Balsall Heath Second Saturday

Monthly creative festival

Author: R T

  • Cycling in the Dark: An Exhibition by Lauren Royall. 12-6pm, Upper Gallery, OPW

    Cycling in the Dark is an exhibition incorporating many objects collected / found locally which are used as surface, tool and material.

    Delicate forms of pressure push the boundaries of tension in sculptural forms and scrappy, soft materials. The exhibition asks us to reflect on the more subtle violent treatment of objects, humans and animals. How do those build up to bigger ones?

    Lauren Royall is an artist and studio holder at The Old Print Works whose work is rooted in abstract painting and sculpture. Their practice is conceptually driven by their experience in sexual violence education and prevention.

    The exhibition is free, and there is a small selection of prints available for sale, where 50% of proceeds will go towards The Old Print Works. 

  • Exhibition Preview: HARMONY. 1-4pm, MIAH Gallery, 496 Moseley Road

    Join MIAH Gallery for a preview of their new exhibition HARMONY, a contemporary Islamic art exhibition exploring the theme of Harmony. Includes Artist Talks at 2pm.

    Exhibition runs 14 November – 19 December 2026. Free entry.

  • Kumihimo (braid-making) workshop with Daily Thread. 2-3.30pm, Lower Gallery, OPW

    Join us for a drop in workshop to learn the art of Kumihimo, a traditional Japanese artform and craftwork for making braids and cords. Open to all ages.

    This workshop is organised by members of Daily Thread, the community textiles sessions which run every week at The Old Print Works.

    This workshop is free, please consider making a donation here.

  • The Big Plastic Count Results 2026. 12-4pm, Lower Gallery, OPW

    THE BIG PLASTIC COUNT 2026 RESULTS ARE IN!

    Join us for a drop-in discussion and creative activity to celebrate the completion of this year’s Big Plastic Count and hear about the actions we can take to minimise plastic pollution.

    Back in March, thousands of people from schools, households, community groups and workplaces across the UK counted their plastic waste for one week as part of the UK’s biggest people-powered investigation into plastic waste.

    Now, we’ve crunched the numbers and processed the data, and our results reveal the shocking scale of the UK’s big plastic problem…

    This is a free drop-in with no need to book. If you’ve ever wondered what exactly happens to your plastic waste, what actions we think our government should be taking, or simply want to chat, then come along!

  • Create Your Own Anime Character with Esca09. 12-4pm, Lower Gallery, OPW

    Join artist Esca09 for a drop-in beginner friendly workshop to create your own anime character.

    Participants learn some simple techniques for drawing an original anime-style character, including facial features, hairstyles and clothing, before adding colour and personal details to make the character their own. The workshop is suitable for beginners, including children (with parental supervision), and no previous drawing experience is needed.

    The session will be around 30–45 minutes, depending on the participants.

    This session is free, please consider making a donation here.

  • Local tree planting. 2-4pm, OPW

    Join a local tree planting session, led by Balsall Heath Councillor Duncan Ali and Postcode Gardener Dan Burwood.

    Please meet in the MIX Cafe at the front of The OId Print Works.

    All welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Please come dressed for the cold weather.

  • Children’s Drama Workshop at The GAP. 2-4pm, Drawing Room (Courtyard), OPW

    For this Balsall Heath Second Saturday, join The GAP for a fun interactive drama and storytelling session.

    Using drama, craft and imaginative play, children will be guided by our skilled Arts Educators to develop empathy, collaboration, problem-solving, and responsibility.

    For ages 6 – 11.

    Please arrive promptly to start at 2pm! The session lasts for a full 2 hours (it is not drop in)

    The GAP is open from 11am, come and explore their relaxing space and browse their library of books.

    This is a free event, supported by The Old Print Works. Please consider making a donation here.

    The GAP Arts Project is a Studio Partner at The Old Print Works.

  • Balsall Heath Alliance

    The Balsall Heath Alliance is a group of local community organisations working across Balsall Heath.

    They are keen to update the policies that govern how local Planning Decisions are made, and to do that are consulting on updating the current Local Neighbourhood Plan. At this stage, they are keen to get feedback from residents about all the issues that matter to them. They will be asking local people a few key questions so that they can collate feedback about the priority local issues.

  • Balsall Heath West Surgery with Councillor Duncan Ali. 1-2pm, OPW

    Join Councillor Duncan Ali for his Balsall Heath West community surgery.

    Saturday 14 November, 1-2pm

  • PRAXIS: A knowledge and resource exchange for Global Majority Collectives in Birmingham. 2-4pm, Upper Gallery, OPW

    Join members of Radical Exhibition Collective, Film Pardna and BLK CURRENT for the first iteration of PRAXIS: A knowledge and resource exchange for Global Majority collectives in Birmingham.

    PRAXIS is a collective workshop and discussion session responding to a growing grassroots cultural landscape in the city. Existing outside of institutional spaces, DIY and grassroots cultural activity in Birmingham is thriving, responding to a growing need for affordable third spaces and connection, as well as creative and ambitious programming- especially from global majority perspectives.

    Reflecting upon our own experiences, we’ll be exploring how we might protect and strengthen DIY infrastructures across the city through thinking about:

    * What it means to work collectively
    * Navigating non-hierarchical working practices
    * Peer to peer support and collaboration

    This session is aimed at collectives delivering grassroots initiatives in Birmingham, as well as those who may be interested in starting a collective themselves.

    Spaces are very limited so book your spot in advance here.

    📆 Saturday 12th September
    ⏰2pm-4pm
    📍Textiles Room, Upper Gallery, The Old Print Works

    ACCESS INFORMATION:
    The Upper Gallery is located up a flight of stairs and The Old Print Works does not have a lift.

  • A Green Vision for Balsall Heath. 2-4pm, Director’s Office (Courtyard), OPW

    Join a drop-in workshop with Balsall Heath People’s Emergency Briefing.

    We are writing and/or drawing requests to our MPs to speed up the transition away from fossil fuels and to properly brief the nation on the scientific, economic and societal need to treat the changes in climate and nature as an emergency.

    All ages welcome.

  • Climate Justice and Palestine Solidarity: Deepening the Connections. 3-4.30pm, Lower Gallery, OPW

    With Faisel Farooq, John Munro and Myka Tucker-Abramson

    Although we live in a moment when multiple concerns compete for our attention, a planet made unlivable for future generations and a genocide carried out with impunity are, rightly, subjects of sustained interest and outrage in Birmingham and beyond. And yet, issues of climate justice and Palestine solidarity are not always thought about as directly related to one another.

    Rising to the challenge of deepening the political and activist connections between these burning issues, this workshop will begin with two presentations that encourage us to think how ecocide, racism, extractivism, state repression and mobility justice are all linked. From here, we’ll open the discussion to all workshop participants, as we think and talk together about how local action can address the injustices of our times when we see them as intertwined.

  • Each Child a Light, Panel Discussion. 1.30-3pm, Upper Gallery, OPW

    Join us for a Panel Discussion, ‘Conversations around the Quilt’, to accompany the Each Child a Light Exhibition at The Old Print Works.

    Speakers include internationally acclaimed Lebanese-British textile artist Aya Haidar, and artist and project coordinator Fiona Bailey.

    This is a free event and no booking required.

    *Please note there is no lift access to the Upper Gallery.

  • Mughal Flower Study Workshop. 12-3pm, MIAH Gallery, 496 Moseley Road

    Join MIAH Gallery to create your own artwork inspired by the 17th-century Mughal albums.

    All materials are provided.

    Age: Suitable for adults and children aged 12+ years.

    For safeguarding reasons, the accompanying adult for under 18’s must remain in the building and be available and accessible throughout the session.

    Tickets: To guarantee your place, please book your tickets in advance.

    Standard Ticket: £15.00 (+ ticket fees)

    Concessions (students, low-income, over 65s): £12.50 (+ ticket fees)

    Please present proof of concessionary status with your ticket upon arrival, where applicable.

  • Seeing in Colour with Community Energy Birmingham. 2-4pm, Lower Gallery, OPW

    Community Energy Birmingham (CEB) is running the Seeing in Colour project (funded by the University of Birmingham) to host free thermal imaging workshops and evening walks in your
    neighbourhood. These events will help local residents grow their understanding of heat loss in homes.

    CEB are a non-profit organisation who have experience since 2012 in delivering projects which improve the city of Birmingham’s relationship with energy.

    Our thermal camera classes will show you:

    • Sources of heat loss and humidity from homes – which could potentially make your home more comfortable, healthier AND cheaper to run (subject to the practicality of implementing
      solutions).
    • To ‘See in Colour’ by learning how to use a handheld thermal camera from one of our expert demonstrators. You would have the opportunity to use this camera on your house
      during a neighbourhood walk.
    • Our team can then advise you on:
    • ‘Do it yourself’ solutions (like changing heating schedules or draught proofing)
    • Funding available for home efficiency improvements (e.g. loft insulation, wall insulation, solar panels).
      Take this opportunity to help you and your neighbours in the journey to comfortable and healthy homes. For more info contact Joe from the University of Birmingham or Beate from CEB, by e-mailing [email protected] or [email protected]

    This is an excellent educational opportunity for families with complimentary snacks and hot/soft drinks provided.

  • People’s Emergency Briefing: on the climate and nature crisis. 4.30-6.30pm, Upper Gallery, OPW

    Balsall Heath Second Saturday hosts a screening of a powerful new 50 minute film about the climate and nature crisis and what it means for all of us, along with credible, positive responses.

    As well as understanding the crisis, it’s about conversation and connection as communities come together. Whether you’re already involved or just curious to know more, everyone is welcome.

    Saturday 14 November , 4.30pm to 6.30pm (Doors 4.15pm)
    Recommended for age 16+
    Seats are free but limited so please book in advance here.

    Please note this space is accessed via a staircase and unfortunately we do not currently have a lift. Please dress warmly as the Upper Gallery has some heating but can get cold.

    This event is free, please consider making a donation here.

  • Make Your Own Zine with Layla Sadiq. 1.30-3pm, Upper Gallery, OPW

    Join us for a fun, welcoming Make Your Own Zine Workshop with illustrator Layla Sadiq, where you’ll experiment with drawing, collage, writing and creativity to craft a zine that’s completely your own. Organised by Inspire Hub.

    No experience? No problem! Whether you’re an artist, a writer, or just looking to try something new, this workshop is open to everyone.

    🗓 Saturday 8 August
    ⏰ 1:30pm–3:00pm
    📍 The Old Print Works, B12 9AH

    🎨 FREE workshop
    📖 All materials provided
    🎟 Booking required – limited spaces available! Please book here.

    This workshop is part of our Beyond the Margins: Stories That Stay showcase at The Old Print Works, celebrating identity, culture and the stories that connect us.

    Come create, connect and leave with a handmade zine that’s uniquely yours.

  • Paint Your Own Ottoman Design Plate. 2-4pm, MIAH Gallery, 496 Moseley Road

    Join MIAH Gallery for this workshop which is being delivered as supportive programming for their upcoming in-house exhibition ‘Under the Sultan’s Shadow’. In the workshop you will paint a plate in the style of classical-era Ottoman pottery.

    All materials are provided.

    Age: Suitable for adults and children aged 12+ years.

    For safeguarding reasons, the accompanying adult for under 18’s must remain in the building and be available and accessible throughout the session.

    Tickets: To guarantee your place, please book your tickets in advance.

    Standard Ticket: £15.00 (+ ticket fees)

    Concessions (students, low-income, over 65s): £12.50 (+ ticket fees)

    Please present proof of concessionary status with your ticket upon arrival, where applicable.

  • Reggae after party. 7-11pm, Lower Gallery, OPW

    Presented as part of the Birmingham Permaculture Network Weekender and Balsall Heath Second Saturday on 11 April.

    This event is free, please consider making a donation here.