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The Programme

What's
on

The entire PoliNations programme is free to enjoy and everyone is invited! Explore the programme.

Birmingham
2 - 18 Sep

13:00 - 17:00

Free

Victoria Square

Activity

Ews C4 Ve Wyaivqxe (1)

Ews C4 Ve Wyaivqxe (1)

Plant Up!

Join in with making the PoliNations super garden spectacular.

13:00 - 14:00

Free

Mother Tree, Victoria Square

Talk

Lunchtime Talk with Claire Ratinon and Sam Ayre: Environmental responsibility in the creative world

A conversation between writer and organic food grower Claire Ratinon and artist and educator Sam Ayre about creative responsibilities towards the environment, the possibilities of decolonial practice within art and horticulture and how this might encourage wider change in society.

18:53 - 19:23

Free

Victoria Square

Sound & Light

Untitled Design (10)

Untitled Design (10)

Sunset Shift

Bask in a spectacular light and sound show, as PoliNations transitions into an evening wonderland with light, music and sound.

07:00 - 08:00

Free

Victoria Square

Sound & Light

How to Value Yourself.jpg

How to Value Yourself.jpg

The Awakening

Welcome the morning sun as a beautiful soundscape hails the start of a new day, every day.

10:00 - 19:00

Free

Victoria Square

Activity

Ews C4 Ve Wyaivqxe (1)

Ews C4 Ve Wyaivqxe (1)

Plant Up!

Join in with making the PoliNations super garden spectacular.

11:00 - 12:00

Free

Victoria Square

Activity

Ayaneshu Bhardwaj Cz Sh Ro U5 O Unsplash (1)

Ayaneshu Bhardwaj Cz Sh Ro U5 O Unsplash (1)

Tuk Tuk Chaiwallah

Enjoy a free cup of chai every day, whilst exploring the history of tea and its journey to the UK.

12:00 - 13:00

Free

Mother Tree, Victoria Square

Talk

Lunchtime talk with Sui Searle and Dr Ros Gray: Decolonising the garden - how imperialism shaped the British garden

Sui Searle and Dr Ros Gray discuss the role plants played in the colonial project and how imperialism shaped our gardens.

14:00 - 15:00

Free

Victoria Square

Activity

Ayaneshu Bhardwaj Cz Sh Ro U5 O Unsplash (1)

Ayaneshu Bhardwaj Cz Sh Ro U5 O Unsplash (1)

Tuk Tuk Chaiwallah

Enjoy a free cup of chai every day, whilst exploring the history of tea and its journey to the UK.

19:51 - 20:21

Free

Victoria Square

Sound & Light

Untitled Design (10)

Untitled Design (10)

Sunset Shift

Bask in a spectacular light and sound show, as PoliNations transitions into an evening wonderland with light, music and sound.

07:00 - 08:00

Free

Victoria Square

Sound & Light

How to Value Yourself.jpg

How to Value Yourself.jpg

The Awakening

Welcome the morning sun as a beautiful soundscape hails the start of a new day, every day.

10:00 - 19:00

Free

Victoria Square

Activity

Ews C4 Ve Wyaivqxe (1)

Ews C4 Ve Wyaivqxe (1)

Plant Up!

Join in with making the PoliNations super garden spectacular.

11:00 - 12:00

Free

Victoria Square

Activity

Ayaneshu Bhardwaj Cz Sh Ro U5 O Unsplash (1)

Ayaneshu Bhardwaj Cz Sh Ro U5 O Unsplash (1)

Tuk Tuk Chaiwallah

Enjoy a free cup of chai every day, whilst exploring the history of tea and its journey to the UK.

12:00 - 13:00

Free

Mother Tree, Victoria Square

Talk

Lunchtime Talk with JC Niala and Dr Alex Mayhew: Pandemics - drawing closer to nature

Discover how pandemics, both recent and historic, impact on our relationships with allotments, outdoor space, and vegetable and flower growing.

14:00 - 15:00

Free

Victoria Square

Activity

Ayaneshu Bhardwaj Cz Sh Ro U5 O Unsplash (1)

Ayaneshu Bhardwaj Cz Sh Ro U5 O Unsplash (1)

Tuk Tuk Chaiwallah

Enjoy a free cup of chai every day, whilst exploring the history of tea and its journey to the UK.

19:48 - 20:18

Free

Victoria Square

Sound & Light

Untitled Design (10)

Untitled Design (10)

Sunset Shift

Bask in a spectacular light and sound show, as PoliNations transitions into an evening wonderland with light, music and sound.

07:00 - 08:00

Free

Victoria Square

Sound & Light

How to Value Yourself.jpg

How to Value Yourself.jpg

The Awakening

Welcome the morning sun as a beautiful soundscape hails the start of a new day, every day.

08:30 - 09:30

Free

Wondersphere, Chamberlain Square

Workshop

Creative Workshop: Cape Creations with Tat Vision

A fun family workshop combining nature with recycled fabrics to make colourful and vibrant costumes – materials are supplied.

09:00 - 10:00

Free

Victoria Square

Performance

Mg 0217 Resized for Media

Mg 0217 Resized for Media

From Soil to Sip

Spectra's accessible, multi-sensory tour of PoliNations, exploring Tea - planting, growing, harvesting, blending, brewing and drinking!

11:00 - 12:00

Free

Victoria Square

Activity

Ayaneshu Bhardwaj Cz Sh Ro U5 O Unsplash (1)

Ayaneshu Bhardwaj Cz Sh Ro U5 O Unsplash (1)

Tuk Tuk Chaiwallah

Enjoy a free cup of chai every day, whilst exploring the history of tea and its journey to the UK.

11:00 - 12:00

Free

Wondersphere, Chamberlain Square

Workshop

Creative Workshop: Cape Creations with Tat Vision

A fun family workshop combining nature with recycled fabrics to make colourful and vibrant costumes – materials are supplied.

12:00 - 13:00

Free

Mother Tree, Victoria Square

Talk

Lunchtime Talk with Jon Drori and Advolly Richmond: Iconic Plants - the Stories of our Garden

Jon Drori, author of 'Around the World in 80 Trees’, and Social Historian Advolly Richmond discuss Iconic plants will be in conversation discussing the histories, stories and roles of trees and plants in our lives including the stories of the Iconic Plants featured on the PoliNations site.

12:00 - 13:00

Free

Wondersphere, Chamberlain Square

Workshop

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Unknown

Costume Drop In with Amy

Come along to the first full day of PoliNations and drop into a fun, lunch time workshop led by local costume maker, Amy Dalton.

14:00 - 15:00

Free

Victoria Square

Activity

An Artist Render of Poli Nations, Courtesy of Trigger Collective. Credit Thiss, Carl Robertshaw, Trigger (3)

An Artist Render of Poli Nations, Courtesy of Trigger Collective. Credit Thiss, Carl Robertshaw, Trigger (3)

Into the Garden

Daily horticultural tours of the super garden led by our expert gardeners from The Birmingham Botanical Gardens.

14:00 - 15:00

Free

Victoria Square

Activity

Ayaneshu Bhardwaj Cz Sh Ro U5 O Unsplash (1)

Ayaneshu Bhardwaj Cz Sh Ro U5 O Unsplash (1)

Tuk Tuk Chaiwallah

Enjoy a free cup of chai every day, whilst exploring the history of tea and its journey to the UK.

14:00 - 16:00

Free

Wondersphere, Chamberlain Square

Workshop

Unknown

Unknown

Costume Workshop: Upcycling

Come and turn a pre-loved garment into an upcycled flower! Hosted by costume experts from Mahogany Carnival Design

17:00 - 19:00

Free

Wondersphere, Chamberlain Square

Workshop

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Cebc7ea5 7323 45e6 85e6 C1b6d2148a81

Costume Making: Petal Collars

Inspired by the original designs of PoliNations costume designer Joey A Frenette (Ru Paul's Drag Race), make your own petal collar in this hands-on workshop. If you've got fabric you'd like to create your collar with, bring it! Otherwise we'll have a selection available for you to choose from. Suitable for beginners although some basic sewing skills are required.

19:46 - 20:16

Free

Victoria Square

Sound & Light

Untitled Design (10)

Untitled Design (10)

Sunset Shift

Bask in a spectacular light and sound show, as PoliNations transitions into an evening wonderland with light, music and sound.

07:00 - 08:00

Free

Victoria Square

Sound & Light

How to Value Yourself.jpg

How to Value Yourself.jpg

The Awakening

Welcome the morning sun as a beautiful soundscape hails the start of a new day, every day.

08:30 - 09:30

Free

Wondersphere, Chamberlain Square

Workshop

Drew Jemmett Q Ec Wgr T G578 Unsplash

Drew Jemmett Q Ec Wgr T G578 Unsplash

Creative Workshop: Wild Healing Teas

An opportunity to connect with various wild teas and healing herbs, including common ‘weeds’ that grow around Birmingham. Attendees will learn a method for intuitive tea tasting and learn how to make their own herbal tea blends!

10:00 - 12:00

Free

Victoria Square

Performance

Mg 0217 Resized for Media

Mg 0217 Resized for Media

From Soil to Sip

Spectra's accessible, multi-sensory tour of PoliNations, exploring Tea - planting, growing, harvesting, blending, brewing and drinking!

11:00 - 12:00

Free

Victoria Square

Activity

Ayaneshu Bhardwaj Cz Sh Ro U5 O Unsplash (1)

Ayaneshu Bhardwaj Cz Sh Ro U5 O Unsplash (1)

Tuk Tuk Chaiwallah

Enjoy a free cup of chai every day, whilst exploring the history of tea and its journey to the UK.

11:00 - 12:00

Free

Wondersphere, Chamberlain Square

Workshop

Drew Jemmett Q Ec Wgr T G578 Unsplash

Drew Jemmett Q Ec Wgr T G578 Unsplash

Creative Workshop: Wild Healing Teas

An opportunity to connect with various wild teas and healing herbs, including common ‘weeds’ that grow around Birmingham. Attendees will learn a method for intuitive tea tasting and learn how to make their own herbal tea blends!

12:00 - 13:00

Free

Mother Tree, Victoria Square

Talk

Jon Alexander

Jon Alexander

Lunchtime Talk with Jon Alexander and Imandeep Kaur: Thriving in a civic society

Co-Founders and Directors of the New Citizenship Project Jon Alexander and Civic Square Imandeep Kaur (respectively) explore thriving in a civic society.

12:00 - 13:00

Free

Wondersphere, Chamberlain Square

Workshop

Drew Jemmett Q Ec Wgr T G578 Unsplash

Drew Jemmett Q Ec Wgr T G578 Unsplash

Tea tasting Drop In

An opportunity to connect with various wild teas and healing herbs, including common ‘weeds’ that grow around Birmingham!

14:00 - 15:00

Free

Victoria Square

Activity

An Artist Render of Poli Nations, Courtesy of Trigger Collective. Credit Thiss, Carl Robertshaw, Trigger (3)

An Artist Render of Poli Nations, Courtesy of Trigger Collective. Credit Thiss, Carl Robertshaw, Trigger (3)

Into the Garden

Daily horticultural tours of the super garden led by our expert gardeners from The Birmingham Botanical Gardens.

14:00 - 15:00

Free

Victoria Square

Activity

Ayaneshu Bhardwaj Cz Sh Ro U5 O Unsplash (1)

Ayaneshu Bhardwaj Cz Sh Ro U5 O Unsplash (1)

Tuk Tuk Chaiwallah

Enjoy a free cup of chai every day, whilst exploring the history of tea and its journey to the UK.

14:00 - 16:00

Free

Wondersphere, Chamberlain Square

Workshop

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A00800e4 5565 4aeb B7f8 80bf5a6978aa

Costume Workshop: Nature Crowns

Make a crown from nature! Using natural materials, create a spectacular crown to take away with you, with costume experts from Mahogany Carnival Design.

17:00 - 19:00

Free

Wondersphere, Chamberlain Square

Workshop

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Whats App Image 2022 07 26 at 14.19.07

Costume Workshop: Block Printing Basics

Come and learn basic wood block printing techniques, using block designs by Pakistani designer Riffat Aliani, and Birmingham designer Ellis Miles Stewart. Bring something to transform with block print; a tea towel, a t-shirt, or fabrics you love!

19:44 - 20:14

Free

Victoria Square

Sound & Light

Untitled Design (10)

Untitled Design (10)

Sunset Shift

Bask in a spectacular light and sound show, as PoliNations transitions into an evening wonderland with light, music and sound.

07:00 - 08:00

Free

Victoria Square

Sound & Light

How to Value Yourself.jpg

How to Value Yourself.jpg

The Awakening

Welcome the morning sun as a beautiful soundscape hails the start of a new day, every day.

08:30 - 09:30

Free

Wondersphere, Chamberlain Square

Workshop

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Fb Img 1657822608031 (1)

Creative Workshop: Willow Weaving Workshop

A willow weaving session where you'll learn how to weave willow into a flower to take home, led by award winning willow weavers, Southwin willow.

10:00 - 11:00

Free

Victoria Square

Performance

Mg 0217 Resized for Media

Mg 0217 Resized for Media

From Soil to Sip

Spectra's accessible, multi-sensory tour of PoliNations, exploring Tea - planting, growing, harvesting, blending, brewing and drinking!

11:00 - 12:00

Free

Victoria Square

Activity

Ayaneshu Bhardwaj Cz Sh Ro U5 O Unsplash (1)

Ayaneshu Bhardwaj Cz Sh Ro U5 O Unsplash (1)

Tuk Tuk Chaiwallah

Enjoy a free cup of chai every day, whilst exploring the history of tea and its journey to the UK.

11:00 - 12:00

Free

Wondersphere, Chamberlain Square

Workshop

Fb Img 1657822608031 (1)

Fb Img 1657822608031 (1)

Creative Workshop: Willow Weaving Workshop

A willow weaving session where you'll learn how to weave willow into a flower to take home, led by award winning willow weavers, Southwin willow.

12:00 - 13:00

Free

Mother Tree, Victoria Square

Talk

Rspb Bm Colour Rgb 8 (1) (1)

Rspb Bm Colour Rgb 8 (1) (1)

Lunchtime Talk with RSPB and WWF: What if Finance is Nature Positive?

Join speakers from the RSPB and WWF as they discuss the concept of Nature Positive Finance.

12:00 - 13:00

Free

Wondersphere, Chamberlain Square

Workshop

Fb Img 1657822608031 (1)

Fb Img 1657822608031 (1)

Willow weaving Drop In

A willow weaving drop in session where you'll learn how to weave willow into a flower to take home, led by award winning willow weavers, Southwin willow.

14:00 - 15:00

Free

Victoria Square

Activity

An Artist Render of Poli Nations, Courtesy of Trigger Collective. Credit Thiss, Carl Robertshaw, Trigger (3)

An Artist Render of Poli Nations, Courtesy of Trigger Collective. Credit Thiss, Carl Robertshaw, Trigger (3)

Into the Garden

Daily horticultural tours of the super garden led by our expert gardeners from The Birmingham Botanical Gardens.

14:00 - 15:00

Free

Victoria Square

Activity

Ayaneshu Bhardwaj Cz Sh Ro U5 O Unsplash (1)

Ayaneshu Bhardwaj Cz Sh Ro U5 O Unsplash (1)

Tuk Tuk Chaiwallah

Enjoy a free cup of chai every day, whilst exploring the history of tea and its journey to the UK.

15:00 - 17:00

Free

Wondersphere, Chamberlain Square

Workshop

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Cebc7ea5 7323 45e6 85e6 C1b6d2148a81

Costume Making: Petal Collars

Inspired by the original designs of PoliNations costume designer Joey A Frenette (Ru Paul's Drag Race), make your own petal collar in this hands-on workshop. If you've got fabric you'd like to create your collar with, bring it! Otherwise we'll have a selection available for you to choose from. Suitable for beginners although some basic sewing skills are required.

17:00 - 19:00

Free

Wondersphere, Chamberlain Square

Workshop

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Mahogany Workshop Quinten De Graaf K B0 Ipylp7dc Unsplash

Costume Workshop: Headdress Making

Carnival experts Mahogany Carnival Design (The Queen's Platinum Jubilee, Notting Hill Carnival) will lead a workshop to show you how to create your own sculptural headdress!

19:41 - 20:11

Free

Victoria Square

Sound & Light

Untitled Design (10)

Untitled Design (10)

Sunset Shift

Bask in a spectacular light and sound show, as PoliNations transitions into an evening wonderland with light, music and sound.

07:00 - 08:00

Free

Victoria Square

Sound & Light

How to Value Yourself.jpg

How to Value Yourself.jpg

The Awakening

Welcome the morning sun as a beautiful soundscape hails the start of a new day, every day.

10:00 - 11:00

Free

Victoria Square

Performance

Mg 0217 Resized for Media

Mg 0217 Resized for Media

From Soil to Sip

Spectra's accessible, multi-sensory tour of PoliNations, exploring Tea - planting, growing, harvesting, blending, brewing and drinking!

11:00 - 12:00

Free

Victoria Square

Activity

Ayaneshu Bhardwaj Cz Sh Ro U5 O Unsplash (1)

Ayaneshu Bhardwaj Cz Sh Ro U5 O Unsplash (1)

Tuk Tuk Chaiwallah

Enjoy a free cup of chai every day, whilst exploring the history of tea and its journey to the UK.

12:00 - 13:00

Free

Mother Tree, Victoria Square

Talk

Untitled Design 6

Untitled Design 6

Lunchtime Talk with Owen Griffiths and Davinia-Ann Robinson: Connecting to the earth- art and social practice

Artists Owen Griffiths and Davinia Ann-Robinson discuss the cross over in how their practices explore nature and colonialism.

14:00 - 15:00

Free

Victoria Square

Activity

An Artist Render of Poli Nations, Courtesy of Trigger Collective. Credit Thiss, Carl Robertshaw, Trigger (3)

An Artist Render of Poli Nations, Courtesy of Trigger Collective. Credit Thiss, Carl Robertshaw, Trigger (3)

Into the Garden

Daily horticultural tours of the super garden led by our expert gardeners from The Birmingham Botanical Gardens.

14:00 - 15:00

Free

Victoria Square

Activity

Ayaneshu Bhardwaj Cz Sh Ro U5 O Unsplash (1)

Ayaneshu Bhardwaj Cz Sh Ro U5 O Unsplash (1)

Tuk Tuk Chaiwallah

Enjoy a free cup of chai every day, whilst exploring the history of tea and its journey to the UK.

14:00 - 16:00

Free

Wondersphere, Chamberlain Square

Workshop

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Steven Lasry Ys Ii H0l Apgs Unsplash

Costume Workshop: Making Structured Costumes

Learn the basics of costume design as you make a mini-3D carnival costume with scale models with Carnival Design Experts Mahogany (The Queen's Platinum Jubilee, Notting Hill Carnival).

17:00 - 19:00

Free

Wondersphere, Chamberlain Square

Workshop

Jessie Koranteng Ea1z O H3ft Te Unsplash

Jessie Koranteng Ea1z O H3ft Te Unsplash

Costume Workshop: Queer Make-Up Masterclass

Shantay, you stay! Join PoliNations costume designers and drag artists Blü Romantic and Bougie Bourgeosie, for a queer make-up masterclass!

19:39 - 20:09

Free

Victoria Square

Sound & Light

Untitled Design (10)

Untitled Design (10)

Sunset Shift

Bask in a spectacular light and sound show, as PoliNations transitions into an evening wonderland with light, music and sound.

07:00 - 08:00

Free

Victoria Square

Sound & Light

How to Value Yourself.jpg

How to Value Yourself.jpg

The Awakening

Welcome the morning sun as a beautiful soundscape hails the start of a new day, every day.

07:00 - 21:00

Free

Victoria Square and Chamberlain Square

Everything

Untitled Design (5)

Untitled Design (5)

Contains Strong Language: Poetry and Performance Festival

BBC Contains Strong Language Festival takes over the PoliNations site for a spectacular celebration of poetry and spoken word!

09:00 - 10:30

Free

WonderSphere, Chamberlain Square

Workshop

Elena Karina Byrne

Elena Karina Byrne

Contains Strong Language: Laurel Workshop #1 with Elena Karina Byrne

THE DEMOCRACY OF HOPE: How Eco Writing Inspires our Valuable Connection to the Future.

10:00 - 11:00

Free

Victoria Square

Performance

Mg 0217 Resized for Media

Mg 0217 Resized for Media

From Soil to Sip

Spectra's accessible, multi-sensory tour of PoliNations, exploring Tea - planting, growing, harvesting, blending, brewing and drinking!

11:00 - 12:30

Free

WonderSphere, Chamberlain Square

Workshop

Glyn Maxwell

Glyn Maxwell

Contains Strong Language: Laurel Workshop #2 with Glyn Maxwell

Glyn Maxwell will lead a poetry workshop combining the timeless things (deep reading, wide thinking, writing games and conversation) with the urgent things (climate change, nature in turmoil, humanity barely waking up) at the end of which fun and fruitful time we may not have the answers, but we’ll have put the questions better.

11:00 - 12:00

Free

Victoria Square

Activity

Ayaneshu Bhardwaj Cz Sh Ro U5 O Unsplash (1)

Ayaneshu Bhardwaj Cz Sh Ro U5 O Unsplash (1)

Tuk Tuk Chaiwallah

Enjoy a free cup of chai every day, whilst exploring the history of tea and its journey to the UK.

12:00 - 13:00

Free

Mother Tree, Victoria Square

Talk

Lunchtime Talk with Sue Stuart Smith and Chris Marchant: The Well-Gardened Mind

Psychiatrist, psychotherapist and author Sue Stuart Smith joins Chris Marchant to discuss the ideas of her book, The Well Gardened Mind.

13:30 - 14:30

Free

WonderSphere, Chamberlain Square

Workshop

Laurel Prize Reading

Laurel Prize Reading

Contains Strong Language: Laurel Prize Reading

The Laurel Prize for eco and nature poetry is the world's largest prize for best collection awarded annually. Join this year's judges Glyn Maxwell (Chair), Tishani Doshi and Elena Karina Byrne for a very special reading highlighting their own work and their relationship with poetry climate activism.

14:00 - 15:00

Free

Victoria Square

Activity

An Artist Render of Poli Nations, Courtesy of Trigger Collective. Credit Thiss, Carl Robertshaw, Trigger (3)

An Artist Render of Poli Nations, Courtesy of Trigger Collective. Credit Thiss, Carl Robertshaw, Trigger (3)

Into the Garden

Daily horticultural tours of the super garden led by our expert gardeners from The Birmingham Botanical Gardens.

14:00 - 15:00

Free

Victoria Square

Activity

Ayaneshu Bhardwaj Cz Sh Ro U5 O Unsplash (1)

Ayaneshu Bhardwaj Cz Sh Ro U5 O Unsplash (1)

Tuk Tuk Chaiwallah

Enjoy a free cup of chai every day, whilst exploring the history of tea and its journey to the UK.

18:00 - 18:30

Free

Mother Tree Stage

Performance

1 X Words First Csl

1 X Words First Csl

Contains Strong Language: BBC Words First Reading

In association with BBC 1Xtra, BBC Contains Strong Language presents the Words First Reading, celebrating the most talented poets and spoken word artists aged 18-30 from across the UK.

19:10 - 21:00

Free

Main Stage

Music

Untitled Design (5)

Untitled Design (5)

Contains Strong Language: Soweto Kinch - White Juju

A live performance of Soweto Kinch's critically acclaimed 'White Juju', especially adapted for PoliNations.

19:37 - 20:07

Free

Victoria Square

Sound & Light

Untitled Design (10)

Untitled Design (10)

Sunset Shift

Bask in a spectacular light and sound show, as PoliNations transitions into an evening wonderland with light, music and sound.

07:00 - 08:00

Free

Victoria Square

Sound & Light

How to Value Yourself.jpg

How to Value Yourself.jpg

The Awakening

Welcome the morning sun as a beautiful soundscape hails the start of a new day, every day.

07:00 - 21:00

Free

Victoria Square and Chamberlain Square

Everything

Untitled Design (5)

Untitled Design (5)

Contains Strong Language: Poetry and Performance Festival

BBC Contains Strong Language Festival takes over the PoliNations site for a spectacular celebration of poetry and spoken word!

11:00 - 12:00

Free

Victoria Square

Activity

Ayaneshu Bhardwaj Cz Sh Ro U5 O Unsplash (1)

Ayaneshu Bhardwaj Cz Sh Ro U5 O Unsplash (1)

Tuk Tuk Chaiwallah

Enjoy a free cup of chai every day, whilst exploring the history of tea and its journey to the UK.

11:00 - 11:30

Free

Mother Tree Stage

Performance

1 X Words First Csl

1 X Words First Csl

Contains Strong Language: BBC Words First Reading

In association with BBC 1Xtra, BBC Contains Strong Language presents the Words First Reading, celebrating the most talented poets and spoken word artists aged 18-30 from across the UK.

12:00 - 13:00

Free

Mother Tree Stage

Performance

Across Borders

Across Borders

Contains Strong Language: Across Borders Poets land at PoliNations

Contains Strong Languages' Across Borders project, in partnership with Birmingham 2022, connected poets across the Commonwealth.

12:00 - 14:00

Free

WonderSphere, Chamberlain Square

Workshop

Contains Strong Language Animation Workshop with Calling The Shots

Contains Strong Language Animation Workshop with Calling The Shots

Contains Strong Language: Animation Workshop with Calling the Shots

Discover the creative impact of animation and explore ways to unleash the power of your words through visualisation.

14:00 - 15:00

Free

Victoria Square

Activity

An Artist Render of Poli Nations, Courtesy of Trigger Collective. Credit Thiss, Carl Robertshaw, Trigger (3)

An Artist Render of Poli Nations, Courtesy of Trigger Collective. Credit Thiss, Carl Robertshaw, Trigger (3)

Into the Garden

Daily horticultural tours of the super garden led by our expert gardeners from The Birmingham Botanical Gardens.

14:00 - 15:00

Free

Victoria Square

Activity

Ayaneshu Bhardwaj Cz Sh Ro U5 O Unsplash (1)

Ayaneshu Bhardwaj Cz Sh Ro U5 O Unsplash (1)

Tuk Tuk Chaiwallah

Enjoy a free cup of chai every day, whilst exploring the history of tea and its journey to the UK.

19:10 - 21:00

Free

Main Stage

Performance

Contains Strong Language Jasmine Gardosi Dancing to Music You Hate

Contains Strong Language Jasmine Gardosi Dancing to Music You Hate

Contains Strong Language: Jasmine Gardosi; Dancing to Music You Hate

Jasmine Gardosi is an award-winning spoken word poet, beatboxer and multiple slam champion of national and international renown. Prepare for an hour of explosive dubstep bass-lines and soaring folk violin which blow apart the boundaries of gender and musical genre alike.

19:34 - 20:04

Free

Victoria Square

Sound & Light

Untitled Design (10)

Untitled Design (10)

Sunset Shift

Bask in a spectacular light and sound show, as PoliNations transitions into an evening wonderland with light, music and sound.

07:00 - 08:00

Free

Victoria Square

Sound & Light

How to Value Yourself.jpg

How to Value Yourself.jpg

The Awakening

Welcome the morning sun as a beautiful soundscape hails the start of a new day, every day.

07:00 - 21:00

Free

Victoria Square and Chamberlain Square

Everything

Untitled Design (5)

Untitled Design (5)

Contains Strong Language: Poetry and Performance Festival

BBC Contains Strong Language Festival takes over the PoliNations site for a spectacular celebration of poetry and spoken word!

10:00 - 11:00

Free

Victoria Square

Activity

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694e973a 1fe6 417d 9b63 30d49d04563a

Touch Tours

These tours are for those who are Blind or partially sighted and would enjoy taking in the site using texture, sound and other senses.

11:00 - 12:00

Free

Main Stage

Activity

Contains Strong Language Plot17

Contains Strong Language Plot17

Contains Strong Language: Plot17

Presented by Apples & Snakes, PLOT17 is a mobile block party travelling the world raising awareness, inspiring action and spreading the message of “making things green”, with a soundtrack guaranteed to make you want to plant a tree and sure to help the seeds grow. Perfect for ages 7 – 11.

11:00 - 12:00

Free

Victoria Square

Activity

Ayaneshu Bhardwaj Cz Sh Ro U5 O Unsplash (1)

Ayaneshu Bhardwaj Cz Sh Ro U5 O Unsplash (1)

Tuk Tuk Chaiwallah

Enjoy a free cup of chai every day, whilst exploring the history of tea and its journey to the UK.

12:00 - 13:15

Free

Wondersphere, Chamberlain Square

Workshop

Jane Photo 2022

Jane Photo 2022

Creative Workshop: Zine Making!

In a weekend dedicated to the power of words, come and get creative and make a collaborative zine, lead by artist Jane Thakoordin.

14:00 - 15:00

Free

Victoria Square

Activity

An Artist Render of Poli Nations, Courtesy of Trigger Collective. Credit Thiss, Carl Robertshaw, Trigger (3)

An Artist Render of Poli Nations, Courtesy of Trigger Collective. Credit Thiss, Carl Robertshaw, Trigger (3)

Into the Garden

Daily horticultural tours of the super garden led by our expert gardeners from The Birmingham Botanical Gardens.

14:00 - 15:00

Free

Victoria Square

Activity

Ayaneshu Bhardwaj Cz Sh Ro U5 O Unsplash (1)

Ayaneshu Bhardwaj Cz Sh Ro U5 O Unsplash (1)

Tuk Tuk Chaiwallah

Enjoy a free cup of chai every day, whilst exploring the history of tea and its journey to the UK.

14:00 - 15:00

Free

Main Stage

Activity

Contains Strong Language Plot17

Contains Strong Language Plot17

Contains Strong Language: Plot17

Presented by Apples & Snakes, PLOT17 is a mobile block party travelling the world raising awareness, inspiring action and spreading the message of “making things green”, with a soundtrack guaranteed to make you want to plant a tree and sure to help the seeds grow. Perfect for ages 7 – 11.

15:00 - 16:00

Free

Mother Tree stage

Performance

Contains Strong Language India Uk Exchange Poets Land at Poli Nations

Contains Strong Language India Uk Exchange Poets Land at Poli Nations

Contains Strong Language: India/UK Exchange Poets land at PoliNations

Contains Strong Languages' Language is a Queer Thing project pairs three UK poets with three Indian poets in an exchange that explores the queer experience in two very different countries.

15:00 - 16:15

Free

Wondersphere, Chamberlain Square

Workshop

Jane Photo 2022

Jane Photo 2022

Creative Workshop: Zine Making!

In a weekend dedicated to the power of words, come and get creative and make a collaborative zine, lead by artist Jane Thakoordin.

17:00 - 18:00

Free

Mother Tree stage

Performance

Luke Wright

Luke Wright

Contains Strong Language: Luke Wright

An ALL-NEW show for 2022, Luke Wright performs his deliciously funny poems set against a backdrop of pandemic politics, ageing parents, and an endless droning culture war.

19:32 - 20:02

Free

Victoria Square

Sound & Light

Untitled Design (10)

Untitled Design (10)

Sunset Shift

Bask in a spectacular light and sound show, as PoliNations transitions into an evening wonderland with light, music and sound.

07:00 - 08:00

Free

Victoria Square

Sound & Light

How to Value Yourself.jpg

How to Value Yourself.jpg

The Awakening

Welcome the morning sun as a beautiful soundscape hails the start of a new day, every day.

07:00 - 21:00

Free

Activity

Rangoli Creation Ranbir Kaur

Rangoli Creation Ranbir Kaur

Rangoli

Marvel in the creation of five beautiful rangoli artworks created by Guinness World Record breaking Rangoli artist Ranbir Kaur.

10:00 - 11:00

Free

Victoria Square

Performance

Mg 0217 Resized for Media

Mg 0217 Resized for Media

From Soil to Sip

Spectra's accessible, multi-sensory tour of PoliNations, exploring Tea - planting, growing, harvesting, blending, brewing and drinking!

11:00 - 12:00

Free

Victoria Square

Activity

Ayaneshu Bhardwaj Cz Sh Ro U5 O Unsplash (1)

Ayaneshu Bhardwaj Cz Sh Ro U5 O Unsplash (1)

Tuk Tuk Chaiwallah

Enjoy a free cup of chai every day, whilst exploring the history of tea and its journey to the UK.

12:00 - 13:00

Free

Mother Tree, Victoria Square

Talk

Lunchtime Talk with Jo Capper and Marlon Patrice: Growing and Healing in the Outdoors

Discover how the outdoors give us strength and helps us to heal with The Growing Project's Jo Capper in conversation with the founder of We Go Outside Too, Marlon Patrice.

12:00 - 13:00

Free

Wondersphere, Chamberlain Square

Workshop

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72178500 10156439628927624 6413392659859111936 O (1)

Rangoli Drop In

As rangoli pops-up in Birmingham City Centre by world-renowned artist, Ranbir Kaur, come and drop in to the WonderSphere and learn how to make your own mini-mandala!

14:00 - 15:00

Free

Victoria Square

Activity

An Artist Render of Poli Nations, Courtesy of Trigger Collective. Credit Thiss, Carl Robertshaw, Trigger (3)

An Artist Render of Poli Nations, Courtesy of Trigger Collective. Credit Thiss, Carl Robertshaw, Trigger (3)

Into the Garden

Daily horticultural tours of the super garden led by our expert gardeners from The Birmingham Botanical Gardens.

14:00 - 15:00

Free

Victoria Square

Activity

Ayaneshu Bhardwaj Cz Sh Ro U5 O Unsplash (1)

Ayaneshu Bhardwaj Cz Sh Ro U5 O Unsplash (1)

Tuk Tuk Chaiwallah

Enjoy a free cup of chai every day, whilst exploring the history of tea and its journey to the UK.

15:00 - 17:00

Free

Wondersphere, Chamberlain Square

Workshop

Whats App Image 2022 07 26 at 14.19.07

Whats App Image 2022 07 26 at 14.19.07

Costume Workshop: Block Printing Basics

Come and learn basic wood block printing techniques, using block designs by Pakistani designer Riffat Aliani, and Birmingham designer Ellis Miles Stewart. Bring something to transform with block print; a tea towel, a t-shirt, or fabrics you love!

18:00 - 20:00

Free

Wondersphere, Chamberlain Square

Workshop

Steven Lasry Ys Ii H0l Apgs Unsplash

Steven Lasry Ys Ii H0l Apgs Unsplash

Costume Workshop: Making Structured Costumes

Learn the basics of costume design as you make a mini-3D carnival costume with scale models with Carnival Design Experts Mahogany (The Queen's Platinum Jubilee, Notting Hill Carnival).

19:30 - 20:00

Free

Victoria Square

Sound & Light

Untitled Design (10)

Untitled Design (10)

Sunset Shift

Bask in a spectacular light and sound show, as PoliNations transitions into an evening wonderland with light, music and sound.

07:00 - 08:00

Free

Victoria Square

Sound & Light

How to Value Yourself.jpg

How to Value Yourself.jpg

The Awakening

Welcome the morning sun as a beautiful soundscape hails the start of a new day, every day.

07:00 - 21:00

Free

Activity

Rangoli Creation Ranbir Kaur

Rangoli Creation Ranbir Kaur

Rangoli

Marvel in the creation of five beautiful rangoli artworks created by Guinness World Record breaking Rangoli artist Ranbir Kaur.

10:00 - 11:00

Free

Victoria Square

Performance

Mg 0217 Resized for Media

Mg 0217 Resized for Media

From Soil to Sip

Spectra's accessible, multi-sensory tour of PoliNations, exploring Tea - planting, growing, harvesting, blending, brewing and drinking!

11:00 - 12:00

Free

Victoria Square

Activity

Ayaneshu Bhardwaj Cz Sh Ro U5 O Unsplash (1)

Ayaneshu Bhardwaj Cz Sh Ro U5 O Unsplash (1)

Tuk Tuk Chaiwallah

Enjoy a free cup of chai every day, whilst exploring the history of tea and its journey to the UK.

12:00 - 13:00

Free

Mother Tree, Victoria Square

Talk

Kevin in A Relaxed Mood (1)

Kevin in A Relaxed Mood (1)

Lunchtime talk with Kevin Buckle and Ahmed Mudawi: Language and colonialism - History and Oppression

Kevin Buckle and Ahmed Mudawi will be in conversation exploring the history and colonisation of languages.

14:00 - 15:00

Free

Victoria Square

Activity

An Artist Render of Poli Nations, Courtesy of Trigger Collective. Credit Thiss, Carl Robertshaw, Trigger (3)

An Artist Render of Poli Nations, Courtesy of Trigger Collective. Credit Thiss, Carl Robertshaw, Trigger (3)

Into the Garden

Daily horticultural tours of the super garden led by our expert gardeners from The Birmingham Botanical Gardens.

14:00 - 15:00

Free

Victoria Square

Activity

Ayaneshu Bhardwaj Cz Sh Ro U5 O Unsplash (1)

Ayaneshu Bhardwaj Cz Sh Ro U5 O Unsplash (1)

Tuk Tuk Chaiwallah

Enjoy a free cup of chai every day, whilst exploring the history of tea and its journey to the UK.

15:00 - 17:00

Free

Wondersphere, Chamberlain Square

Workshop

Mahogany Workshop Quinten De Graaf K B0 Ipylp7dc Unsplash

Mahogany Workshop Quinten De Graaf K B0 Ipylp7dc Unsplash

Costume Workshop: Headdress Making

Carnival experts Mahogany Carnival Design (The Queen's Platinum Jubilee, Notting Hill Carnival) will lead a workshop to show you how to create your own sculptural headdress!

18:00 - 19:00

Free

Victoria Square

Activity

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694e973a 1fe6 417d 9b63 30d49d04563a

Touch Tours

These tours are for those who are Blind or partially sighted and would enjoy taking in the site using texture, sound and other senses.

18:00 - 20:00

Free

Wondersphere, Chamberlain Square

Workshop

Mahogany Workshop Quinten De Graaf K B0 Ipylp7dc Unsplash

Mahogany Workshop Quinten De Graaf K B0 Ipylp7dc Unsplash

Costume Workshop: Headdress Making

Carnival experts Mahogany Carnival Design (The Queen's Platinum Jubilee, Notting Hill Carnival) will lead a workshop to show you how to create your own sculptural headdress!

19:27 - 19:57

Free

Victoria Square

Sound & Light

Untitled Design (10)

Untitled Design (10)

Sunset Shift

Bask in a spectacular light and sound show, as PoliNations transitions into an evening wonderland with light, music and sound.

07:00 - 08:00

Free

Victoria Square

Sound & Light

How to Value Yourself.jpg

How to Value Yourself.jpg

The Awakening

Welcome the morning sun as a beautiful soundscape hails the start of a new day, every day.

07:00 - 21:00

Free

Activity

Rangoli Creation Ranbir Kaur

Rangoli Creation Ranbir Kaur

Rangoli

Marvel in the creation of five beautiful rangoli artworks created by Guinness World Record breaking Rangoli artist Ranbir Kaur.

10:00 - 11:00

Free

Victoria Square

Performance

Mg 0217 Resized for Media

Mg 0217 Resized for Media

From Soil to Sip

Spectra's accessible, multi-sensory tour of PoliNations, exploring Tea - planting, growing, harvesting, blending, brewing and drinking!

11:00 - 12:00

Free

Victoria Square

Activity

Ayaneshu Bhardwaj Cz Sh Ro U5 O Unsplash (1)

Ayaneshu Bhardwaj Cz Sh Ro U5 O Unsplash (1)

Tuk Tuk Chaiwallah

Enjoy a free cup of chai every day, whilst exploring the history of tea and its journey to the UK.

12:00 - 13:00

Free

Mother Tree, Victoria Square

Talk

Untitled Design (5)

Untitled Design (5)

Lunchtime Talk with Professor Duncan Cameron and Dr Moaed Al Meselamni: Growing food in mattresses - the future of food sustainability

Can you really grow food in mattresses? Hear about the future of food sustainability from leading researcher Professor Duncan Cameron and Dr Moaed Al Meselamni.

14:00 - 15:00

Free

Victoria Square

Activity

An Artist Render of Poli Nations, Courtesy of Trigger Collective. Credit Thiss, Carl Robertshaw, Trigger (3)

An Artist Render of Poli Nations, Courtesy of Trigger Collective. Credit Thiss, Carl Robertshaw, Trigger (3)

Into the Garden

Daily horticultural tours of the super garden led by our expert gardeners from The Birmingham Botanical Gardens.

14:00 - 15:00

Free

Victoria Square

Activity

Ayaneshu Bhardwaj Cz Sh Ro U5 O Unsplash (1)

Ayaneshu Bhardwaj Cz Sh Ro U5 O Unsplash (1)

Tuk Tuk Chaiwallah

Enjoy a free cup of chai every day, whilst exploring the history of tea and its journey to the UK.

15:00 - 17:00

Free

Wondersphere, Chamberlain Square

Workshop

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Unknown

Costume Workshop: Upcycling

Come and turn a pre-loved garment into an upcycled flower! Hosted by costume experts from Mahogany Carnival Design

18:00 - 20:00

Free

Wondersphere, Chamberlain Square

Workshop

Jessie Koranteng Ea1z O H3ft Te Unsplash

Jessie Koranteng Ea1z O H3ft Te Unsplash

Costume Workshop: Queer Make-Up Masterclass

Shantay, you stay! Join PoliNations costume designers and drag artists Blü Romantic and Bougie Bourgeosie, for a queer make-up masterclass!

19:25 - 19:55

Free

Victoria Square

Sound & Light

Untitled Design (10)

Untitled Design (10)

Sunset Shift

Bask in a spectacular light and sound show, as PoliNations transitions into an evening wonderland with light, music and sound.

07:00 - 08:00

Free

Victoria Square

Sound & Light

How to Value Yourself.jpg

How to Value Yourself.jpg

The Awakening

Welcome the morning sun as a beautiful soundscape hails the start of a new day, every day.

07:00 - 21:00

Free

Activity

Rangoli Creation Ranbir Kaur

Rangoli Creation Ranbir Kaur

Rangoli

Marvel in the creation of five beautiful rangoli artworks created by Guinness World Record breaking Rangoli artist Ranbir Kaur.

10:00 - 12:00

Free

Victoria Square

Performance

Mg 0217 Resized for Media

Mg 0217 Resized for Media

From Soil to Sip

Spectra's accessible, multi-sensory tour of PoliNations, exploring Tea - planting, growing, harvesting, blending, brewing and drinking!

11:00 - 19:00

Free

Performance

By Ana Jobson (1) (1)

By Ana Jobson (1) (1)

Iconic Works of Plant Life

Iconic Plants come to life, our extraordinary walkabout performers will dazzle and amaze in bespoke costumes for the Ballistic Seed Parties finale weekend!

11:00 - 11:00

Free

Mother Tree, Victoria Square

Performance

Ming De Nasty1 (2)

Ming De Nasty1 (2)

Tuk Tuk Chaiwallah Performance

Renowned dance artist, choreographer and cultural producer Jaivant Patel explores rituals of tea through traditional Khattak and South Asian style dance.

11:00 - 12:00

Free

Victoria Square

Activity

Ayaneshu Bhardwaj Cz Sh Ro U5 O Unsplash (1)

Ayaneshu Bhardwaj Cz Sh Ro U5 O Unsplash (1)

Tuk Tuk Chaiwallah

Enjoy a free cup of chai every day, whilst exploring the history of tea and its journey to the UK.

11:10 - 11:50

Free

Mother Tree, Victoria Square

Performance

Ming De Nasty1 (2)

Ming De Nasty1 (2)

Tuk Tuk Chaiwallah Performance

Renowned dance artist, choreographer and cultural producer Jaivant Patel explores rituals of tea through traditional Khattak and South Asian style dance.

12:00 - 13:00

Free

Mother Tree, Victoria Square

Talk

Lunchtime Talk with Paul Harfleet and Carl Robertshaw: The Pansy Project - Resistance in Nature and Design

Artist Paul Harfleet talks to PoliNations Design Director Carl Robertshaw about The Pansy Project, and nature as a source of inspiration and representation.

14:00 - 15:00

Free

Victoria Square

Activity

An Artist Render of Poli Nations, Courtesy of Trigger Collective. Credit Thiss, Carl Robertshaw, Trigger (3)

An Artist Render of Poli Nations, Courtesy of Trigger Collective. Credit Thiss, Carl Robertshaw, Trigger (3)

Into the Garden

Daily horticultural tours of the super garden led by our expert gardeners from The Birmingham Botanical Gardens.

14:00 - 15:00

Free

Victoria Square

Activity

Ayaneshu Bhardwaj Cz Sh Ro U5 O Unsplash (1)

Ayaneshu Bhardwaj Cz Sh Ro U5 O Unsplash (1)

Tuk Tuk Chaiwallah

Enjoy a free cup of chai every day, whilst exploring the history of tea and its journey to the UK.

15:00 - 15:30

Free

Main Stage, Victoria Square

Workshop

Pexels Philip Boakye 2351856

Pexels Philip Boakye 2351856

Family Fun Workshop: Feel Fabulous

Learn to feel FABULOUS and be introduced to queer movement and dance before shimmying the night away!

16:30 - 17:00

Free

Wondersphere, Chamberlain Square

Performance

Family Catwalk Extravaganza

Family Catwalk Extravaganza

Family Catwalk Extravaganza

Dress in your finest, come learn the moves – then take to the floor in our family friendly drag catwalk extravaganza!

19:00 - 21:00

Free

Performance

F B21 226 (1)

F B21 226 (1)

Catwalk Extravaganza

Fashion, lip sync, make up and dance battles from the fiercest performers on the scene!

19:22 - 20:02

Free

Victoria Square

Sound & Light

Untitled Design (10)

Untitled Design (10)

Sunset Shift

Bask in a spectacular light and sound show, as PoliNations transitions into an evening wonderland with light, music and sound.

07:00 - 08:00

Free

Victoria Square

Sound & Light

How to Value Yourself.jpg

How to Value Yourself.jpg

The Awakening

Welcome the morning sun as a beautiful soundscape hails the start of a new day, every day.

07:00 - 21:00

Free

Activity

Rangoli Creation Ranbir Kaur

Rangoli Creation Ranbir Kaur

Rangoli

Marvel in the creation of five beautiful rangoli artworks created by Guinness World Record breaking Rangoli artist Ranbir Kaur.

10:00 - 11:00

Free

Victoria Square

Performance

Mg 0217 Resized for Media

Mg 0217 Resized for Media

From Soil to Sip

Spectra's accessible, multi-sensory tour of PoliNations, exploring Tea - planting, growing, harvesting, blending, brewing and drinking!

11:00 - 19:00

Free

Performance

By Ana Jobson (1) (1)

By Ana Jobson (1) (1)

Iconic Works of Plant Life

Iconic Plants come to life, our extraordinary walkabout performers will dazzle and amaze in bespoke costumes for the Ballistic Seed Parties finale weekend!

11:00 - 11:00

Free

Mother Tree, Victoria Square

Performance

Ming De Nasty1 (2)

Ming De Nasty1 (2)

Tuk Tuk Chaiwallah Performance

Renowned dance artist, choreographer and cultural producer Jaivant Patel explores rituals of tea through traditional Khattak and South Asian style dance.

11:00 - 12:00

Free

Victoria Square

Activity

Ayaneshu Bhardwaj Cz Sh Ro U5 O Unsplash (1)

Ayaneshu Bhardwaj Cz Sh Ro U5 O Unsplash (1)

Tuk Tuk Chaiwallah

Enjoy a free cup of chai every day, whilst exploring the history of tea and its journey to the UK.

12:00 - 17:00

Free

Activity

Vitaliy Lyubezhanin W1g G N71 U Oz I Unsplash

Vitaliy Lyubezhanin W1g G N71 U Oz I Unsplash

Henna

Celebrate South Asian culture with a traditional henna design by accomplished artists in partnership with Birmingham Mela.

12:00 - 17:00

Free

Activity

Jessie Koranteng Ea1z O H3ft Te Unsplash

Jessie Koranteng Ea1z O H3ft Te Unsplash

Glam Up

Glam-up with our drag inspired face-painting professional make-up artists, as they create your lewk for the evening.

13:15 - 13:30

Free

Main Stage, Victoria Square

Performance

Ds C0245

Ds C0245

Billy Read

A new outdoor street dance performance, critiquing capitalism and modern smartphone technology by Deaf choreographer and street dancer, Billy Read.

14:00 - 15:00

Free

Victoria Square

Activity

An Artist Render of Poli Nations, Courtesy of Trigger Collective. Credit Thiss, Carl Robertshaw, Trigger (3)

An Artist Render of Poli Nations, Courtesy of Trigger Collective. Credit Thiss, Carl Robertshaw, Trigger (3)

Into the Garden

Daily horticultural tours of the super garden led by our expert gardeners from The Birmingham Botanical Gardens.

14:00 - 15:00

Free

Victoria Square

Activity

Ayaneshu Bhardwaj Cz Sh Ro U5 O Unsplash (1)

Ayaneshu Bhardwaj Cz Sh Ro U5 O Unsplash (1)

Tuk Tuk Chaiwallah

Enjoy a free cup of chai every day, whilst exploring the history of tea and its journey to the UK.

15:00 - 15:40

Free

Mother Tree, Victoria Square

Performance

Ming De Nasty1 (2)

Ming De Nasty1 (2)

Tuk Tuk Chaiwallah Performance

Renowned dance artist, choreographer and cultural producer Jaivant Patel explores rituals of tea through traditional Khattak and South Asian style dance.

16:30 - 16:45

Free

Main Stage, Victoria Square

Performance

Ds C0245

Ds C0245

Billy Read

A new outdoor street dance performance, critiquing capitalism and modern smartphone technology by Deaf choreographer and street dancer, Billy Read.

17:00 - 17:30

Free

Mother Tree, Victoria Square

Performance

Image Credit Dami Vaughan (@damivaughan on Instagram)

Image Credit Dami Vaughan (@damivaughan on Instagram)

The Album: Live, Sarah & Yuki

Dancers Sarah Golding and Yukiko Masui celebrate the joy and innocence of reaching new audiences by setting contemporary dance to underground music.

19:00 - 19:30

Free

Victoria Square

Everything

Victoria Square Poli Nations Render

Victoria Square Poli Nations Render

Asian Summer

We're thrilled to be collaborating with Birmingham Mela who will be programming their Mela vibes for the PoliNations super garden for Asian Summer.

19:20 - 20:00

Free

Victoria Square

Sound & Light

Untitled Design (10)

Untitled Design (10)

Sunset Shift

Bask in a spectacular light and sound show, as PoliNations transitions into an evening wonderland with light, music and sound.

07:00 - 08:00

Free

Victoria Square

Sound & Light

How to Value Yourself.jpg

How to Value Yourself.jpg

The Awakening

Welcome the morning sun as a beautiful soundscape hails the start of a new day, every day.

07:00 - 21:00

Free

Activity

Rangoli Creation Ranbir Kaur

Rangoli Creation Ranbir Kaur

Rangoli

Marvel in the creation of five beautiful rangoli artworks created by Guinness World Record breaking Rangoli artist Ranbir Kaur.

08:30 - 09:30

Free

Activity

Poli Nations Photocall Birmingham May22 089[96172]

Poli Nations Photocall Birmingham May22 089[96172]

Drag Queen Story Time

Storytelling at its finest with PoliNations’ very own Yshee Black leading a flourishing themed 'Drag Queen Story Time' for the young ones

10:00 - 18:00

Free

Activity

Vitaliy Lyubezhanin W1g G N71 U Oz I Unsplash

Vitaliy Lyubezhanin W1g G N71 U Oz I Unsplash

Henna

Celebrate South Asian culture with a traditional henna design by accomplished artists in partnership with Birmingham Mela.

10:00 - 18:00

Free

Activity

Jessie Koranteng Ea1z O H3ft Te Unsplash

Jessie Koranteng Ea1z O H3ft Te Unsplash

Glam Up

Glam-up with our drag inspired face-painting professional make-up artists, as they create your lewk for the evening.

11:00 - 11:00

Free

Mother Tree, Victoria Square

Performance

Ming De Nasty1 (2)

Ming De Nasty1 (2)

Tuk Tuk Chaiwallah Performance

Renowned dance artist, choreographer and cultural producer Jaivant Patel explores rituals of tea through traditional Khattak and South Asian style dance.

11:00 - 12:00

Free

Victoria Square

Activity

Ayaneshu Bhardwaj Cz Sh Ro U5 O Unsplash (1)

Ayaneshu Bhardwaj Cz Sh Ro U5 O Unsplash (1)

Tuk Tuk Chaiwallah

Enjoy a free cup of chai every day, whilst exploring the history of tea and its journey to the UK.

11:10 - 11:40

Free

Mother Tree, Victoria Square

Performance

Ming De Nasty1 (2)

Ming De Nasty1 (2)

Tuk Tuk Chaiwallah Performance

Renowned dance artist, choreographer and cultural producer Jaivant Patel explores rituals of tea through traditional Khattak and South Asian style dance.

12:00 - 13:30

Free

Victoria Square

Everything

Victoria Square Poli Nations Render

Victoria Square Poli Nations Render

Asian Summer

We're thrilled to be collaborating with Birmingham Mela who will be programming their Mela vibes for the PoliNations super garden for Asian Summer.

12:30 - 14:00

Free

Victoria Square

Everything

Dsc 0998 (1)

Dsc 0998 (1)

Carnival - Fantastical Flora

Join us for some epic tunes, dance and vibes inspired by Caribbean Carnival.

14:00 - 15:00

Free

Victoria Square

Activity

Ayaneshu Bhardwaj Cz Sh Ro U5 O Unsplash (1)

Ayaneshu Bhardwaj Cz Sh Ro U5 O Unsplash (1)

Tuk Tuk Chaiwallah

Enjoy a free cup of chai every day, whilst exploring the history of tea and its journey to the UK.

15:00 - 15:45

Free

Main Stage, Victoria Square

Music

1 The Turbans Credit Zoe Savitz

1 The Turbans Credit Zoe Savitz

The Turbans

International legends The Turbans bind together music from ‘manywhere’ with their interstellar live show which ignites the crowd. Sonically huge and visually fascinating, they are a powerhouse of talent, bringing their vibrant and unique sound to audiences who can do nothing more than smile, dance and shout for joy.

16:30 - 17:15

Free

Main Stage, Victoria Square

Music

Destroyers 4 New

Destroyers 4 New

The Destroyers

Forged in the same fires as Tolkien's One Ring, Birmingham’s leading Doom-Pah band The Destroyers are THE exemplar of Megafolk.

17:00 - 17:30

Free

Mother Tree, Victoria Square

Performance

Image Credit Dami Vaughan (@damivaughan on Instagram)

Image Credit Dami Vaughan (@damivaughan on Instagram)

The Album: Live, Sarah & Yuki

Dancers Sarah Golding and Yukiko Masui celebrate the joy and innocence of reaching new audiences by setting contemporary dance to underground music.

18:15 - 19:00

Free

Main Stage, Victoria Square

Music

Balimaya Album Image Final (1)

Balimaya Album Image Final (1)

Balimaya Project

Balimaya Project is a London-based 16 piece collective, fusing West-African folkloric music and jazz in a unique and exciting way.

20:00 - 21:00

Free

Main Stage

Everything

Poli Nations Photocall Birmingham May22 089[96172]

Poli Nations Photocall Birmingham May22 089[96172]

Yshee's Ballistic Drag Party

Head to the Main Stage, one and all, as Yshee gets the party pumping with a PoliNations themed drag extravaganza!

20:15 - 20:55

Free

Victoria Square

Sound & Light

Untitled Design (10)

Untitled Design (10)

Sunset Shift

Bask in a spectacular light and sound show, as PoliNations transitions into an evening wonderland with light, music and sound.

07:00 - 08:00

Free

Victoria Square

Sound & Light

How to Value Yourself.jpg

How to Value Yourself.jpg

The Awakening

Welcome the morning sun as a beautiful soundscape hails the start of a new day, every day.

11:00 - 11:30

Free

Main Stage, Victoria Square

Music

Image 6 [credit Broaden]

Image 6 [credit Broaden]

Rosie Tee

Avant-pop wunderkind Rosie Tee brings a special musical set to PoliNations.

11:00 - 11:00

Free

Mother Tree, Victoria Square

Performance

Ming De Nasty1 (2)

Ming De Nasty1 (2)

Tuk Tuk Chaiwallah Performance

Renowned dance artist, choreographer and cultural producer Jaivant Patel explores rituals of tea through traditional Khattak and South Asian style dance.

11:00 - 16:00

Free

Victoria Square

Activity

Ews C4 Ve Wyaivqxe (1)

Ews C4 Ve Wyaivqxe (1)

Plant Giveaway!

As PoliNations winds down, come and claim a plant! All left over plants will be distributed into the local community and around Birmingham.

11:00 - 12:00

Free

Victoria Square

Activity

Ayaneshu Bhardwaj Cz Sh Ro U5 O Unsplash (1)

Ayaneshu Bhardwaj Cz Sh Ro U5 O Unsplash (1)

Tuk Tuk Chaiwallah

Enjoy a free cup of chai every day, whilst exploring the history of tea and its journey to the UK.

11:10 - 11:50

Free

Mother Tree, Victoria Square

Performance

Ming De Nasty1 (2)

Ming De Nasty1 (2)

Tuk Tuk Chaiwallah Performance

Renowned dance artist, choreographer and cultural producer Jaivant Patel explores rituals of tea through traditional Khattak and South Asian style dance.

12:00 - 20:00

Free

Performance

By Ana Jobson (1) (1)

By Ana Jobson (1) (1)

Iconic Works of Plant Life

Iconic Plants come to life, our extraordinary walkabout performers will dazzle and amaze in bespoke costumes for the Ballistic Seed Parties finale weekend!

12:15 - 12:45

Free

Main Stage, Victoria Square

Music

2 Neone The Wonderer Credit Adama Jalloh

2 Neone The Wonderer Credit Adama Jalloh

NeOne the Wonderer

Travel through dreams, nightmares, myths and reality with NeOne's election fusion of musical genres.

13:30 - 14:00

Free

Main Stage, Victoria Square

Music

Microsoft Teams Image (21) (2)

Microsoft Teams Image (21) (2)

Cariss Auburn

Wolverhampton native Cariss Auburn bring