What's on in Birmingham Archives - Castle Bromwich Historic Gardens

Medieval Combat – watch, cheer, learn: A Demonstration Battle Day

Glynis Powell — Sat, 18 Jul 2026 10:00:00 +0000

A Medieval Tournament….. but perhaps not as you know it from the more romantic films.

Join us in the Gardens on Saturday 18th July for some exciting and thrilling full contact combat sport in clanking armour.

Birmingham Medieval Combat are a martial arts sports team basing their activities on the foot combat tournaments of the 14-15th Century, similar to Jousts.

On this day they will be treating us to some skillful duels and noisy group battles – all unscripted ‘ouch’- in the Gardens.

Across the day there will be plenty of opportunities to talk and ask questions of the combattants, to learn about theior skills and techniques and to understand the growing popularity of this modern version of the ancient sport.

Likely shape of the day – subject to change

11am – Duels and Weapons Combat demonstration
11.30 -1pm – Prebookable Adult Beginners Class (10 spaces only) BOOK HERE
1.30pm – Armoured martial arts and group battle
3pm – Group battle and …… eek free for all skirmish

The BMC team will be onsite all day offering adhoc fights, answering questions and showcasing their weapons and equipment.

No need to book for the event day –

Normal Entry Fees to the Gardens apply

£5-£6.60 See main website page

Cafe open… come and picnic.. if you dare

Suitable for all ages to watch – but please note these are noisy and unscripted fights

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Summer Hapa Zome Workshop

Glynis Powell — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 11:30:00 +0000

Learn all about the art of Hapa Zome, have a ago and take home your creation.

Hapa Zome is a fun and creative way of connecting art and nature.

Originally from Japan, it involves pounding leaves, flowers and other natural materials onto fabric and paper to create colourful and beautiful patterns.

What to expect-

You will be introduced to Hapa Zome with a demonstration from our instructor.
After that it’s time for you to experiment, explore which materials work better and why,
Create your own Hapa Zome print to take home with you.

This workshop is suitable for children aged 5-13 YO. (All children must be accompanied by an adult.)

All materials supplied and instructions on the day will be relatively simple for you to work and create together, or individually .

FREE …The ticket also includes a general Gardens entry for child and single accompanying adult.

This Workshop is supported by The National Lottery Awards for All.

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King Arthur and the Holy Fail

Glynis Powell — Tue, 21 Jul 2026 15:00:00 +0000

Our Medieval summer continues with the return of Three Inch Theatre’s wonderful family friendly show..

An epic tale of Arthurian adventure and medieval mayhem.

In a land of daring quests, dashing knights, and endless jousting, there lived a would-be hero – waiting in the wings – who went by the name of Arthur. When Camelot is rocked to it’s core by a tragic – and frankly improbable – incident involving a large table of an undisclosed shape, Arthur is thrust into the quest of a lifetime. Will he bravely battle through blistering cold and scorching fire to save his beloved realm, or will he crumble as fate refuses to cooperate?

Destiny awaits, chivalry calls, and the quest to end all quests begins. Saddle up – things are about to get legendary.

★★★★★ – “So entertaining…laugh-out-loud funny”

★★★★★ – “Riotously fun. Hugely enjoyable”

★★★★★ – “The ultimate British theatrical experience” – Hastings Independent Press

★★★★★ – “Great fun for the whole family…my kids are still talking about it!”

On Tuesday 21st July, join us at Castle Bromwich Historic Gardens. Bring your own cushions, and camping-chairs and join us for this most epic of quests. Come prepared for the weather – the performance will continue come rain come shine!

Tickets from £20 -£60, (under 5s’ Free)

Early Bird (ends Apr 30th)

Standard ticket £21.20
Family (2+2) £58

May onwards:

Standard Adult £24
Under 18 £12
Family (2+2) £63.50

BOOK HERE

(external site)

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WildFoodUK Foraging Course

Glynis Powell — Sat, 11 Jul 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Foraging safely… Even here in the city, Nature offers wonderful habitats and food for free. Join us and WildFoodUK for a fascinating stroll in the ‘urban countryside’. A first level course in foraging.

Castle Bromwich Hall and Gardens represent a rare example of a 17th century Jacobean country house, complete with its original garden setting and parkland. Situated only five miles from Birmingham City centre, the hall is now in private ownership, but 40 acres of historic garden and the parkland are managed by Castle Bromwich Historic Gardens Trust. The site contains a mosaic of habitats including formal gardens, orchards, woodland, wetlands and grasslands making it ideal for all year round foraging!

Our Foraging Courses begin with a short introduction to Wild Food UK, what to expect from your day and a brief summary of the general countryside codes, including our Foraging Code.

Heading off at a leisurely pace, your instructor will teach you how to safely identify the different species of edible and poisonous plants and mushrooms that you discover. This exploration will take about 2.5hrs, during which we’ll take a break for a homemade refreshment, such as our Hogweed & Wild Garlic Soup or Elderflower Champagne!

Then it’s back to the meeting point for a tasty wild food meal. This will include a selection of foraged homemade treats created by your instructor, and a dish made with what we have collected during the walk.

All of our food is seasonal, so what you are served depends on what is growing at that time of year. In Spring we will be making use of the fresh wild greens and in Autumn, the array of tasty wild mushrooms that the area has to offer.

You will receive a comprehensive set of Wild Food UK ‘Course Notes’ a few days after your course. This email will contain links and articles relating to the plants and mushrooms we discovered or discussed during the day.

Dates

Friday 24th April (12-3.30pm)
Sunday 10th May (12.3.30pm)
Saturday 11th July (10am- 1.30)
Sunday 16th Aug (12-3.30pm)

Castle Bromwich Hall and Gardens has free parking, a courtyard cafe and toilet facilities. There is usually a charge to enter the gardens, but if you are attending a course with us we will cover the cost.

Discover more about this Historical Landmark: Castle Bromwich Hall and Gardens

N.B. Please be aware of the possibility that you will also cover Steep slopes, rough woodland on this course.

Tickets here

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Yoga for Midsummer

Glynis Powell — Fri, 19 Jun 2026 17:30:00 +0000

Two immersive 90 minute open air yoga experiences to honour and celebrate the summer solstice, with the backdrop of the tranquil gardens surrounding you.

Yogi Claire will lead you in this unique yoga class is suitable for all levels, with a focus on relaxation and mindfulness.

Gentle, flowing sequences and restorative Yin yoga postures will be fused together, along with meditation, breath work, poetry, seasonal anecdotes and guided relaxation to help you feel balanced, grounded and rejuvenated.

Where exactly in the Gardens we practice is weather dependent. If it is warm and sunny we can practice amongst the trees and flowers. If the weather is less agreeable, we have the option to retreat under a canopy, protecting us from the elements, while still allowing us to enjoy the scenic gardens.

Book directly with Claire – click each date below

Sunday June 14th 10am

Friday June 19th 6.30pm

Please arrive at least 10 minutes early to check in and set up your mat so the class…

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Yoga for Midsummer

Glynis Powell — Sun, 14 Jun 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Two immersive 90 minute open air yoga experiences to honour and celebrate the summer solstice, with the backdrop of the tranquil gardens surrounding you.

Yogi Claire will lead you in this unique yoga class is suitable for all levels, with a focus on relaxation and mindfulness.

Book directly with Claire – click each date below

Sunday June 14th 10am

Friday June 19th 6.30pm

Please arrive at least 10 minutes early to check in and set up your mat so the class…

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Digbeth Dining Club summer tour at the Gardens

Glynis Powell — Sun, 05 Jul 2026 10:30:00 +0000

Get ready for another year of incredible street food, great music and unbeatable vibes as the Digbeth Dining Club Tour returns to the Gardens for 2026!

Join us for a feast of award-winning street food, live entertainment, and a buzzing atmosphere that’s perfect for the whole family—including your four-legged friends!

Whether you’re a foodie on the hunt for your next favourite dish or just looking for a fantastic day out you’ll find it at the Gardens on July 5th

What to expect:
A hand-picked lineup of top independent vendors serving up award winning street food!
Bring the whole crew—four legged friends included!

Where: Castle Bromwich Historic Gardens
Time Slots: 11:30am – 3pm & 3:30pm – 7pm

Please note all visitors (including gardens members) must have a ticket from Digbeth Dining Club

Book your tickets HERE

https://www.skiddle.com/whats-on/Birmingham/Castle-Bromwich-Hall-Gardens/Castle-Bromwich-Dining-Club/42277184/

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Summer Soul Picnic

Glynis Powell — Sat, 11 Jul 2026 17:00:00 +0000

Soul Sessions Brum return to the Gardens

Soul Sessions Brum returns to the Gardens for the fourth year in a row.

Experience an evening of live music featuring performances from some of the best kept secrets across the West Midlands music scene…

It’s a perfect opportunity to support upcoming artists in a relaxed and inviting setting. Whenever do you get the chance to hear live music in a Baroque gardens?

Tickets £ 15 (incl £1.08 booking fee)

Gates open and Food and Drink available from 6pm First act 7pm

What to expect:

- These historic gardens have always hosted live music and we are delighted to continue the tradition. The weekend evening atmosphere will be warm and relaxed.
- The vibe – chilling with friends. The music – always excellent.

NB this event is entirely outdoors – Our stretch tent protects us from any rain, you can cuddle up with blankets, if the ‘chill’ goes cold…
Tickets £ 15 (incl £1.08 booking fee)
Gates open and Food and Drink available from 6pm
First act 7pm

Artists’ bios

Soul Grenades

Based in London, hailing from Montenegro, Hackney, Sydney and beyond, Soul Grenades have established themselves as one of the most exciting acts on the live scene and festival circuit.

A veritable tornado of funk, the band boasts a super-tight rhythm section, a wall of brass and an extensive song book of original music. Fusing their many influences, encompassing crate-digging rarities to contemporary dance floor fillers, Soul Grenades deliver no-nonsense, hard-hitting funk and soul music. Soul Grenades’ third album “Raw Pleasure” was released in summer 2025. Singles from the album have received airplay on BBC Radio 6 Music on The Craig Charles Funk and Soul Show.

Collective Sleep

is an Alternative Soul group based in Birmingham, known for their dynamic full-band sound and unforgettable live performances. Their music weaves together groove and soul with melodic vocals, soaring guitars and rich vocal harmonies, creating a captivating and powerful experience.

In July 2024 the band released their debut single ‘Walk With Me’. The band draws inspiration from an eclectic mix of artists, including Stevie Wonder, Prince, Herbie Hancock, Khruangbin, John Legend, the Isley Brothers, Steely Dan, Jamiroquai, Santana, Pink Floyd and Donny Hathaway.

Collective Sleep has graced iconic Birmingham venues like the Hare & Hounds, The Night Owl, and The Rainbow, and brought their signature sound to festivals such as Cocomad Festival, Malvern Rocks, Pairc Festival, and Lichfield Fuse Festival. Highlights include performing at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games Festival in 2022 and Tewkesbury Festival in 2024.

Shardae

Shardae is a singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and vocal arranger born and raised in Bermuda, now based in Birmingham pursuing her music career. She currently studies on the Production pathway at ACM Birmingham, where she continues to challenge herself, expand her artistry, and thank God for every opportunity along the way. Rooted in jazz, R&B, neo-soul, and gospel, Shardae believes in having fun in creativity, execution, and collaboration. With dreams of becoming a music teacher and opening a youth studio to empower the next generation of artists, her music is grounded in purpose, joy, and connection — come experience the sound and the story live.

Akasha

“Hi, we’re Akasha – the medium through which sound travels. Brums very own. We blend alt/indie and soul with just enough groove to keep you moving, creating a sound that’s both fresh and deeply rooted.
Each of us comes from a different background, but that mix is exactly what shapes our identity. What unites us is a shared passion for music and a love for bringing that energy to life on stage.
Right now, we’re in the studio working on our debut EP, and we honestly can’t wait for you to hear what’s coming!”

Joel Sarakula

Imagine if Ray Manzarek fronted the Bee Gees. That’s a fitting introduction to Joel Sarakula, the UK-based Australian singer, songwriter and producer crafting soulful pop through a distinctly vintage lens. Drawing from the warm sounds of 1970s soft rock, funk and disco, Sarakula creates sunny, groove-driven songs for complicated times. With his long blond hair, retro style and self-aware sense of humour, he embraces comparisons to the unlikely love child of The Doors’ keyboard wizard and the Gibb brothers.

Born in Sydney and now based in the UK, Sarakula has travelled extensively in pursuit of inspiration, from performing in remote Norwegian fishing villages to surviving a Caribbean carjacking. Since establishing himself across the UK and Europe, he has released a string of acclaimed albums including Island Time (2023), Companionship (2020), Love Club (2018) and The Imposter (2015). His music has received support from BBC 6 Music, BBC Radio 2 and radio stations across Europe, while earning coverage from outlets including The New York Times, The Independent, The Irish Times, Rolling Stone Germany, El País and The Sydney Morning Herald. Often compared to artists such as Parcels, Donny Benét, Prep, Benny Sings and Young Gun Silver Fox, Sarakula continues to build an international reputation for timeless songwriting and feel-good grooves.

Greg Blackman

Known as “The Satsuma Of Soul” due to his love of orange clothing, Greg Blackman is a UK singer-songwriter whose soulful voice, witty spirit, and social awareness who began by collaborating with artists including Dutty Moonshine Big Band, Utah Saints, Daz I Kue, Featurecast, and Lack of Afro.

His rich, versatile delivery has drawn praise from across the industry: Rag ’N’ Bone Man called him “so sick — get to know!”, Craig Charles described him as “fast becoming one of the best in the business,” and Jamie Cullum declared his song Save Me “should be permanently playlisted” on BBC Radio 2.

Greg’s music has reached wide audiences on BBC Radio, MTV, and 6 Music, while his live performance with Dutty Moonshine at WOMAD has been archived in the British Library as culturally significant.

https://linktr.ee/MrGregBlackman

Tickets

£ 15 (incl £1.08 booking fee)

Last entry 8 pm

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Vegan Market Day: food, music, picnics…plantbased yumminess

Glynis Powell — Sun, 21 Jun 2026 10:00:00 +0000

Another great food event in the Gardens…

Spend the midsummer Sunday picnicking in our glorious Gardens sampling some of the best vegan food available.

Vegan Market Co returns with their excellent array of food and vegan product vendors – from local makers and from afar.

While you’re munching on tasty plantbased food, wander the 18th century Gardens, be entertained by the excellent tunes from Central England Concert Band and enjoy the kiddie friendly activities.

Normal entry fees to the Gardens apply (see our website). All the entertainments are free.

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International Womens Day 2025

Glynis Powell — Sat, 08 Mar 2025 16:11:12 +0000

There are already some ‘standout’ women’s names associated with the Gardens here, and many more who should, and could, be celebrated more!

Today we’re celebrating two particular women; Edith Holden and Anna Atkins.

Edith Holden 1871 – 1920 , was born in Birmingham and is best known as an illustrator of the natural world. Although having a modicum of success in her lifetime, her star rose much higher in the 1970s and 80s with the re-publication of her charming and accomplished nature notebooks. The books including Nature Notes and the Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady sold in their thousands. The notebooks chronical her walks and cycling trips around Birmingham, Solihull and Warwickshire. We think they’re all worth looking at again.

On Saturday 5^th April we will be doing just that.

Join us for a whole day remembering and rediscovering her work starting with an introduction by enthusiast Rachel SmithChopra. It’s not only listening but also doing! In keeping with our habit in Gardens, it’s a day of practical creation too.

Be inspired by the nature around us in the Gardens and take up a pencil, crayon or brush… all materials supplied… or bring your own.

On Saturday 5^th April, we’ll also be exploring and celebrating Anna Atkins 1799 – 1871.

Although not local, Atkins was a pioneer botanist and photographer. She produced what is known as the first photographic illustrated book, Photographs of British Algae: Cyanotype Impressions, in 1843. Atkins was a talented illustrator but wanted to find a more accurate way to depict the structure of a plant.

Her passion for botany along with the discovery of cyanotypes meant that over the span of 10 years she was able to create 3 volumes of work, representing a key step in the history of scientific illustration.

Visitors on 5^th April will also have the opportunity to make cyanotypes (‘sun printing’) with local artist Jake Lever, who has been experimenting with this technique.

See here for more about the day

And those other women connected with the Gardens?

Many, many of them!

Including all the volunteers and staff (80% women!) who keep the Gardens going and do such a good job of welcoming visitors. All the gardeners, historians, rangers, café, events, marketing , admin and office piskies, faeries and genii weaving the magic.

And here are three more names…all powerful women who have been key to the Gardens.

Lady Ida Bridgeman, Countess of Bradford (‘Lady Brad’),1848-1936, the last family resident of the Hall, who made sure the Gardens were used and not lost.

Lady Mary Bridgeman (1641- 1713), who probably had more influence over the development of the Gardens than is usually credited… a great subject for a PhD researcher.

Anne Kenrick MBE (1923 – 2020), first Chairman of the Gardens Trust and force of, and for, nature.

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