Organised by the Jewellery Quarter Business Improvement District (JQBID) and supported by local businesses, this year’s JQ Festival aims to celebrate the Quarter’s energy, heritage and diversity over a two-day extravaganza.
On Saturday 29th June, the heart of the JQ – the Golden Square – will be transformed into a Festival hub with free entertainment for all the family.
For the younger ones, expect a story corner, Scalextric, face painting and much more. For the older ones, enjoy live music, tuck into succulent street food or join in on the Quarter’s famous Brewery Tour.
Playing onus to the bi-centenary of the death of James Watt, there’ll be plenty of activities throughout the day celebrating this anniversary.
Denver Light Railway will be bringing a fully rideable steam engine to the JQ as well as support from Birmingham Museums Trust, Birmingham Think Tank and a James Watt re-enactor and with performances by Circus Mash and Fool’s Paradise, along with a street magician, roaming entertainers and even inflatable hungry hippos, what more could you ask for?
On Sunday 30th June, the love and pride for the heritage and history of the Quarter takes centre stage as guest speakers, panellists and exhibitors take over the Golden Square marquee. With development within the Jewellery Quarter at an all-time high and many independent businesses launching each month, the future of the JQ is discussed.
Visitors can also step back in time and listen to individuals share their stories into the Quarter’s rich heritage. An exhibition area also gives many of the local businesses a chance to show off their incredible work to the public as well as an inspirational art gallery on display, showcasing local Jewellery Quarter artists.
If the activities planned for Saturday and Sunday weren’t enough, across both days, JQ Open Studios makes a full return with a community of over 30 makers from within the Quarter opening their doors to the public.
Visitors can speak to local makers, watch demonstrations and purchase hand-made items that include the art of jewellery, needle craft, leather making and much more.
It’s also a Happy 20th Birthday to the Jam House who are celebrating with a special outdoor event inside the picturesque St Paul’s Square with a whole host of bands playing live music. Join in on the celebrations before the Festival kicks off on Friday afternoon and then again on Saturday.
This year’s JQ Festival gives the public a unique chance to experience what life in the Quarter is like. Celebrating the vibrant energy and remarkable history of Birmingham’s hidden gem, this weekend extravaganza is not to be missed.
Friends of Key Hill Cemetery & Warstone Lane Cemetery are also at the Jewellery Quarter Festival with free mini guided tours Saturday and Sunday. Key Hill Cemetery mini tour at 11am – meet at Stall, Warstone Lane Cemetery mini tour at 2pm meet at Stall.
The Stall is in Warstone Lane Cemetery, corner of Vyse Street & Pitsford Street time 10.30-3.30pm Sat and Sun.
The ‘Friends’ will be able to assist with burial plots numbers for those tracing their family history Also selling merchandise to raise funds for restoration of headstones.
The Festival will open its doors at 10am on Saturday 29th June and will run all day, through to 6pm. On Sunday, doors open at 12pm with all festivities closing at 6pm.
For more information, please visit www.jewelleryquarter.net/JQ-festival.