Spirit of Pakistan festival concludes after attracting 20,000 attendees

The Spirit of Pakistan Festival concluded with a flag raising ceremony last Friday to mark Pakistan’s Independence Day after attracting 20,000 attendees over a two week period.

The festival brought families, friends, and communities together in a celebration of culture, heritage, and unity with more than 100 artists, performers, and cultural practitioners attending from the UK and Pakistan.

It was supported by partners including Arts Council England, Birmingham City Council, Midlands Arts Centre, and the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce.

Across the programme, audiences experienced a wide range of music and performing arts, including live concerts, Qawwali, folk dance and spoken word performances that showcased both traditional and contemporary talent.

Visitors enjoyed authentic Pakistani food, fashion showcases, and cricket activities, while forums on business and tourism created opportunities to strengthen ties between the UK and Pakistan.

The festival also featured comedy shows and screenings of Pakistani cinema and documentaries, alongside literature readings, visual arts exhibitions and creative workshops celebrating Pakistani writers and artists.

Fashion and food were key highlights, with showcases of Pakistani design and authentic cuisine offering visitors a taste of the country’s heritage, while cricket exhibitions and community sports activities added to the family-friendly atmosphere.

Business and tourism were also part of the celebrations, with the Pakistan Tourism and Hospitality Investment Summit and Smart Property Expo helping to strengthen economic and cultural ties between the UK and Pakistan.

Community engagement remained central throughout the festival, with family activities, children’s workshops and cultural exchange programmes taking place across Birmingham’s venues.

Speaking about the festival, Zahir Ahmed, director of MIA Property Group and executive member of both Spirit of Pakistan committee and Asian Business Chamber of Commerce, said: “I am deeply grateful to all who attended and supported the festival.

“Special thanks go to our volunteers, performers, and community partners whose dedication made this celebration possible. Together, we created an atmosphere of joy, belonging, and pride that truly reflected the Spirit of Pakistan.”

ABCC vice president Sunil Kumar Mahay said: “It was a real pleasure to attend the Spirit of Pakistan celebrations.

“The outdoor qawwali was particularly special, creating a beautiful and uplifting atmosphere in the park and the comedy show at the MAC brought plenty of laughter to the evening.

“It was wonderful to see Pakistani culture being celebrated so warmly and shared with the wider community.”