centres. Stepping out of the sun and into new, cool, brilliant spaces on our doorstep – meeting our neighbours – we were embraced by everyone who opened their doors to the heart of their community. There is nothing that can replace spending time, sharing food, meeting face-to-face to ask questions and find common ground.

Our Visits in Photos

Exploring The Carnival at Balsall heath Church Centre

The Imam Husayn Shrine (Arabic: مَقَام الإِمَامُ الْحُسَيْن اِبِنْ عَلي, romanized: Maqām al-ʾImām al-Ḥusayn ʾibn ʿAlī) is the mausoleum of Husayn ibn Ali, located in the holy city of Karbala, in the Karbala Governorate of Iraq. — Exploring The Carnival at Balsall heath Church Centre

Faith in the Future

‘We’re less than ten doors away, and this is the first time we’ve met! We need to be closer and work together for all our sakes.’

At every visit it was clear that we need to keep working together across faiths to meet the challenges of the future. The Faith Trail for many was an introduction, a meeting, breaking bread together. At every visit we came away with plans for the future. We share so much common ground and you couldn’t help be excited to see how quickly first meetings were leading to plans for future sharing and support across Balsall Heath.

Mapping our Community

Home 3

Opened in 1980. Balsall Heath Community Church is a community venue and home to St Paul’s Church, the Church of Christ, as well as providing a day centre for the elderly together with some sheltered accommodation.

First Weekend of #BHCFest26 – so much more to come!

After such a fantastic weekend, the next three days promise to be equally wonderful as Balsall Heath Community Festival brings together so many more people to celebrate Balsall Heath! A quick summary, flyers below, offering joy and fun in gardens, exhibitions and in our fabulous Faith Centres across Balsall Heath from 6th to 8th July!

Community Festival so far in pictures

Day 1 – Anawim is 40

We started our Festival with a party at Anawim, a visit to the Fire Station and drama at Pickwick Park!

Crowds at Retrofit Balsall Heath Drama Pickwick Park, the start of #BHCFest26!

Firemen Louis reads about the history of Balsall Heath

Award Ceremony, singing, poetry and tree planting with Fruit and Nut Village at Anawim.

Day 2 – History on the Lane

We talked to shop owners, passers by and local organisations like Friends of Balsall Heath Park as the next history interpretation panels were installed bu Balsall Heath Local History Society. Find out more on our history trail across Balsall Heath.

‘Our history is important, all of it.’

Shops and so much more, down 'The Lane' — Shops and so much more, down ‘The Lane’

BCC Street Cleaner loves us Celebrating our history, cleaned all around our new sign. — Shops and so much more, down ‘The Lane’

Day 3 – East West Procession and more!

Litterpicking at Balsall Heath Park to start our procession, with Peter, creator of the Retrofit Balsall Heath mobile model home.

Last read through of the script for the Three little pigs play — Litterpicking at Balsall Heath Park to start our procession, with Peter, creator of the Retrofit Balsall Heath mobile model home.

Event details to come

Balsall Heath Community Festival 3rd to 13th July – find out more

Faith Trail at The Buddhist Centre

Faith Trail at St.John and St.Martin

Faith Trail at Al Abbas

Faith Trail at Balsall Heath Church Centre

Faith Trail at Guru Gobind Singh Gurdwara

Forest Sound Garden

Join the East West Retrofit BH Walking Procession!

Celebrate the creativity, diversity and community spirit of Balsall Heath with a joyful walking procession from Balsall Heath Park to Calthorpe Park on Sunday 5 July as part of Balsall Heath Community Festival.

Expect colourful banners, Brumbeats drummers, pop-up street theatre, family activities and plenty of carnival atmosphere as we walk together across the neighbourhood, celebrating local pride, greener homes, vibrant parks and the people who make Balsall Heath such a special place. Walk the whole route or join us wherever you can. Make your own mini banner, enjoy performances, meet neighbours old and new, and help launch Retrofit Balsall Heath’s new community banner.

Everyone is welcome—bring your friends, your family and your carnival spirit!

Event details

11.00am: Meet at Balsall Heath Park
11.30am–1.30pm: Free mini flag and banner-making workshop at Seven Streets Park (activities, refreshments and carnival exhibition until 2.00pm)
12.00pm: Procession sets off
2.00pm: Retrofit street drama at George Street Park
3.30pm–5.00pm: Drumming workshop and refreshments at Calthorpe Park

Join us for the whole procession or simply drop in along the route—everyone is welcome!

Retrofit Balsalall Heath East West Procession flyer

Memories of Balsall Heath with Liz Berry

Sorry Hot weather means we’ve had to POSTPONE new date to be announced soon -an intimate event dedicated to the living history, stories and memories of Balsall Heath.

A live performance by Liz Berry, award winning poet, of her new poem
An interveiw with Liz Berry
A showing of film clips of Balsall heath from the 1960s to 1980s assembled by The Media Archive of Central England
Display of Balsall Heath Carnival from 1977 onwards

A Live Reading & Interview with Poet Liz Berry

We are absolutely thrilled to welcome the award-winning West Midlands poet Liz Berry for a live reading of her stunning new poem, “Psalm”, and interview with Val Hart.

Following the reading, Liz will join us for a brief interview to discuss the inspiration behind the poem and her lifelong project of mapping the emotional geography of the West Midlands.

Film Clips & Archives: An Earlier Balsall Heath

Step back in time with us as we screen a selection of rare film clips capturing Balsall Heath from decades past. It’s a wonderful opportunity to see how our streets used to look, spot familiar corners, compare and contract Balsall Heath past and present.

Balsall Heath Carnival

Do you remember the floats, the music, and the crowds of the classic Balsall Heath Carnivals? We will have special archive displays set up around the hall dedicated to the history of the Carnival. Come browse the photographs, share your own memories, and celebrate the enduring joy of our community coming together.

Event Details:

What: Memories of Balsall Heath (A Balsall Heath Community Festival Special Event)
When: POSTPONED to be announced soon
Where: St. Paul’s Venture Hall, Balsall Heath
Featuring: A live reading and interview with Liz Berry, local heritage film screenings, and historical Carnival displays.

Whether you have lived in Balsall Heath your entire life or are new to the area, this evening is a celebration of your history. Let’s celebrate the extraordinary story of the place we call home.

Film Clips & Archives: An Earlier Balsall Heath

Balsall Heath in Changing Times

Event Details:

Slipper Baths in new light

Touring Exhibition & Venue Highlights

Inspired by our Past

Plan Your Visit

Deep Roots in Balsall Heath

Playgrounds, Parks, and Community Space

Taking Back the Streets

A Vision for the Future

Build your skills

How to apply

Start a volunteer Friends group for your local open space

City of Cars

Working together for Better Streets

Colouring Competition

Historic Interpretation Panels

Festival events

Working together

Langar, the act of selflessness

Sikh History

Festivals and the Future

Report from Joe

Buildings Connected

Mixing Jacobean and Flemish Renaissance

Library to open soon!

Food and Vine Sharing

Live music among the trees!

Faith Trail 2026

Our Visits in Photos

Faith in the Future

Mapping our Community

Community Festival so far in pictures

Day 1 – Anawim is 40

Day 2 – History on the Lane

Day 3 – East West Procession and more!

Event details to come

A Live Reading & Interview with Poet Liz Berry

Film Clips & Archives: An Earlier Balsall Heath

Balsall Heath Carnival

Event Details:

Event Calendar