Outdoor Places Unusual Spaces

12/11/2025

Birmingham Light Festival is running an open call for Events as part of the 2026 programme 👇

Expressions of interest are sought from organisations who are interested in programming in response to light. By that we mean, planning and delivering an event or offer that responds in some way to the theme of light.

What could that look like?

⭐A local art gallery and might want to organise a late event themed around light.

⭐A local creative organisation might programme a family craft workshop focused on shadow puppets.

⭐A local business with a city-centre base might use this opportunity to temporarily light their building differently.

⭐A local restaurant might deliver an exclusive candle-lit dining experience.

⭐A local bar might put in a special drinks menu inspired by light.

⭐A local leisure facility may host immersively lit yoga (or similar) sessions.

⭐A local academic institution hosting a workshop or talk about light.

Just a few examples!
For more info: https://www.birminghamlightfestival.co.uk/news/2026-open-call

Deadline: 21st November

Pictured: Two of last year's events from City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and Ikon Gallery, captured by Irina Mackie

06/11/2025

What dreamy photos from last week's Space To Be - Unplugged!

Space to Be is a unique offline experience (which, yes, we're ironically sharing online!) that invites you to leave the noise and digital world at the door. Step into autumn and into the joy of slowing down, reconnecting. Be still, create, play.

Our MD, Caroline, has been mentoring Lydia who has created Space To Be as part of National Trust's Space and Time programme. We've loved seeing how Lydia's vision for an offline event promoting reconnection and presence has come to life.

If you missed it, fear not - Space to Be's next event is this weekend!

Saturday 8th November
6-10pm
National Trust Charterhouse, Coventry
Ticket link in comments

6-8pm Lena the Harpist
8-10pm Juniper Folk

Cosy Crafts | Board Game cafe | Typewriter letter writing | Records | Journaling Corners | and more!

30/10/2025

We are jumping for joy that BIRMINGHAM LIGHT FESTIVAL IS BACK!

Save the dates: 12–15 February 2026.

Birmingham’s city centre will once again be transformed into a spectacular gallery of illuminated artworks as Birmingham Light Festival returns! Following the incredible success of its inaugural year, the Festival will build on that momentum with even more city spaces brought to life through light!

Plus, find out how you get involved by visiting the news page of our website for details of our two Open Calls.

Huge thanks to everyone making this possible - our amazing Founding Partners, Festival Supporters, and Artwork Sponsors:

👉 Founding Partners: Colmore Business District Southside, Birmingham Central BID Birmingham The Jewellery Quarter BID Westside BID
👉 Festival Supporters: Bullring Birmingham, Edgbaston Village, Mailbox Birmingham United By 2022 Birmingham City Council
👉 Artwork Sponsors: Birmingham Botanical Gardens and Middlemarch
👉 With thanks also to Squire Patton Boggs

Birmingham Light Festival is a City Curator project produced by Outdoor Places Unusual Spaces.

Photo by Lensi Photography

Find out more: https://www.birminghamlightfestival.co.uk/home

27/10/2025

Deep in the heart of Birmingham Botanical Gardens, something peculiar has stirred...!

What a brilliant first day of Arachanot and the Giant Web - Birmingham Botanical Gardens' half term event teaching us how spiders are undercover heroes of the Gardens!

27-30th October
Birmingham Botanical Gardens

🕸 Meet Arachnobot, an gentle giant and eight-legged mechanical marvel! Keep your eyes out for Arachnobot through the gardens in jaw-dropping daily appearances!

🕸 Get involved in building a super-hero sized Giant Web across the lawns for Arachnobot.

🕸 Explore The Spider’s Tangle Trail to learn the secrets and patterns found in webs. A fun-filled quest where families can explore the wild world of spiders through quirky facts and playful poetry.

🕸 Fresh air and fantastic fun: it’s the perfect half-term event for families looking for an alternative Halloween day out! Visit The Goths Playground Market, Medicine Bakery and Smoke and Ash Pizzeria for your Halloween treats!

Weave some heroic memories this October half term with OPUS and Birmingham Botanical Gardens - tickets available now.

Photos by

23/10/2025

Did you spot the Water Bots’ maiden voyage on the canals of Birmingham yesterday?!

There are two more chances to see Michael Candy's creations:

Water Bots Family Day with Birmingham Open Media (BOM)
📍 Oct 25–26, 11-5pm, Bumble Hole, Warren’s Hall Nature Reserve, Dudley, DY2 9HS.

Two days of family-friendly workshops and performances from the Water Bots at Bumble Hole, Warren’s Hall Nature Reserve! Expect lots of hands on art and engineering activities throughout the day, drop in any time - all free.

Water Bots is a project funded by Arts Council England, the Royal Academy of Engineering Ingenious Grant and West Midlands Combined Authority alongside support from Canal and River Trust.

Photos by Angela Grabowska

20/10/2025

This week sees a blend of music, nature and creative technology, as we support these brilliant events coming up across the Midlands:

🪔Diwali Lunchtime Concert with Sampad Asian Arts & Heritage
Tues 21st, Mailbox Birmingham, L2 (Medicine)
https://mailboxlife.com/whats-on/diwali-at-mailbox-lunchtime-concerts-with-sampad/

💧The Waterbots Maiden Voyage with BOM Lab and Michael Candy
Wed 22nd, Sherborne Wharf / ICC

and!

💧The Waterbots Family Day
25-26th October, Warren's Hall Nature Reserve
https://bom.org.uk/water-bots/

🕸️Arachnobot and the Giant Web
27-30th October, Birmingham Botanical Gardens
https://birminghambotanicalgardens.org.uk/bbg-event/arachnobot-the-giant-web-25/

17/10/2025

Diwali at Mailbox: Lunchtime Concerts with Sampad

Bring style, culture and connection to your lunchtime!

🗓️ Tuesday 21 October
🕰️ 12:00-12:45 and 13:15-13:45
📍 Medicine, Level 2, Mailbox

Join us next to Medicine Bakery for a perfect fusion of music and festive spirit, as Mailbox and Sampad South Asian Arts and Heritage mark the Festival of Lights with melodies that soothe, inspire and delight.

Presenting two free drop-in Diwali concerts, featuring highly acclaimed musicians:

Rekesh Chauhan BEM - an award-winning British pianist and composer whose performances have graced the Royal Albert Hall and prestigious venues worldwide. His collaborations include Nobel Peace Prize performers and winners.

Rohan Roy - an Indian fusion violinist who has performed with a diverse range of celebrated musicians, from Indian rock bands to Bollywood singers. Alongside working as a composer for BBC Arts, his compositions and music have contributed to the soundtracks of over 50 Indian movies, and he has worked alongside some of the world’s best classical fusion ensembles.

Join us for the perfect midday break - take a seat and enjoy the music and spirit of Diwali!

💥

15/10/2025

Say hello to the Water Bots! A mesmerising trio of robotic swimming sculptures making waves across Birmingham and the Black Country this October.

Created by Australian artist Michael Candy, these glowing, steam-puffing machines are living sculptures which fuse cutting-edge art with engineering technology, inspired by the region’s industrial heritage.

As they move through the region's historic waterways, audiences can interact and engage at one of two public events from BOM (Birmingham Open Media) , with event support by OPUS 👇

Maiden Voyage
📍 Oct 22, 5 - 6pm, Sherbourne Wharf outside ICC and Pizza Express, Birmingham (as part of Birmingham Tech Week)

The Water Bots will premiere as part of Frontiers Day at Birmingham Tech Week. Audiences of all ages are invited to gather at the rear of ICC to see this free, sculptural performance of Water Bots as they light up, emit steam and move along the waterways. (You don't need to be attending Birmingham Tech Week to watch).

Family Day
📍 Oct 25–26, 11-5pm, Bumble Hole, Warren’s Hall Nature Reserve, Dudley, DY2 9HS.

Two days of family-friendly workshops and performances from the Water Bots at Bumble Hole, Warren’s Hall Nature Reserve! Expect lots of hands on art and engineering activities throughout the day, drop in any time - all free.

Water Bots is a project funded by Arts Council England, the Royal Academy of Engineering Ingenious Grant and West Midlands Combined Authority alongside support from Canal & River Trust


1h

13/10/2025

Deep in the heart of Birmingham Botanical Gardens, something peculiar is stirring...

This October half term, learn all about how spiders are undercover heroes of the Gardens! No jump-scares or gore - just wonder, weaving and woodland adventures.

🕸 Meet Arachnobot, an gentle giant and eight-legged mechanical marvel! Keep your eyes out for Arachnobot through the gardens in jaw-dropping daily appearances!

🕸 Get involved in building a super-hero sized Giant Web across the lawns for Arachnobot.

🕸 Explore The Spider’s Tangle Trail to learn the secrets and patterns found in webs. A fun-filled quest where families can explore the wild world of spiders through quirky facts and playful poetry.

🕸 Fresh air and fantastic fun: it’s the perfect half-term event for families looking for an alternative Halloween day out!

Weave some heroic memories this October half term with OPUS and Botanical Gardens - tickets available now!

01/09/2025

This is your last day to apply! 

We are recruiting for a new role.

The Business Support Executive plays a vital role in the day-to-day operations of OPUS, ensuring everything runs efficiently and seamlessly.

Instrumental in supporting the Managing Director and the wider company’s continued growth and success, this role keeps the wheels turning across OPUS’ internal operations being the go-to for smooth coordination, supporting everything from scheduling meetings and check-ins to making sure client requirements and paperwork are sorted on time.

For more information and to apply: https://lnkd.in/es75zVyt

11/08/2025

We are recruiting for a new role.

The Business Support Executive plays a vital role in the day-to-day operations of OPUS, ensuring everything runs efficiently and seamlessly.

Instrumental in supporting the Managing Director and the wider company’s continued growth and success, this role keeps the wheels turning across OPUS’ internal operations being the go-to for smooth coordination, supporting everything from scheduling meetings and check-ins to making sure client requirements and paperwork are sorted on time.

For more information and to apply: https://lnkd.in/es75zVyt

07/08/2025

🐝Cirque Du Pollinate is in town!🐝

Book now and join us for a buzzing celebration with a joyful family adventure exploring the magic of pollination through circus, creativity, and interactive performance!

From 7-9th August, embark on a magical quest adventure across the Gardens produced in partnership by Birmingham Botanical Gardens, OPUS and House of MASH.

🌻Get ready to meet the buzzing stars of the show Queen TumbleBee and her mischievous companions Winnie and Winona the WorkerBees , as they guide your family through a day packed of laughter, learning and adventure!

🌻Take part in the Pollination Quest – collect stamps on your QuestCard as you help create the perfect habitat for our circus bees to thrive during your day of adventure

🌻Watch live circus shows, get involved with garden games, and take part in poetry and play activities

🌻Meet our interactive performers throughout the day at The Play Hive – a takeover of the Treetops Adventure Playground with nature-themed games, movement, learning and play

🌻Enjoy delicious street food and refreshments from guest traders and Medicine Bakery + Kitchen.

Don’t forget to visit the Gardens Shop and let the adventure continue at home with an educational or cuddly toy, pollinator friendly plant or keepsake that you or the little ones can treasure!

Photos by Hayley Salter