Birmingham 2022 Festival

As custodians of the historic waterways across the West Midlands, we're delighted to be hosting a series of cultural experiences as we reimagine our canals and rivers as the trade routes they once were, and how they've now become a place of wellbeing.

Presented as part of

These fantastic events are presented as part of the Birmingham 2022 Festival.

Past:Present - Celebrating history, people and stories

From our roots in the industrial revolution to our modern day use of canal for wellbeing, leisure and activities, Past:Present will celebrate our heritage through a series cultural projects.

From the stories of those who worked and lived on the canals over 200 years ago, the industrial and commonwealth links right through to how people of the West Midlands use the canals of today. We will re-imagine how the place of trade became a place of wellbeing and the benefits it brings to all.

Upcoming Past:Present events

Birmingham 2022 Boating Festival
Main event Saturday 25 June 2022, 2pm-6pm

Boaters from across the region are joining a spectacular boating parade in association with Birmingham Canal Navigations Society (BCNS) and the Inland Waterways Association (IWA).

This is an opportunity to celebrate the past and present, and showcase the variety of crafts, people and culture that make our modern canals so vibrant today.

The Boating Parade will start from Roundhouse Birmingham adjacent to Sheepcote Street at 2pm, with around 70 vibrantly decorated canal boats making their way past Brindley Place to Gas Street Basin and on to the Mailbox.

Artismo - Art and our waterways

Artismo will celebrate past and present art on the canals. From traditional canal art created on boats of years gone by to immersive experiences and beautiful street art, we work with local artists to bring the canals to life across the West Midlands. Artismo will reflect on the heritage, environment and the wellbeing that being by water can bring to people’s lives.

Sustain - Caring for our environment

Sustain will look at how we look after our canals through cultural, creative and educational perspectives.  

We know the impact of plastics and the detrimental affect it has on our environment. Working with young people, we will highlight the challenge and what everyone can do to make change.

We care about our environment and will creatively showcase how we our waterways more eco-friendly, taking care of rare species and protecting these precious spaces.

Birmingham 2022 Festival events