head, face, top of neck, hands, feet, general relaxation all donations to SIFA Fireside
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Wonderfish Art Studio: DIY Advent Calendar
Wonderfish Art Studio: DIY Advent Calendar Do you want to make your own personalised advent calendar? It’s never too late!
Come and join us this weekend afternoon to make your Twelve Days of Christmas countdown calendar🎄Saturday 13 December 12pm-1pm
Materials are provided. Drop-in, free. We welcome donations (suggested £5)
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Balsall Heath Neighbourhood Plan
Updating the Balsall Heath Neighbourhood Plan 2015. How has Balsall Heath changed in the last 10 years, and how should it change in the next 10 years?
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Dark Room Open Evening
Join Darkroom Birmingham for an open evening featuring a relaxed introduction to analogue photography and a hands-on print demonstration. Meet the photographers behind the space, discover upcoming workshops, and enjoy a friendly, welcoming environment for anyone curious about analogue photography processes.
5-7 (ish)
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Wreath Making at The Old Print Works
Join Hannah and Jude for a fun and creative family friendly wreath making workshop.
In this hands-on session, you will craft your very own unique wreath using a variety of locally sourced materials.
All materials included.
The workshop will be held in the Drawing Room at The Old Print Works – with step free access.
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Community Conversation – Who Killed Oswald Grey?
An interactive discussion exploring racial injustice, the British legal system and local history through the real-life story of Oswald Grey
Join us at The GAP for an interactive Community Conversation with writer Jon Berry exploring forgotten local history, capital punishment and racial injustices within the British legal system through the real-life story of Oswald Augustus Grey.
Oswald came to England from Jamaica aged 18 in 1960, and lived on Cannon Hill Road in Balsall Heath. Two years later he became the last man to be hanged in Birmingham and the last Black man to be executed in Britain. This is a tale of hasty injustice and deep-seated prejudice that is as relevant today as it was 60 years ago.
- Through audio, images and storytelling, local writer Jon Berry will take us on a journey through Oswald’s life and untimely death, as carefully researched for his latest book Who Killed Oswald Grey? Race, the law, and the last Black man hanged in Britain
- Interactive elements will include reviewing evidence sheets to make your case, reading excerpts from a theatre script that dramatises Oswald’s trial, and community conversations around the importance of this story today
- These presentations, discussions and activities will take place between 4 – 6pm, with open unstructured space to chat and connect between 6 – 7pm.
- All welcome. Whilst this is a heavy topic, we intend to create this event as a warm and gentle space for reflection that centres on building connections, solidarity and knowledge within the community
- Light refreshments will be provided by Sam’s Vegan Delights
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Food from Sam’s Vegan Delights
Sams Vegans Delights is a family based Caribbean vegan food business based in Birmingham. Sam became vegan as a child and raised both of her children as vegan too (which they continued with their children). Fast forward a generation there have been over 3 generations of vegan in Sam’s immediate family. Sam and her children make up the quirky Sams Vegan Delights team. Being of Jamaican and mixed heritage decent, they offer home cooked naughty Jamaican & Asian infused vegan food every Friday and Saturday at The Mix Community Cafe (ran by The Gap Arts Project) 12-8pm. Sam’s flavours were inspired by her father’s dishes growing up as a child and was later inspired by the spices of the Asian diaspora due to them having so many vegetarian dishes, this experience inspired Sam to infuse both flavours together to create something delicious and unique.
Sams Vegan Delights aims to offer mouth watering delicious food, that is both full of flavour and packed with nutrition. Sam offers traditional Jamaican meat curry flavours using soy-based substitutes. Sam also specialises in non-soy-based dishes such as her famous Original Dumpling Patties, Original Ras Request & Original dinner dumplings. From her vegan sexy juice to curries, dall & vegan hot dogs, there is something for the whole family to enjoy.
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Wonderfish Art Studio: Reimagining Our City with Collage
Join Wonderfish Art Studio at Balsall Heath Second Saturday for a hands-on creative collage workshop! Perfect for ages 4–10 and their grown-ups.In a safe creative space, we’ll be exploring what we feel about Birmingham and Balsall Heath with the art of collage, using different materials. Together, we are making collaborative artworks that celebrate our beautiful city and connect community and culture.
Saturday 8 November 11am-1pm
Drop-in, free, no booking required!
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Self-Portrait with PRISM Photography Network
Discover the power of self-expression at our unique Self-Portrait Studio Event at The Old Print works, in the heart of Balsall Heath. This one-of-a-kind experience invites you to step into a professional studio space where you become the photographer and the subject. Capture your own portrait in a safe, creative environment using professional lighting and backdrops, guided by friendly experts who will help you feel confident and inspired. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or a first-timer, this is your chance to create striking images that reveal your personality and story.
Alongside taking your portrait, you’ll have the exciting opportunity to share your wildest thoughts and feelings on a communal mood board. This collaborative space encourages honesty, imagination, and connection—express your dreams, challenges, or inspirations through words, drawings, or images. Your contributions will help capture the vibrant spirit and diversity of Balsall Heath, giving voice to stories often unheard.
By participating, you will also play a vital role in an ongoing documentary project dedicated to exploring life in Balsall Heath. Your portrait and shared insights could be featured in exhibitions, publications, or digital media, helping to construct a rich tapestry of this community’s identity. Join us for a day of creativity, reflection, and community building—where your story matters and your image can inspire change.
The experience is offered by the PRISM Photography Network and it Is part of the Balsall Heath Observation project.
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Painting an Iranian Floral Motif
Join us to learn about the Shah Abbasi motif and create your own painting to take home. This workshop is being delivered as part of the ‘Balsall Heath Second Saturdays’ programme.
Named after Shah Abbas I, the Shah Abbasi motif is a highly stylised representation of flowers and is prominently featured in carpet designs, metalwork, and illuminated manuscripts. The geometric and symmetrical floral designs typically feature a central palmette surrounded by smaller floral and leaf patterns. More than just a decorative element, the motif symbolises the connection between nature and the divine and embodies the cultural exchange of ideas between East and West.
In this workshop, you will explore the history and symbolism of the Shah Abbasi motif and create your own painting using traditional Persian illumination techniques.
Suitable for adults and children aged 9+ years. All materials are provided.
📅 Dates: Saturday 8th November 2025
⏰ Time: 2:00pm – 4:00pm
📍 Place: MIAH Islamic Arts & Heritage Gallery | 496 Moseley Road | Balsall Heath, Birmingham | B12 9AHTickets:
Standard Course Fee: £12.50 including Eventbrite fees.
Subsidised Fee: £10.00Image reference: 16th-Century Silk Kashan Carpet, Made in Iran, The Met Museum, Object Number: 58.46.
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SEEMAWORLD – Soft Crits
introducing: soft crits❕
if you’re an artist (at any level) developing a creative practice + seeking fresh perspectives 👁️ then YOU ARE INVITED to my studio aka ✨ @seemaworld_boon_ ✨
vibes:
1️⃣ bring along one piece of work (at whatever stage) to share with others in the group.
2️⃣ each person will have the floor to ask questions + exchange intentional feedback in an open peer-led environment, with reflective takeaways👖
3️⃣ it’ll be chill + kind but ultimately supportive
4️⃣ in the interest of being non-hierarchical, i’ll also look to share something (if there’s time + space) and be vulnerable too
📍the first soft crit will take place at @oldprintworksbrum as part of @balsallheathsecondsaturday on 8 November from 12-2
link in bio to book your F R E E spot just to get an idea of numbers (there may be a limited amount depending on interest) 🔗 + feel free to dm w any qs -
Plughole Party
T 4 Tits Off: it was worth the lil wait, enit? 🌀
TICKETS 🔗
PLUGHOLE is back for a night of collective care, a top surgery fundraiser for our dear friend Kai. We’re treating you to DJs, drag, live music & art. Plus some wet surprises…
Act fast, we sold out last time and you’re not gonna want to miss this one!
We know you’ve only just dried off, but it’s time to see you down the drain again 💦
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Tatreez workshop
Join us for a free hands-on creative workshop to create beautiful embroidered motifs using the traditional Palestinian Tatreez technique. This workshop is being delivered as part of the @balsallheathsecondsaturday programme and the ‘Believe in Balsall Heath’ project. The project celebrates the history, heritage and arts of Balsall Heath’s diverse communities.
‘Tatreez’, meaning embroidery in Arabic, was recognised as an important symbol of Palestinian cultural heritage by UNESCO in 2021. Embroidered motifs on traditional dresses reflected a woman’s journey and regional identity. Though much of this craft was lost after 1948, it has now evolved to be a symbol of national identity, cultural survival, and persistence.
During the workshop, you will be guided through instructions to embroider a motif using the’Fallahi’ – cross-stitch technique on grid fabric. You will use a needle and colourful threads to create a beautiful Gazan Cyprus tree motif, one stitch at a time. The Cyprus tree motif serves as a symbol of a flourishing future.
The workshop is suitable for adults and children (13+).
All materials will be provided, and no prior experience is necessary.📅 Date: Saturday 11th October 2025
⏰ Time: 11:30 am – 2:30 pm
📍 Place: MIAH Islamic Arts & Heritage Gallery | 496 Moseley Road | Balsall Heath, Birmingham | B12 9AHTickets
We are pleased to be able to offer this workshop for FREE with thanks to the generous funding by Birmingham City Council’s funding for the ‘Believe in Balsall Heath’ project. This project is being delivered as part of MIAH Foundation’s partnership with the Old Printworks, The GAP Arts Projects, Balsall Heath Local History and Fruit & Nut Village.
We are restricting tickets to a maximum of TWO free tickets. To be fair to all, we ask that you only book a ticket if you are sure that you will be able to attend.
Image reference: Palestinian Thobe dress, ca. 1860s–1870s, Object Number: C.I.42.176.1. The Met Museum.
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Self-Portrait with PRISM Photography Network
Discover the power of self-expression at our unique Self-Portrait Studio Event at The Old Print works, in the heart of Balsall Heath. This one-of-a-kind experience invites you to step into a professional studio space where you become the photographer and the subject. Capture your own portrait in a safe, creative environment using professional lighting and backdrops, guided by friendly experts who will help you feel confident and inspired. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or a first-timer, this is your chance to create striking images that reveal your personality and story.
Alongside taking your portrait, you’ll have the exciting opportunity to share your wildest thoughts and feelings on a communal mood board. This collaborative space encourages honesty, imagination, and connection—express your dreams, challenges, or inspirations through words, drawings, or images. Your contributions will help capture the vibrant spirit and diversity of Balsall Heath, giving voice to stories often unheard.
By participating, you will also play a vital role in an ongoing documentary project dedicated to exploring life in Balsall Heath. Your portrait and shared insights could be featured in exhibitions, publications, or digital media, helping to construct a rich tapestry of this community’s identity. Join us for a day of creativity, reflection, and community building—where your story matters and your image can inspire change.
The experience is offered by the PRISM Photography Network and it Is part of the Balsall Heath Observation project.
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Willow’s Wardrobe
Focus on sustainable fashion, handmade and hand-upcycled clothing, made from recycled materials. ask about commissions too!
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MAKE & TADA!Second Saturday Make & TADA! Workshop – Festive Hanging Christmas TreeMAKE & TADA!
Second Saturday Make & TADA! Workshop – Festive Hanging Christmas Tree
Join us for a cosy festive Make & TADA! workshop on Saturday 13th December, 1pm–3pm. In this session, you’ll create your own hanging wooden Christmas tree – cutting, sanding, and decorating it to suit your style. Perfect for adding a handmade touch to your Christmas décor or gifting to someone special. All materials and guidance provided. Come along, get creative, and enjoy a festive afternoon of making!.
👩👧 Family-friendly
🛠️ Tools & materials provided
🌟 No experience neededCheck us out on Instagram: Tada_workshop
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Wonderfish Art Studio: Reimagining Our City with Collage
Join Wonderfish Art Studio at Balsall Heath Second Saturday for a hands-on creative collage workshop! Perfect for ages 4–10 and their grown-ups.In a safe creative space, we’ll be exploring what we feel about Birmingham and Balsall Heath with the art of collage, using different materials. Together, we are making collaborative artworks that celebrate our beautiful city and connect community and culture.
Saturday 13 September 11am-1pm
Drop-in, free, no booking required!
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Resisting Erasure – Tatreez: Threads of Resistance
Resisting Erasure is a two-part creative workshop series exploring art as a powerful tool for resistance and storytelling as a means to reclaim identity. Each session offers a blend of historical context, hands-on creation, and space for reflection and discussion. Our fist session will be held during Balsall Heath Second Saturday and will focus on Tatreez: Threads of Resistance.
Tatreez, the intricate Palestinian embroidery tradition, has long served as a method of preserving cultural memory in the face of displacement. This session introduces participants to its technique and symbolism, and invites them to stitch their own bookmarks using a guide or create their own pieces using motifs discussed during the session or those relevant to their personal stories.
This session is part of Beyond the Margin, a 9-month Inspire Hub programme exploring identity, storytelling, and creative resistance.
For more information about Inspire Hub or Beyond the Margins, take a look at our instagram @inspirehub.community. -
Ottoman Iznik Tiles Workshop
Join The MIAH Foundation to learn about Iznik tiles and create your own ceramic coaster to take home. This workshop is being delivered as part of the ‘Balsall Heath Second Saturdays’ programme.
Iznik tiles are named after the town of Iznik, and they are easily recognised by their distinctive colours and designs, often featuring bold colours such as cobalt blue, turquoise, emerald green, black, and deep red. Artisans developed elaborate compositions, incorporating realistic depictions of flowers arranged in vases, spiralling scrolls with delicate leaves and flowers, and large, dominant motifs.
During this workshop, you will study the tile patterns around the mihrab of the Mesih Pasha Mosque in Istanbul, Turkey. The mosque was built in 1585 by the famous Ottoman court architect Sinan. You will recreate the central floral composition of the tile design on a ceramic tile that can be taken home to be displayed or used as a coaster.
Suitable for adults and children aged 9+ years. All materials are provided.
📅 Dates: Saturday 13th September 2025
⏰ Time: 2:00pm – 4:00pm
📍 Place: MIAH Islamic Arts & Heritage Gallery | 496 Moseley Road | Balsall Heath, Birmingham | B12 9AHTickets:
Standard Course Fee: £12.50 including Eventbrite fees.
Subsidised Fee: £10.00IMAGE REFERENCE: Meisha Mehmed Pasha Mosque tiles, Dosseman (CC BY-SA 4.0)
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Stories From The Den
Join The GAP at Balsall Heath Second Saturday for Stories From The Den! 📖
A two hour session of story telling Palestinian and Arab folktales all from the comfort of the den. Get cosy, exercise your imaginations and enter into a world of myths, legends and long tales that tell us much about what it means to be human. After some storytelling we will make some space and use a range of tools and materials to explore some prompts inspired by the stories.
🕓 Saturday 13th September, 11am – 1pm. Please arrive promptly to make sure we can start the stories on time.
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HAWWW! zines, diy bits, world-building textures, printed matter + narrative fragments
HAWWW! zines, diy bits, world-building textures, printed matter + narrative fragments… it’s free + open to all!
holding (literal) space for a print + publishing gathering has been a brewing intention of mine for some time, so let’s start with a concept day 🌱
✨maybe you want to bring, create, share, swap +/or test a #zine or #diy fragment or something in #print
✨maybe you want to sell or exhibit your work in true #popup fashion
✨maybe you have ideas to share about a dream #popup or #library or #zinefest environment
✨maybe you want to congregate in a warm + open space
join SEEMAWORLD + @mixedrage (!) at this drop-in session to co-dream about your ideal diy publishing environment 🚪
more on the concept of ‘HAWWW’ itself in the coming weeks and info about the first HAWWW during october’s second saturday
free + open to all!
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Papier-mâché Pen Pots – Workshop
We are excited to collaborate with the ORT gallery and, in conjunction with Balsall Heath Second Saturdays, to host a workshop inspired by the current Exhibition – People of the Garáṇ.
Join us for a hands-on creative workshop to design and paint your own papier-mâché pen pots.
The art of papier-mâché involves two key stages: 1) Sakhtasazi – making the base structure using paper pulp, and 2) Naqashi – hand-painting the intricate decorative patterns.
In this workshop, we will demonstrate the traditional process of preparing paper pulp, making a mould, and creating a smooth surface to paint on decorative motifs. You will be provided with a pre-made mould to design and paint your own papier-mâché object using traditional Kashmiri motifs.
Suitable for adults and children aged 9+ years. All materials are provided.
📅 Dates: Saturday 9th August 2025
⏰ Time: 1:30pm – 4:00pm
📍 Place: MIAH Islamic Arts & Heritage Gallery | 496 Moseley Road | Balsall Heath, Birmingham | B12 9AHTickets:
Standard Course Fee: £12.50 including Eventbrite fees.
Subsidised Fee: £10.00IMAGE REFERENCE: Image: Domed box (Srinagar, Kashmir, ca. 1850), V&A, Accession No. 3-1852
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Summer Family Fun Day
12PM – 4PM Saturday 12th July
10 Malvern St. B12 8NN
Join us for a fantastic day of games, laughter, and unforgettable family moments!
Bouncy Castle, Face Painting, Delicious Food
ACTIVITIES SUCH AS; STALLS, CONCERTS AND MUCH MORE!For more information call 0121 464 6349
