News and updates from Southside, Birmingham's vibrant entertainment district!
Over the past decade, Southside has emerged as a distinctive quarter within Birmingham’s expanding city centre. This welcome change has been driven by a unique mix of developments including those restaurants, bars and clubs which characterize the area’s Chinatown and Gay Village, the Arcadian Centre, the redeveloped Birmingham Hippodrome and Birmingham Royal Ballet complex, the Radisson Blu Hotel,
01/06/2026
Happy Pride Month! 🌈
Some photos that we love from Birmingham Pride 2026. We're still smiling when we think back on such an incredible weekend!
It was amazing to see the community come together and celebrate in Southside, filling the streets with pride, joy, and support. Here's to love, inclusion, and being proudly yourself — this month and every month!
29/05/2026
👏 Thank you to everyone who joined us at the Southside Showcase at Radisson Blu Birmingham last week!
It was great to welcome businesses from across the District for an afternoon of networking and insights into business growth opportunities in the West Midlands.
A special thank you to our guest speakers from Business Growth West Midlands for sharing their expertise on business support and funding opportunities, and to Radisson Blu Hotel, Birmingham for kindly hosting us.
The Southside Showcase continues to bring local businesses together, strengthen connections, and highlight the support available across our region. Stay tuned for details of our next event—we look forward to seeing you there!
27/05/2026
🚨Graffiti damage continues to blight Birmingham city centre, affecting the look and feel of our streets, public confidence, and the day‑to‑day trading environment for businesses.
City-centre BIDs Southside, Birmingham and Colmore Life are calling for stronger action, but better public reporting is key. Graffiti vandalism is criminal damage, and when incidents go unreported, it becomes harder for police to identify offenders and take action. By reporting incidents, we can move from constant clean‑up to meaningful crackdown.
If you see graffiti damage, please report it to West Midlands Police and notify your local BID to help protect our city.
Read the details here: https://www.southsidedistrict.co.uk/stories/city-centre-bids-call-for-stronger-action-and-better-reporting-on-graffitinbsp
Happy Pride Weekend 🌈✨
Celebrating love, identity, community, and the freedom to be unapologetically yourself. Wishing everyone a joyful, colourful, and love-filled weekend ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜
22/05/2026
The Pride celebrations don’t stop at the festival gates. From cocktails and cabaret to late-night parties and community spaces, here are some of the best spots around Southside outside the festival site to keep the celebrations going all weekend long ✨
Glamorous
It’s a late night party all day at Glamorous Birmingham for Birmingham Pride! Saturday sees a lineup of fantastic DJs from 1.00 pm and Sunday has drag, DJs and party vibes – don’t miss out!
Birmingham LGBT
Birmingham LGBT will be open all Pride weekend, offering a free, sober community space just outside the main Pride site. Highlights include Barbara Nice’s Open Mic on Saturday and Community ‘Show & Tell’ on Sunday. Grab your free ticket through their account
The Fountain
Our very own pub in the village, The Fountain Inn bar & letting rooms welcomes you for Birmingham Pride Festival. Grab a drink, play some pool and enjoy some sunny weather in their fantastic garden area!
Holiday Inn Birmingham City Centre
Celebrate Pride in colourful style at Holiday Inn Birmingham City Centre , where dazzling Pride cocktail jugs are taking centre stage. From Rainbow Margaritas to Frozen Daiquiris, each one is topped with sparkles, rainbows, and giant straws for the ultimate festive sip!
Eden
Looking for drag this Birmingham Pride? Eden Bar has you covered! Can’t make the warm up on Friday with, amongst others, Pork Elizabeth Pie and Sum Ting WONG? Sharon for the Evening has you covered with a weekend featuring Donna Trump and Eden Legend Mary Mac. And if you’re looking for an alternative party, Dandy will be in town for Saturday!
21/05/2026
Celebrating Birmingham Pride and not sure where to start? We’ve rounded up some of the best spots in Southside inside the Pride site this weekend
Missing Bar
Keep the Pride celebrations going at Missing Bar with five full days of non-stop entertainment from Friday 22nd to Tuesday 26th May. Expect a packed schedule of DJs, multiple drag performances from national cabaret acts, and karaoke plus even more drag entertainment in Studio 48! With extended opening hours across the weekend, this is one spot you won’t want to miss!
Equator
Your friendly neighbourhood bar is open all weekend for Pride 2026! Whether you’re catching up with old friends or making new ones, Equator Bar is a great spot to soak up the Pride atmosphere. On Saturday 23rd May from 2pm–5pm, enjoy a free live performance from Joseph Whelan, as seen on The X Factor!
The Fox
Make sure you join The FOX this Pride for a fantastic weekend of pop and party anthems. Chill out in the garden, or party at the bar – the choice is yours!
The WashWorx
Party in style this Pride with WashWorx, the newest kids on the block! Sip on their signature cocktails while DJs set the mood with sophisticated vibes, and don’t miss their exclusive Pride weekend drinks offers
The Nightingale
The Big Gale Weekender is back at Nightingale Club for Birmingham Pride. This legendary party is headlined by Chase Icon and hosted by Dahliah Rivers. The weekend pass is just £10 – get them before they’re gone!
The Village
It’s an all out party The Village Inn - Birmingham for Pride. With classic drag to warm you up on Friday, live music on Saturday and Sunday all wrapped up in pop and pride anthems with RnB and Bashment in The Underground, this is the party gift that keeps on giving.
20/05/2026
☀️ Staying aware this summer ☀️
As more people enjoy Southside’s bars, cafés and public spaces, a quick reminder to keep your belongings close — especially your phone! Most thefts are opportunistic and happen in moments of distraction.
Simple steps can help
📱 Keep your phone out of sight
👜 Keep bags zipped and within reach
�👀 Stay aware of your surroundings
🔐 Use passcodes / 2FA for extra security
In partnership with West Midlands Police, we’re sharing simple tips to help everyone enjoy Southside safely. Read more: https://www.southsidedistrict.co.uk/stories/staying-aware-of-your-belongings-this-summer
Hearty noodle bowls you need to try in Birmingham Chinatown 🍜🔥
Which bowl are you going for first? 👀 Follow for more Birmingham Chinatown food guides, hidden gems, and local eats ✨
19/05/2026
🗺️🌈 YOUR BIRMINGHAM PRIDE 2026 MAP IS HERE! 🌈🗺️
Time to start planning your Pride weekend 👀✨
From the Main Stage and Dance Arena to the Cabaret Marquee, Community Market Stalls, VIP area and all your favourite LGBTQ+ venues across the village — here’s your guide to navigating Birmingham Pride 2026 💖
📍 Find:
🎤 Stages & arenas
🎪 Marquees & entertainment zones
🍔 Community & market stalls
♿ Accessible entrance & Access Hub
🎟️ Ticket Exchange
🏳️🌈 LGBTQ+ venues across the village
Whether you’re dancing all day, venue hopping all night or just figuring out where the nearest food stand is after 3 drinks… we’ve got you covered 😭✨
📅 Saturday 23rd & Sunday 24th May 2026
🎟️ Tickets & Info: BIRMINGHAMPRIDE.COM
*This map is for general reference only and may be subject to changes.