More details have been revealed about a new venue called the Forum Birmingham. It's in Birmingham. In case you wondered. And it is set to open this summer.
Occupying a building formerly known as The Ballroom, which has been dormant for a decade, the venue has been fully renovated and updated. Its owners say that they already have shows booked in with promoters including AEG Presents, Goldenvoice, Kilimanjaro Live and Cream, and that they are ready to open their doors when COVID lockdown restrictions are lifted in June.
"Prior to the pandemic, a quarter of a million people in the West Midlands worked in the culture, media and night time industries and the relaunch of this historic venue in Birmingham will help to refuel this damaged part of our local economy", says Billy Chauhan of Global Venues. "We're also extremely passionate about preserving Birmingham's musical heritage and our work culminates with Forum Birmingham".
Welcoming the new venue, Night Time Industries Association CEO Michael Kill adds: "The club scene is a huge part of British culture and heritage spanning decades. We need to preserve it so that future generations can share the experience and pursue careers and opportunities within this sector for years to come. At the moment our clubs are fighting to survive during the pandemic so it's really inspirational that Forum Birmingham will re-open saving a cultural institution in the city and giving the local industry a much needed shot of confidence".
The full line-up of events scheduled at the venue is set to be announced on 22 Apr. For now, it is offering tickets for a Don Letts book reading on 17 Jun this year, and a Slowthai show on 26 Mar 2022, which has been moved from the Birmingham Institute.