Apache Indian, Bambi Bains, Bobby Friction to feature at Birmingham Festival 23
British Asian talent including Apache Indian, Bambi Bains and Bobby Friction are amongst the leading names to feature at the Birmingham Festival 23 – a 10 day festival which takes place from 28th July – 6th August in the city’s Centenary Square.
A packed programme will run daily from 11am – 9pm catering to all ages and interests, each day beginning with welcoming participatory activities, including a regular morning slot hosted by Games Mascot Perry.
Other highlights include Chitraleka Dance Academy will be performing Bharatanatyam, one of the most spectacular and ancient Indian Classical dance styles. Devika Rao and her dancers will be performing Yakshagana, a retelling of the story of good overpowering evil. India Island Academy as they dance their way round an epic journey through South Asian film. Ultimate Bhangra lead audiences through a Bhangra workout.
Bollywood Dreams Dance Company brings the magic of Bollywood screen to stage with a spectacular Bollywood-style performance.
BBC Asian Network will also take over the stage showcasing the best of new and upcoming British Asian talent from Birmingham. BBC Asian Network Motivations present an hour of motivational workouts. There will be plenty of high energy and mood boosting Bollywood, Bhangra, and Asian Beats.
Three local dance groups Bengali Midlands Association, Roji Sarkar, and Rhythm Group come together to create a large-scale dance piece celebrating Indian and Bangladeshi dance and culture.
Councillor Saima Suleman, Cabinet Member Digital, Culture, Heritage and Tourism at Birmingham City Council said: “This is a real legacy from the Commonwealth Games, continuing the fantastic celebration of all that is great about the culture and creativity of the city. Birmingham City Council is proud to have commissioned and funded Festival 23, showcasing the creativity across our communities and the city’s rich cultural offer through programming committed to diversity, inclusion and homegrown talent.”
Raidene Carter, Creative Director of Birmingham Festival 23 said: “I am immensely proud of the Festival. Through the hard work of all the team, our partners and all the talented artists featured, we have pulled together a programme that highlights the breadth of talent in the city. All that’s missing is the amazing Brummie turn-out – last year we saw that audiences in Birmingham are the best – they’re relaxed, up for fun and so welcoming to visitors from outside the city. As the month-long countdown begins, the excitement is building, and we hope the warm weather will hold so that people can really make the most of the creative and welcoming site. Either way, we think the Festival will bring joy to audiences and participants alike.”
