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First Historical Trail Panel Unveiled at Seven Streets Pocket Park

Get ready to celebrate Balsall Heath this Summer. If you’ve taken a stroll through Seven Streets Pocket Park today, you might have noticed a fantastic new addition. The very first of our community history interpretation boards has officially been installed!

Hywell from the Friends of Seven Streets Park was on hand, watering redcurrant bushes and sunflowers planted below and shared his excitement:

“I think it looks great, fits in well, and it’s good for people to see a bit more about the area.”

This beautiful new panel is just the beginning. It is the first of eight historical interpretation panels popping up across Balsall Heath this year as we gear up for a massive summer of celebration.

Walking Through Time and Balsall Heath

Trails are at the absolute heart of our 2026 celebrations – our Balsall Heath Community Festival includes a Green Trail, a Heritage Trail and a Faith Trail taking place between 3rd and 13th July. There is no better way to experience Balsall Heath than by walking through, and perhaps with local organisations and volunteers so proud of where they live.

For months, the Balsall Heath Local History Society has been deep in the archives, dusting off old photographs and uncovering the fascinating, untold stories of Balsall Heath and the incredible people who have shaped it. Working alongside brilliant local partners, these discoveries have been brought to life in a series of interpretation panels.

They mix community memories, rare achival photos and each board links via QR code to yet more online resources, photography audio, film and more. It is a part of our living history and we intend to maintain and update the signs and the resources as Balsall Heath grows and changes.

Get Ready for a Summer of Celebration!

The trail launch is part of a much bigger wave of excitement. Balsall Heath is getting ready for a spectacular summer as Believe in Balsall Heath launches an unforgettable series of events.

Mark your calendars for July 3rd to 13th! The Balsall Heath Community Festival, celebrating our community with FREE activities and opportunity to share the joy of Balsall Heath!

We Need Your Stories!

History is about our lives and our memories. We want to make sure every voice is heard. Is there a local story, a neighborhood legend, or a piece of history we’ve missed? Let us know or drop us a message. Help us keep the rich story of Balsall Heath growing!

Keep your eyes peeled for the next seven panels appearing in your neighborhood soon. Happy exploring!

Hywell From Friends of Seven Streets with Marcus, Balsall Heath Local History Society

Rediscovering your Heathan

Saturday, 11th April we officially relaunched The Heathan online and a monthly e-newsletter – subscribe now!

Balsall Heath Local History Society and the Museum of Islamic Arts and Heritage (MIAH) bring this iconic community zine back to life, supported by St.Paul’s Trust, our Believe in Balsall Heath partner organisations and an alliance of people and organisations across Balsall Heath.

From Cow Gum to Clicks

The relaunch event, held during Second Saturday, was a perfect place to bridge between our past and our future. We gathered at the Mix Café inside The Old Print Works, surrounded by archive editions of The Heathan with fab food and refreshments from Change Kitchen.

For those used to modern layout software, the exhibition was a revelation – We showcased how the original zine was painstakingly assembled using typewriters, ‘cow gum’ and a massive amount of patience. While the technology has changed, the mission remains the same: for Balsall Heath and Balsall Heathans.

Mix cafe second saturday chat as Heathan Relaunches — Catching up at Second Saturday as the Heathan relaunches

Second Saturday sees our return

We spent the day sharing memories, and chatting about what the future of Balsall Heath looks like. We will be at every Second Saturday to meet up, chat and keep grounded in Balsall Heath.

Take a look at our gallery below to see some of the faces we met on the day!
Thanks Photographer Richard Albutt

Toqueer, green champion — Fixing the dynamo connector

What’s next?

Whether you want to share a story, promote a local project, or just stay updated on what’s happening, we want to hear from you. If you’re interested in journalism, editing or helping in any way please get in contact with us.

Artwork Muhmood Tahir — Painted by local artist Muhmood Tahir, gifted to Balsall heath, displayed for the first time at our relaunch!

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‘I came here because of the Heathan’

Judith explains ‘Well, I was living in Moseley, you know, rented Housing Association Flat. At the time I couldn’t consider buying a property. I couldn’t afford to anywhere in Moseley, but what was available in those days in the newsagents, was the Heathan, which for 20p I could afford, and I’ve just found the article, [Issue 103 Dec 1987]…Seven Streets Success, which…that was what made me consider Balsall Heath.’

A new start for a Local Legend: The Balsall Heathan Returns!

Balsall Heath has always been a neighbourhood with a story to tell, or rather, thousands of them. Balsall Heath is a place of creativity, character and community pride.

That’s why Balsall Heath residents and organisations are teaming up with the Balsall Heath Local History Society and the Museum of Islamic Arts and Heritage (MIAH) to relaunch the iconic community newspaper: The Balsall Heathan online!

Why Now?

For years, The Balsall Heathan served as the heartbeat of the ward, documenting everything from local activism to neighborhood celebrations. We believe there is something powerful about a publication that belongs to the people who live and work here.

A Dream Partnership

At a crucial time when so much is changing in Balsall Heath we need to share what’s happening and hear the voices of residents. Balsall Heath Local History Society and the Museum of Islamic Arts and Heritage are both members of Believe in Balsall Heath – a community arts and heritage initiative created by local organisations to celebrate the people, culture, and history of Balsall Heath. We’re also part of wider networks for wellbeing, health and planning locally – Balsall Heath Alliance is looking to update a deelopment plan which might literally change the map of Balsall Heath.

What to Expect

The revived Balsall Heathan will be a space for:

Local Legends: Spotlighting the shopkeepers, teachers, and neighbours from our past and present making a difference.
Our History: features that explore how our landmarks have changed.
Culture & Arts: Showcasing the incredible talent brewing locally

We’re picking up from ‘Neighbourhood News Online’ left off and bringing back the Heathan.

We’re looking for local stories, features and anyone interested in how you can get involved!

Contact Ma****@********************co.uk to find out more

Moseley Community Hub co-working and hot desking

Moseley Community Hub has Hot Desking and Co-working areas facilities available in Balsall Heath.

Paid residency for local young artist!

The GAP is delighted to announce 3 x 6-month, paid artist residencies for early career creatives aged 18 – 30.

Save Energy to Save Money

John Newson of Balsall Heath is Our Planet shares some resources for reducing energy bills.

Dave Cusack to step down as Chief Executive of St Pauls Trust

Dave Cusack is due to step down from his role at St Pauls Community Development Trust in September after six years in the role.

Bring It On Brum – Easter playschemes, activities and food boxes

Bring it on Brum! is back for the spring school holidays. Book your child’s place now to avoid missing out.

Places of Welcome at Balsall Heath Church Centre

Come and meet new friends at our community drop-in. Open on Wednesdays, 11am-12:30pm. Open to everyone, so please drop in.

‘Painting the Rainbow’ Tai Chi

Tai Chi is a form of gentle exercise that combines deep breathing and relaxation techniques with slow, graceful movements. Balsall Heath Church Centre, Wednesdays, 10.30am – 11.30am.

A free event by and for young people to share our cultures, create new ideas, and celebrate the exciting launch of The Culture Collective!

We’re inviting all 15 – 21 years olds who have some connection to Balsall Heath to celebrate with us, learn about what we do, and get the chance to join the collective if you’re feeling inspired.

We’ve got an exciting line up of activities to get you sharing your culture, learning about the culture of others, and imagining how we might come together to create new cultures for the future.

The party will take place in the cosy and colourful space that is The GAP, with lots of different areas and activities for you to move between, including…

~ FOOD (halal & vegan options)

~ MUSIC

~ ARTS & CRAFTS

~ MEHNDI

~ BOARD GAMES

~ WELL-BEING HOME REMEDIES

~ CHILL-OUT SPACE

Everyone who attends will also receive a free copy of our BRAND NEW ZINE, which has lots of inspiring content in it that we are super excited to share!

Traditional cultural dress is encouraged!

Venue: The GAP, @The Old Print Works, 498 – 500 Moseley Road, Balsall Heath, B12 9AH

Book your ticket here

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What is The Culture Collective?

We are a group of young people (15-21yrs) that come together to explore, express and experiment with our ideas of the world creatively in a safe and loved space. We turn these ideas into inspiring conversations and creative projects based on this. We use The Culture Collective as a tool to escape from the busy world and to connect with other young people to create a strong message – you are not alone.

Balsall Heath Carnival returns!

After an enforced break of two years, BALSALL HEATH CARNIVAL is back!!

Beat It Percussion are hosting a Celebration Event on Thursday, March 17th, 10am-2pm at Calthorpe Hub.

To celebrate the completion of our NNS Innovation project this will be a friendly, informal event to showcase our community activities – and enjoy a free lunch! We are working in partnership with Saheli Hub who will also be offering you a taste of some of their creative activities. Details are on the flyer attached.

This is a free drop-in event but we strongly advise you to reserve places for our Interactive Rhythm and Sound relaxation workshops using this booking form. Spaces will be allocated on a first come first served basis so please email your form to be**************@***il.com as soon as you can.

Sparkbrook & Balsall Heath East Ward Meeting – 17 June

You are invited to join the Sparkbrook & Balsall Heath ward meeting arranged by your councillors on 17 June at 6.30pm via Microsoft Teams.

This year Carers’ Week focuses on ‘Making Caring Visible and Valued’. Kam from ACP has written a blogpost for anyone who is a carer to focus on their own needs and self care.

Read Kam’s Carers’ Week blogpost