Birmingham Heritage Week set to return with new partners and supporters
A popular annual city heritage week is set to return in 2025 with the support of Birmingham Museums Trust, University of Birmingham and the National Trust, alongside the Birmingham Municipal Charity and the William A Cadbury Charitable Trust.
Birmingham Heritage Week, now in its 11th year, previously faced an uncertain future following the loss of financial support due to the city council’s cuts to funding for culture projects and arts development.
The city-wide festival will be held between 12 to 21 September 2025, when visitors will have the opportunity to explore some of Birmingham’s most important industrial and cultural heritage buildings and unique outdoor spaces.
Over 10 days, activities will be taking place across Birmingham, with over a hundred different events, walks and tours to choose from.
The festival organisers are currently inviting submissions from organisations interested in taking part in this celebration of industrial and cultural heritage by planning an event or activity for Birmingham Heritage Week.
The deadline for applying is 31 July.
More information on the submission process can be found by emailing Irene De Boo, Birmingham Heritage Week co-ordinator, at Irene.deboo@birminghammuseums.org.uk.
Highlights from the 2024 festival included a stunning Arts & Crafts house in Harborne, The Council House, The Exchange, Highbury Hall, Handsworth Old Town Hall, Tudor Merchant’s House and Old Grammar School, both in Kings Norton, and many more.
Sara Wajid and Zak Mensah, co-chief executives, at Birmingham Museums Trust, said: “We are delighted that Birmingham Museums Trust, the University of Birmingham, National Trust, Birmingham Municipal Charity and the William A Cadbury Trust are collectively supporting Birmingham Heritage Week this year.
“The festival will celebrate and showcase the city’s rich history and culture, raising awareness of the importance of preserving and promoting local heritage and what it means to Birmingham’s diverse communities.”
Lauren Deere, head of Community and Public Engagement at the University of Birmingham, said: “The University of Birmingham is delighted to be supporting Birmingham Heritage Week, especially in our 125th anniversary year.
“Throughout 2025 we will be exploring the contributions the University of Birmingham has made to the heritage and people of the city over the past century and a quarter.
“Birmingham Heritage Week is a brilliant opportunity to discover hidden gems, histories and stories from across communities who have made this city uniquely Brum, and we are proud to be a part of it.”
Tom Grosvenor, senior project manager, National Trust, said: “Birmingham has a fascinating and varied history that we can all learn from and be inspired by, which is why Birmingham Heritage Week is so important.
“The festival provides a fantastic opportunity to come together and celebrate our history and share the stories that have shaped the city. We’re delighted to be supporting the festival as part of the National Trust's ambition to help more people enjoy and experience their heritage and encourage organisations across the city to get involved.”
