Birmingham to host glittering celebration of jewellery making

Birmingham is set to host a glittering, month-long festival in May 2027, celebrating over 250 years of jewellery making in the city, with exhibitions, activities and workshops featuring the work of world-class creatives plus the chance for visitors to make their own jewellery every day.

The announcement marks one year since Birmingham was awarded World Craft City status, recognising its rich heritage, skilled artisans and innovation in jewellery and allied trades.

Dedicated to the art, innovation and heritage of jewellery, Birmingham Jewellery Biennial will bring together exhibitions, installations and special events in the month-long celebration of British and international craft and design.

Set against the backdrop of Birmingham’s centuries-long reputation of producing some of the world’s most well-known pieces, visitors will be able to learn the rich history of jewellery making, discover and buy new pieces and even design their own, in the same place that produced The FA Cup, Wimbledon trophies, The Queen’s Birthday Honours medals and Beyonce’s diamond-encrusted stilettos.

Co-founded by Jewellery Quarter Development Trust and Birmingham City University, Birmingham Jewellery Biennial is set to become the UK’s leading festival dedicated to the art, innovation, and heritage of jewellery.

Designed to showcase artistic excellence and elite craftsmanship from leading national and international names, alongside up and coming makers, the curated festival is set to attract visitors to the Jewellery Quarter and wider city, from across the globe.

In the months leading up to May 2027, there will be opportunities for creatives and businesses to become part of the celebrations.

An initial UK-wide open call will give jewellery artists the chance to feature in a flagship exhibition which will remain throughout the festival, as well as awarding the winners with monetary prizes. Further details will be available via the Birmingham Jewellery Biennial website.

The concept of the Biennial was part of Birmingham’s successful bid to be recognised as a World Craft City, placing it alongside just eight other European cities and cultural hotspots from around the world including Fabriano in Italy, Jaipur in India and Kyoto in Japan.

Birmingham received the accolade in May 2025 after a bid was submitted by the Jewellery Quarter Development Trust and Birmingham City University and supported by Birmingham City Council and the Goldsmiths Company.

Following a rigorous judging process, including an international visit from an esteemed panel, Birmingham was awarded World Craft City status for displaying exceptional craft heritage, a strong maker community, and a clear commitment to developing craft into the future.

Alex Nicholson Evans, festival director and city curator, said: “We are thrilled that, one year on from receiving World Craft City status, we are finally able to announce that Birmingham Jewellery Biennial is becoming a reality.

“We have some extremely exciting plans in the works for this much anticipated showcase of design and craftsmanship. I have no doubts that this will be a major new cultural event for the country, putting a spotlight on the incredible creative talent we have here in the UK, and there is no better home for it than the Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham.”

David Mba, vice-chancellor at Birmingham City University, said: “It feels very poignant to be announcing Birmingham Jewellery Biennial.

“Being part of the bid to have Birmingham recognised was an incredibly proud moment for us and our world-renowned School of Jewellery.

“We’re delighted to be co-founding the Biennial, to bring our plans to life.

“We wanted to put Birmingham’s jewellery-making talents on an international platform and have big ambitions to ensure that the Biennial is a key event on the jewellery industry’s calendar.”

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Pictured from left to right: Matthew Bott (chair, Jewellery Quarter Development Trust), Alex Nicholson-Evans (festival director and city curator), Lee Lapthorne (director of Creative Partnerships, Birmingham City University), David Mba (vice chancellor, Birmingham City University)