Forum Birmingham, a new 3500 capacity venue launching this Summer

Previously, the city centre venue at 52-54 Dale End had welcomed some of the biggest acts on the planet, including the likes of Bob Marley & The Wailers and The Clash, Nirvana and Amy Winehouse, operating under former names – Top Rank Ballroom (’64-’81), Hummingbird (’84-’94), Birmingham Academy (’00-’02), Carling Academy Birmingham (’02-’08), O2 Academy Birmingham (’08-09), The Ballroom (’11-’13).

This time around, we can expect something a little different. The 3,500 capacity venue has revamped and modernised exponentially to adapt and cater for different style events.

The opening gambit from Forum Birmingham looks a little bit tasty as the first wave of artists and performers have been announced. Leading the music line is the widely-adored Bicep Live plus a diverse mix of electronic talents such as Kerri Chandler, Honey Dijon, David Rodigan, DJ Boring, Skream, DJ Hazard, Folamour, Barely Legal and Shanti Celeste and many more, with a live gig program to be announced later in the Summer.

National promoters already confirmed include AEG Presents, Goldenvoice, Kilimanjaro Live and Cream, with local Birmingham promoters Leftfoot, Shadow City and Foliée already working on their first events.

Forum’s Opening Night will take place on Friday 6th August and free for local NHS staff, key workers and the first 2000 people to buy tickets to Forum Birmingham events.

New owners Global Venues said they have “extensively renovated and modernised the space” for the Forum Birmingham “to become one of the UK’s landmark music venues”.

Founder Billy Chauhan: “Prior to the pandemic, a quarter of a million people in the West Midlands worked in the culture, media and night time industries, and the relaunch of this historic venue in Birmingham will help to refuel this damaged part of our local economy. We’re also extremely passionate about preserving Birmingham’s musical heritage, and our work culminates with Forum Birmingham.”

Some of the stated upgrades include a sound system installed by d&b audiotechnik and cutting-edge visuals provided by DMX Productions – the team behind Glastonbury and Global Gathering festival stages.

Forum Birmingham is another win for the UK music and venue scene as we look to come out of the global pandemic in full throttle. We can’t wait to check it out!