Matter of life and death ' festival returns to Birmingham

Birmingham 's annual A Matter of Life and Death Festival returns this May with a host of events across the city.

Aiming to encourage open and honest conversation about death and dying, the festival includes author talks, a remembrance get-together, a walking tour, an interactive tour of a cemetery and visit to one of the city 's leading museums, the chance to visit an undertakers ' premises plus death cafes and death over drinks events.

Organised by Birmingham-based community interest company BrumYODO, the award-winning A Matter of Life and Death Festival will run from May 2 to 16 and is now in its seventh year.

BrumYODO Board member Alison Cox says: “This year we have joined with lots of partners to bring a variety of events to Birmingham during A Matter of Life and Death. Some are fun, some are informative, some are about conversations, some are about sharing memories.

“But what they all have in common is providing a comfortable space for people to talk about death, dying, grief and bereavement. At BrumYODO we believe these are important conversations which help us normalise death, which is, of course, part of life. ”

This year sees BrumYODO organising To Absent Friends, a small informal gathering in which people come together to tell and listen to stories of their loved ones over dinner.

Diners bring an object or photo to help them share a memory and there will be a toast to absent friends. Taking place at The Junction in Harborne on May 3 at 7pm, To Absent Friends is free although guests order and pay for their own drinks.

The festival also features Campo Santo - Discover more about death in the Jewellery Quarter with two special tours, a picnic and a 'Death over Drinks ' discussion!

Organised by ITZATNA Arts Collective, The Coffin Works Museum, Birmingham City Council Bereavement Services and BrumYODO, Campo Santo takes place on May 13 at 1pm.

Brummies are invited to take a step back in time with the Life and Death in Birmingham tour organised by Birmingham Heritage Walking Tours on May 7 at 11am. The walk will explore the city's last public hanging, the Victorian Eye Hospital and Birmingham Cathedral, The Battle of Snow Hill Station and Birmingham's Nuclear Bunker among other local places of interest.

Organiser Kevin Thomas says: “The Life and Death in Birmingham walking tour is an enlightening experience that helps us to recognize the preciousness of life.

“It takes us back through time to explore some of the historical relationships with Birmingham and how it has shaped our lives today. By recognising the inevitability of mortality, we can be reminded that life is fleeting and full of joy and enthusiasm. ”

A Matter of Life and Death coincides with national Dying Matters Awareness Week, May 8-14. All A Matter of Life and Death events need to be booked due to limited capacity and many are free.