St Martin's Square, Bullring & Grand Central Birmingham - A Birmingham Gem!

St Martin's Square opened at the new Bullring in 2003 near the Grade II* listed church known as St Martin in the Bullring. The Spiceal Street development was built and opened in 2011.


Where is St Martin's Square?

St Martin's Square is at the Bullring & Grand Central Birmingham near St Martin's Church. Edgbaston Street, Birmingham B5 5BB.

St Martin's SquareSt Martin's Square courtesy of Mac McCreery

 

In brief

St Martin's Square was opened in 2003, while the Spiceal Street development took place around 2011, which included restaurants at the Bullring.

St Martin's Square

St Martin's Square (Christmas 2019) courtesy of Daniel Sturley

 

It is the gateway to Digbeth, and near the Selfridges building.

St Martin's Church

St Martin's Church from Digbeth (October 2009) courtesy of Elliott Brown

 

History of St Martin's Church in the Bullring

The church dates back to at least the 13th century. The Guild of the Holy Cross was recorded as being responsible for the clock as early as 1547. The clock was next mentioned in 1613. In 1643 during the English Civil War, (according to legend), it is said that Prince Rupert fired three shots at the weathervane at St Martin's Church. The earliest clock makers arrived from London in 1667. By 1690, the church was dressed in brick by the church wardens. The spire was rebuilt in 1781 by John Cheshire and the church was demolished and rebuilt by the architect J. A. Chatwin in 1872, preserving the earlier tower and spire. It is a Grade II* listed building. It was the tallest building in Birmingham from 1855 to 1908 (when the Joseph Chamberlain Memorial Clock Tower was completed at the University of Birmingham).

St Martin's Church

St Martin's Church from Moor Street Car Park (March 2018) courtesy of Elliott Brown

 

Spiceal Street development

This development at the Bullring brought back the old name of Spiceal Street (lost after the 1960s Bull Ring was built). Constructed during 2011, it was open by Christmas 2011. Restaurants included: Chaophraya, Browns and Handmade Burger Co. There is also Nandos and Pizza Hut at the square level. Handmade Burger Co has since closed and will be replaced with Vietnamese Street Kitchen. There also used to be Jamie's Italian, but that too has closed down. They used to use the tables at the back of the building.

Spiceal Street St Martin's Square

Spiceal Street at St Martin's Square (December 2019) courtesy of Daniel Sturley

 

Tree Sculpture

The Tree Sculpture was made by Wolfgang Buttress using the reclaimed copper roof of the Spiral Cafe, which was removed ahead of the building of the restaurants at Spiceal Street. It is 44ft high and unveiled in late 2011.

St Martin's Square

Tree Sculpture at Spiceal Street, St Martin's Square (December 2019) courtesy of Daniel Sturley

 

Lost Structures of St Martin's Square

The following structures were removed in 2011 for the Spiceal Street development near St Martin's Square at the Bullring.

The Spiral Cafe was near the top of the steps at the Bullring from St Martin's Square. In it's later years it was occupied by Gloria Jean's Coffee.

Gloria Jean's Coffee

Gloria Jean's Coffee at the Bullring (May 2009) courtesy of Elliott Brown

 

There was also a Three Cubes water fountain sculpture that was removed in 2011.

Three Cubes St Martin's Square

Three Cubes water fountain sculpture at St Martin's Square (April 2009) courtesy of Elliott Brown

 

Model of St Martin's Square

If you are visiting inside of St Martin's Church, you will find a model of what St Martin's Square was proposed to look like. The model was probably made in the year 2000. It shows the steps in the square that were there from 2003 to 2011. That area was replaced by the restaurants of Spiceal Street.

Model of St Martin's Square

Model of St Martin's Square inside of St Martin's Church (February 2020) courtesy of Elliott Brown

 

Events at St Martin's Square over the years

There has been a lot of events that have taken place at St Martin's Square over the years, from the visit of the Coca Cola Christmas Truck, to various promotions. As well as the Floral Trail, The Big Hoot in 2015 and The Big Sleuth in 2017. There was also little owls and bears inside of St Martin's Church in each trail period.

 

Coca Cola Christmas Truck

The Coca Cola Christmas Truck visited St Martin's Square at least twice, in December 2014 and December 2016 (it later returned to Eastside City Park in 2017 and 2018). Holidays are coming!

Coca Cola Truck St Martin's Square

Coca Cola Christmas Truck in St Martin's Square (December 2014) courtesy of Elliott Brown

 

Coca Cola Truck

Coca Cola Christmas Truck at St Martin's Square (December 2016) courtesy of Elliott Brown

Go to this post for more on the Coca Cola Christmas Truck in Birmingham.

 

Promotional Buses and Vehicles

Former London Routemaster buses have visited St Martin's Square over the years from promoting a new movie to holidays and bingo. There has also been set ups for promoting a new drink, or even a Cadbury's Creme Egg lorry!

Minions on Tour was in St Martin's Square during May 2015 to promote the then release of the movie in cinemas on the 26th June 2015 (it's now available to stream on Netflix and rent on Amazon Prime Video).

Minions St Martin's Square

Minions bus in St Martin's Square (May 2015) courtesy of Elliott Brown

 

Vita Coco was in St Martin's Square during July 2016 to promote their tropical drink on 'Coconut Grove'.

Vita Coco St Martin's Square

Vita Coco at St Martin's Square (July 2016) courtesy of Elliott Brown

 

It was the Cadbury Creme Egg Hunt during February 2017 in St Martin's Square. It's hunting season!

Cadbury Creme Egg St Martin's Square

Cadbury Creme Egg Hunt in St Martin's Square (February 2017) courtesy of Elliott Brown

For more events with vehicles go to this post Customised buses and lorries seen in St Martin's Square over the years.

 

Birmingham City Centre Floral Trail

A variety of floral trail features have been in St Martin's Square over the years in front of the church.

Trafalgar Oct 21 1805 was in St Martin's Square during the summer of 2009. Commemorating the Battle of Trafalgar where Horatio Nelson died. Trafalgar Day is celebrated each year on the 21st October at the Bullring around the statue of Nelson.

Trafalgar St Martin's Square

Trafalgar Oct 21 1805 in St Martin's Square (August 2009) courtesy of Elliott Brown

 

The Best of Birmingham was part of Birmingham's 2012 Gold winning piece from the Chelsea Flower Show. It featured the Bullring Bull, Selfridges and the Birmingham Canals.

Best of Birmingham St Martin's Square

The Best of Birmingham in St Martin's Square (August 2012) courtesy of Elliott Brown

 

The Big Hoot Birmingham 2015

Trails of painted owls around Birmingham in the summer of 2015. It lasted for 10 weeks before being auctioned off for the Birmingham Children's Hospital Charity. There was one owl in front of St Martin's Church, while another was at the bottom of St Martin's Walk, and a third with a view of Selfridges behind it.

Beorma by the artist Jodie Silverman from a design by Betty Underwood – a pupil from Camp Hill School for Girls. The sponsor was The Schools of King Edward VI in Birmingham.

The Big Hoot St Martin's Square

Beorma (by artist Jodie Silverman from a design by Betty Underwood) in St Martin's Square (July 2015). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

The Big Sleuth Birmingham 2017

A trail of painted bears around Birmingham and the West Midlands in the summer of 2017. It lasted for 10 weeks before being auctioned off for the Birmingham Children's Hospital Charity. There was one bear outside of St Martin's Church, while another could be found inside of Selfridges.

Bearmingham by the artist James Mustafa. The sponsor was The Schools of King Edward VI in Birmingham.

The Big Sleuth St Martin's Square

Bearmingham (by artist James Mustafa) in St Martin's Square (July 2017). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Christmas in St Martin's Square

Over the years there has been different Christmas Tree's outside of St Martin's Church. Sometimes the Fudge Bus has been down there, other years a carousel.

A traditional Christmas Tree could be found in St Martin's Square over the festive season of 2013. The lights behind were all lit up as well. Forever 21 occupied many of those retail spaces at the time.

Christmas St Martin's Square

Christmas tree and lights at night in St Martin's Square (December 2013) courtesy of Elliott Brown

 

In recent years the Bullring has reused an artificial Christmas Tree that they have placed outside of St Martin's Church in St Martin's Square. During the festive season of 2020 it was quiet, especially during the second lockdown. Most of the lights behind off as non essential retailers were closed, and some units were vacant.

Christmas St Martin's Square

Christmas Tree and lights in St Martin's Square after dark (November 2020) courtesy of Elliott Brown

Project dates

07 Oct 2019 - On-going

Passions

History & heritage, Civic pride, Photography
Shopping, Food & drink, Environment & green action, People & community, Modern Architecture, Squares and public spaces, Classic Architecture, Faith

Contact

Your Place Your Space

Jonathan Bostock

0121 410 5520
jonathan.bostock@ yourplaceyourspace.com

Related posts

Art; Culture & creativity
19 Feb 2024 - Elliott Brown
Gallery

The Bullring presents Borealis by Dan Acher - 9th to 18th February 2024

Post image

From the 9th to 18th February 2024 at the Bullring in Birmingham was an art installation by Dan Acher called Borealis. Based on the Northern Lights or the Aurora Borealis. It was on Central Street (St Martin's Walk) for 10 days from 5pm to 9pm each evening. Best seen after dark, as the effect didn't really work in daylight I found. Smoke machines and ambient music.

Related

The Bullring presents Borealis by Dan Acher - 9th to 18th February 2024





From the 9th to 18th February 2024 at the Bullring in Birmingham was an art installation by Dan Acher called Borealis. Based on the Northern Lights or the Aurora Borealis. It was on Central Street (St Martin's Walk) for 10 days from 5pm to 9pm each evening. Best seen after dark, as the effect didn't really work in daylight I found. Smoke machines and ambient music.


Borealis

BOREALIS THE NORTHERN LIGHTS - ANYTIME, ANYWHERE Borealis recreates one of nature’s most awe-inspiring phenomena over cities around the world. It shifts our emotional experience of familiar urban landmarks and awakens a shared conscience by creating something magical - something that shouldn’t naturally be there. Borealis is about our ancestral communion with nature and our more recent compulsion to control it. As our planet’s climate breaks down, the question arises: will technology one day replace everything that nature currently provides for us?

 

Dan Acher's Borealis was held at the Bullring on St Martin's Walk above St Martin's Square (aka Central Street) from the 9th to 18th February 2024. Time started each evening at 5pm, ended each night at 9pm. Every evening attracted a big crowd looking at the artificial Aurora Borealis, the Northern Lights. Personally I think they should have started it a month earlier, as between 5pm and 6pm, it's not that dark in February, although getting dark after sunset, which is getting a bit later each day now.

 

11th February 2024

First spotted one of the Borealis light towers from Edgbaston Street, after walking from Southside between buses.

dndimg alt="Borealis" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Borealis%20Bullring%2011022024.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

12th February 2024

Nice sunset down St Martin's Walk to St Martin in the Bullring, at approx 4:50pm, so 10 minutes before Borealis was due to start. This day I didn't wait for the lights to turn on.

dndimg alt="Borealis" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Borelais%20St%20Martin%20Bullring%2012022024%20(1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Borealis" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Borelais%20St%20Martin%20Bullring%2012022024%20(2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

14th February 2024

This day, I waited the 5 minutes until 5pm for the multi-coloured lights to turn on, but was cloudy, and you don't really get the full Borealis effect at this time, but noticed the smoke machines going on.

dndimg alt="Borealis" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Borealis%20Bullring%2014022024%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Borealis" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Borealis%20Bullring%2014022024%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Borealis" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Borealis%20Bullring%2014022024%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Borealis" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Borealis%20Bullring%2014022024%20(4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

16th February 2024

That evening was when I hoped to catch Borealis after dark, I even popped to Costa Coffee in Grand Central beforehand after work, but I got there at 5:30pm and it wasn't dark yet, but got the full effect, and not much to see from St Martin's Square below.

dndimg alt="Borealis" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Borealis%20Bullring%2016022024%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Borealis" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Borealis%20Bullring%2016022024%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Borealis" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Borealis%20Bullring%2016022024%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

18th February 2024

The last evening, one more attempt, so got the bus up from home, then popped to Caffe Nero in Birmingham New Street Station (other coffee shops close at 5pm). Then got here for 6:30pm, and got a lot of photos of it, best I could, these are the best photos I took of Borealis.

dndimg alt="Borealis" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Borealis%20Bullring%2018022024%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Borealis" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Borealis%20Bullring%2018022024%20(6).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Borealis" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Borealis%20Bullring%2018022024%20(7).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Borealis" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Borealis%20Bullring%2018022024%20(9).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Borealis" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Borealis%20Bullring%2018022024%20(10).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Borealis" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Borealis%20Bullring%2018022024%20(11).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Borealis" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Borealis%20Bullring%2018022024%20(12).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Borealis" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Borealis%20Bullring%2018022024%20(16).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Borealis" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Borealis%20Bullring%2018022024%20(17).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Borealis" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Borealis%20Bullring%2018022024%20(19).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Borealis is next scheduled to go to Australia in Adelaide. It goes around the world.

 

Photography by Elliott Brown

Share  Connect with us
80 passion points
Art; Culture & creativity
14 Mar 2022 - Elliott Brown
Inspiration

Wizarding World Wand Installation at the Bullring & Grand Central Birmingham

Post image

Harry Potter and Fantastic Beast fans, get yourself down to the Bullring on St Martin's Walk for the Wizarding World Wand  Installation. It started on the 11th and will end on the 17th March 2022. This is ahead of the release in cinemas of Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore (April 2022).

Related

Wizarding World Wand Installation at the Bullring & Grand Central Birmingham





Harry Potter and Fantastic Beast fans, get yourself down to the Bullring on St Martin's Walk for the Wizarding World Wand  Installation. It started on the 11th and will end on the 17th March 2022. This is ahead of the release in cinemas of Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore (April 2022).


Ahead of the release of the third Fantastic Beasts movie in cinemas - Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore, on the 8th April 2022.

Wizarding World is having a tour of the UK of it's Wizarding World Wand Installation.

It is in Birmingham at the Bullring from the 11th to 17th March 2022.

You can find them on St Martin's Walk between the entrances of the East Mall and West Mall.

 

It was being advertised on the media eye facing the Bullring at Birmingham New Street Station (Moor Street Link Bridge view).

dndimg alt="Wizarding World Wands" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WW Wand FB TSoD Bullring 13032022 (4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Wizarding World Wand Installation on St Martin's Walk towards St Martin's Church and St Martin's Square.

dndimg alt="Wizarding World Wands" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WW Wand FB TSoD Bullring 13032022 (3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Side view of the Wizarding World Wand Installation towards the East Mall and Wing Stop.

dndimg alt="Wizarding World Wands" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WW Wand FB TSoD Bullring 13032022 (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Bottom view of Wizarding World Wand Installation towards the Rotunda and Rotunda Square.

dndimg alt="Wizarding World Wands" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WW Wand FB TSoD Bullring 13032022 (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Photos taken by Elliott Brown. Can be found on Twitter: ellrbrown

Share  Connect with us
50 passion points
Art; Culture & creativity
29 Oct 2021 - Elliott Brown
News & Updates

A Nightmare on Central Street - Halloween at the Bullring, October 2021

Post image

There are scary things happening down Central Street aka St Martin's Walk at the Bullring, ahead of Halloween. A Nightmare on Central Street. If you are lucky you might be able to spot the tentacles of sea monsters above the malls.

Related

A Nightmare on Central Street - Halloween at the Bullring, October 2021





There are scary things happening down Central Street aka St Martin's Walk at the Bullring, ahead of Halloween. A Nightmare on Central Street. If you are lucky you might be able to spot the tentacles of sea monsters above the malls.


It's a Nightmare on Central Street at Bullring & Grand Central Birmingham from the 25th to 31st October 2021. During Birmingham's October Half Term scary creatures can be hunyted down day and night.

Get you camera ready and share with Birmingham We Are.

Follow the link above to the official Bullring website for more information.

The photo below was taken on Sunday 24th October 2021, from the steps heading down to St Martin's Square. Blue and green tentacles cower above the bronze statue of Horatio Nelson, days after the 216th anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar.

dndimg alt="Halloween Bullring 2021" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BG Halloween Bullring 24102021.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

You should be able to spot more tentacles above the East Mall and West Mall, between Rotunda Square, if heading down St Martin's Walk, towards St Martin's Square and St Martin's Church.

As we see in this photo below taken on the 25th October 2021. You have until the 31st October 2021 to spot them, and anything else spooky down here (day or night).

dndimg alt="Nightmare on Central Street" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/ANOCS St Martins Bullring 25102021.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Photos taken by Elliott Brown can also be found on Twitter: ellrbrown

Share  Connect with us
50 passion points
Art; Culture & creativity
18 Feb 2021 - Elliott Brown
Inspiration

The Floral Trail, The Big Hoot & Sleuth at St Martin's Square

Post image

There has been a couple of Birmingham City Centre Floral Trail pieces in St Martin's Square, but only in 2009 and 2013. In 2015 there was several Big Hoot owls around the Bullring, with at least one outside of St Martin's Church. Plus in 2017 there was one Big Sleuth bear outside of the church in the square (another bear was to be found inside Selfridges).

Related

The Floral Trail, The Big Hoot & Sleuth at St Martin's Square





There has been a couple of Birmingham City Centre Floral Trail pieces in St Martin's Square, but only in 2009 and 2013. In 2015 there was several Big Hoot owls around the Bullring, with at least one outside of St Martin's Church. Plus in 2017 there was one Big Sleuth bear outside of the church in the square (another bear was to be found inside Selfridges).


Birmingham City Centre Floral Trail

Birmingham Parks & Nurseries (aka Cofton Nursery) have over the years been making floral trail pieces to go on display in the City Centre every summer. But first they take the main display to the Chelsea Flower Show and Gardeners World Live, where they usually win the Gold prize. These are the floral trail features spotted over the years in St Martin's Square.

 

Trafalgar Medal, Summer 2009

I didn't really start exploring the Birmingham City Centre Floral Trail until August or September 2009. One of the first pieces I found was Trafalgar, Oct 21 1805 near St Martin's Church in August 2009. It is based on a medal that Matthew Boulton made, following the death of Lord Nelson at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. He approached the Admiralty and offered to commemorate the famous victory by presenting sailors who fought in the battle with a medal. Birmingham was the first place in the country to erect a statue of Horatio Nelson in 1809.

dndimg alt="Trafalgar St Martin's Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St Martins Square Bullring Trafalgar (August 2009).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The Best of Birmingham, Summer 2012

This is the second half of The Best of Birmingham. It won Gold at the Chelsea Flower Show, plus Gold and Best of Show at Gardeners World Live in 2012. Seen in St Martin's Square during August 2012. At the top is the Bullring Bull, then Selfridges in the middle and the Birmingham canals at the bottom with a narrowboat. The first half was in Centenary Square (with the Town Hall, Silver Spoon and a Mini).

dndimg alt="Best of Birmingham part 2" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St Martins Square Bullring BCCFT Bullring Bull (August 2012) (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

A look at the bottom half with Selfridges and the Narrowboat in the canal with a lock.

dndimg alt="Best of Birmingham part 2" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St Martins Square Bullring BCCFT Bullring Bull (August 2012) (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

View from the balcony near Selfridges looking down to St Martin's Square. It was very impressive looking. Must have been nice having the two halves together at Chelsea and at The NEC that year.

dndimg alt="Best of Birmingham part 2" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St Martins Square Bullring BCCFT Bullring Bull (August 2012) (3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The Big Hoot Birmingham 2015

Now onto The Big Hoot. In St Martin's Square there was about 3 Big Hoot painted owls from July 2015, for around 10 weeks. Before they were auctioned off for the Birmingham Children's Hospital Charity.

Beorma

This owl was located outside of St Martin's Church and was called Beorma (after the nearby Beorma Quarter in Digbeth). It was  painted by the artists Jodie Silverman from a design by Betty Underwood a pupil from Camp Hill School for Girls. The sponsor was The Schools of King Edward VI in Birmingham. Seen during July 2015.

dndimg alt="Big Hoot St Martin's Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/The Big Hoot St Martins Sq (Jul 2015) (3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

There was about 8 interlocking hands at the front.

dndimg alt="Big Hoot St Martin's Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/The Big Hoot St Martins Sq (Jul 2015) (4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Plus flags of the world on a wing at the back. More little owls could be found inside of St Martin's Church at the time.

dndimg alt="Big Hoot St Martin's Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/The Big Hoot St Martins Sq (Jul 2015) (5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Selfie

This Big Hoot owl resembled Selfridges (seen behind) and was called Selfie. The artist was Martin Band, and the sponsor was LDC. This was up the ramp around the back of the Spiceal Street development, not far from Jamie's Italian. Seen during July 2015. And yes I took a selfie with this one.

dndimg alt="Big Hoot St Martin's Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/The Big Hoot St Martins Sq (Jul 2015) (6).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Skyline 2015

This Big Hoot owl was located at the bottom of St Martin's Walk at the Bullring, with the spire of St Martin's Church and the statue of Horatio Nelson behind. Skyline 2015 was by the artist Nick Murley. The sponsor was Bullring. Seen during July 2015.

dndimg alt="Big Hoot St Martin's Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/The Big Hoot St Martins Sq (Jul 2015) (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

The skyline was painted on the back of this owl as well.

dndimg alt="Big Hoot St Martin's Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/The Big Hoot St Martins Sq (Jul 2015) (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The Big Sleuth Birmingham 2017

Now onto The Big Sleuth. There was several Big Sleuth bears around the Bullring starting from July 2017, for around 10 weeks. Before they were auctioned off for the Birmingham Children's Hospital Charity.

Bearmingham

This Big Sleuth bear was located outside of St Martin's Church, and resembled the Birmingham Forward coat of arms. It was by the artist James Mustafa. The sponsor was The Schools of King Edward VI in Birmingham. Seen during July 2017. There was more little bears inside of St Martin's to find at the time.

dndimg alt="Big Sleuth St Martin's Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/The Big Sleuth St Martins Sq (July 2017) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Brummie Bear

This Big Sleuth bear was to be found inside of Selfridges (and not in St Martin's Square, but adding for completion). It was by the artist Slobodan Topolović. The sponsor was Selfridges Birmingham. It resembled Selfridges, Rotunda, St Martin's Church, Bullring Bull and Birmingham New Street Station.

dndimg alt="Big Sleuth St Martin's Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/The Big Sleuth St Martins Sq (July 2017) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The famous Selfridges discs at the back of the bear. Lasting longer than the real discs that need some TLC.

dndimg alt="Big Sleuth St Martin's Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/The Big Sleuth St Martins Sq (July 2017) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Photos taken by Elliott Brown. Can be found on Twitter: ellrbrown

Share  Connect with us
60 passion points
Squares and public spaces
10 Mar 2020 - Elliott Brown
Gallery

Customised buses and lorries seen in St Martin's Square over the years

Post image

It's not just the Coca Cola Truck that comes to visit St Martin's Square. Other lorries and even buses have come to promote a product or event. Everything from a Cadbury Creme Egg related lorry, to an old double decker bus promoting the movie Minions. And more like that, as you will see in the post below. I've not seen much like this recently though. Usually in Rotunda Sq

Related

Customised buses and lorries seen in St Martin's Square over the years





It's not just the Coca Cola Truck that comes to visit St Martin's Square. Other lorries and even buses have come to promote a product or event. Everything from a Cadbury Creme Egg related lorry, to an old double decker bus promoting the movie Minions. And more like that, as you will see in the post below. I've not seen much like this recently though. Usually in Rotunda Sq


Previous related posts: Coca Cola Christmas Truck and Festival of Light.

Seen in St Martin's Square during May 2015 was this old London Routemaster bus with a livery for the animated movie Minions. The buses licence plate no was JJD 573D. The film came out on the 26th June 2015. I have never seen it or any of the Despicable Me films either!

dndimg alt="Minions bus" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St Martins Square Bullring Minions bus (May 2015) (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

View from the side, as a little boy was by chance wearing a Minions backpack and a yellow top. How cute!

dndimg alt="Minions bus" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St Martins Square Bullring Minions bus (May 2015) (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

They had a screen on the right, probably showing a trailer of the Minions movie.

dndimg alt="Minions bus" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St Martins Square Bullring Minions bus (May 2015) (3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Minions on Tour was brought to Birmingham with Capital FM. You can still see the little boy in his Minions backpack.

dndimg alt="Minions bus" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St Martins Square Bullring Minions bus (May 2015) (4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Another former London Routemaster bus, this one seen during March 2016 for Virgin Holidays. Licence plate no VVS 373

dndimg alt="Virgin Holidays" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St Martins Square Bullring Virgin Holidays bus (March 2016) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

They had added thinkings to this bus with the Dream Bigger hashtag. At the time advertising holidays to Mexico and Jamaica.

dndimg alt="Virgin Holidays" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St Martins Square Bullring Virgin Holidays bus (March 2016) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

There is always good views from the balcony above, hence why I always go up there for views like this.

dndimg alt="Virgin Holidays" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St Martins Square Bullring Virgin Holidays bus (March 2016) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

It looks like most people were just ignoring this one, and walking past, not much interest by the looks of it.

dndimg alt="Virgin Holidays" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St Martins Square Bullring Virgin Holidays bus (March 2016) (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

It is now July 2016 and during the height of the summer in St Martin's Square was Vita Coco.

dndimg alt="Vita Coco" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St Martins Square Bullring Vita Coco (July 2016) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Fake palm trees, a sky blue pick up truck and a Coconut Grove bar.

dndimg alt="Vita Coco" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St Martins Square Bullring Vita Coco (July 2016) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Some sand near the Vita Coco pick up truck.

dndimg alt="Vita Coco" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St Martins Square Bullring Vita Coco (July 2016) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

It was about Coconut Oil mainly. "Eat it, Wear It, Swear By It" what ever that means?

dndimg alt="Vita Coco" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St Martins Square Bullring Vita Coco (July 2016) (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Winter again and it is now during February 2017 in St Martin's Square. The Hunter's Lodge (a wooden looking lorry) was in town with the Cadbury Creme Egg.

dndimg alt="Cadbury Creme Egg" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St Martins Square Bullring Cadbury Creme egg lorry (Feb 2017) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

It was for the Cadbury Creme Egg Hunting Season. Beware of Poachers.

dndimg alt="Cadbury Creme Egg" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St Martins Square Bullring Cadbury Creme egg lorry (Feb 2017) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The best view from one of the balconies from above. A contrast to the Coca Cola Christmas Truck that used to go in the exact same spot.

dndimg alt="Cadbury Creme Egg" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St Martins Square Bullring Cadbury Creme egg lorry (Feb 2017) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

I try to get as many views as I can from up there.

dndimg alt="Cadbury Creme Egg" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St Martins Square Bullring Cadbury Creme egg lorry (Feb 2017) (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

This view from the balcony on the far side near Selfridges. Hope people liked their Cadbury Creme Egg's! Used to have them, but not for years. Anyway since they introduced the white Creme egg, people keep unwrapping them and re-wrapping them in store, so not worth buying. Although sometimes buy Mini Eggs, but not recently. Not good for your (or my) teeth.

dndimg alt="Cadbury Creme Egg" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St Martins Square Bullring Cadbury Creme egg lorry (Feb 2017) (5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Bud Light was in town during April 2017. They had these 4 Toyota Hilux pick up trucks in blue.

dndimg alt="Bud Light" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St Martins Square Bullring Bud Light (April 2017) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Each one had boxes in the back.

dndimg alt="Bud Light" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St Martins Square Bullring Bud Light (April 2017) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Was also signs saying Dunk Responsibily.

dndimg alt="Bud Light" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St Martins Square Bullring Bud Light (April 2017) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

This one was parked close to St Martin's Church.

dndimg alt="Bud Light" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St Martins Square Bullring Bud Light (April 2017) (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

This one near to where Hand Made Burger Co used to be. The path leading down to Park Street and Digbeth.

dndimg alt="Bud Light" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St Martins Square Bullring Bud Light (April 2017) (5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

One more view of all four trucks. Most people walking past, showing little interest in the drinks on offer.

dndimg alt="Bud Light" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St Martins Square Bullring Bud Light (April 2017) (6).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

One year on to April 2018 with BJ's Bingo on this bus. Licence plate no W866 PNL. With a reflection of Selfridges.

dndimg alt="BJ's Bingo" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St Martins Square Bullring BJs Bingo (April 2018) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The bus had this digital screen on the side and a slogan: Everyones a Winner, and Your 1st Time is Free.

dndimg alt="BJ's Bingo" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St Martins Square Bullring BJs Bingo (April 2018) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

So basically gambling then. Only a few people stopping to talk to the assistants.

dndimg alt="BJ's Bingo" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St Martins Square Bullring BJs Bingo (April 2018) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Brew Dog during July 2018, was the last major thing like this with a lorry that I've spotted in St Martin's Square.

dndimg alt="Brew Dog" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St Martins Square Bullring Brew Dog (July 2018) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

So another beer truck then. Beer without Borders. Punk State is Here.

dndimg alt="Brew Dog" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St Martins Square Bullring Brew Dog (July 2018) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Looks like people could try the drinks in the trailer of the lorry. Taste the Revolution.

dndimg alt="Brew Dog" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St Martins Square Bullring Brew Dog (July 2018) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Standard side view from one of the balconies towards Selfridges. Visitors could sit on those crates and have a drink.

dndimg alt="Brew Dog" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St Martins Square Bullring Brew Dog (July 2018) (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

One last view before I left and headed up St Martin's Walk, or into one of the malls.

dndimg alt="Brew Dog" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St Martins Square Bullring Brew Dog (July 2018) (5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

I could do a similar post to this, but from Rotunda Square, as they have those lorries or buses up there too. Usually Formula 1 simulators. Cars on display etc. 

 

Photos taken by Elliott Brown.

Follow me on Twitter here ellrbrown. Now at 1,100 followers. Thank you.

Birmingham We Are People with Passion award winner 2020

Share  Connect with us
60 passion points
Squares and public spaces
14 Feb 2020 - Elliott Brown
Gallery

Model of St Martin's Square at St Martin in the Bullring

Post image

I did not know that this model of St Martin's Square was inside of St Martin in the Bullring. After meeting King Charles I Return for the first time for coffee (Aka Daniel Williams) we headed into St Martin's Church for a quick look around. First thing I spotted was this model. I'd say it was made around 2000 for the Bullring that opened in 2003. Also shows Selfridges.

Related

Model of St Martin's Square at St Martin in the Bullring





I did not know that this model of St Martin's Square was inside of St Martin in the Bullring. After meeting King Charles I Return for the first time for coffee (Aka Daniel Williams) we headed into St Martin's Church for a quick look around. First thing I spotted was this model. I'd say it was made around 2000 for the Bullring that opened in 2003. Also shows Selfridges.


In this post, first we will look at the model that I found inside of St Martin in the Bullring. Then comparison photos I took around St Martin's Square between Spring 2009 and early 2011 (before it all changed for the Spiceal Street development).

 

This model is between the exit from St Martin in the Bullring Cafe on the corridor to an entrance inside of the Church of St Martin. Didn't know it was there. Not even from a previous photo I took of the corridor to the cafe. I met King Charles I Return (aka Daniel Williams) on Friday 7th February 2020 for coffee. After that we popped into the church for a quick look around.

This view from Digbeth towards St Martin's Church with Selfridges on the right with the East Mall. The West Mall is to the left. The square as it was from 2003 until the 2011 Spiceal Street development added several new restaurants.

dndimg alt="St Martin's Square model" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bullring St Martins Square model 2000 (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

It was in a glass dome, so bit hard to get views without reflections. Birds-eye view down on St Martin's Square. Used to be a stepped sitting area on the left. That is where Chaophraya Thai Restaurant is now. Hand Made Burger Co was later built to the left of Selfridges down the right hand side of the path down to the road.

dndimg alt="St Martin's Square model" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bullring St Martins Square model 2000 (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The view between St Martin's Church and Selfridges towards the main entrance to the Bullring. You can see the statue of Nelson in the middle.

dndimg alt="St Martin's Square model" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bullring St Martins Square model 2000 (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

This is the view from the markets side of the Bullring. Which is close to where buses drop off passengers (buses do not pick up passengers from this stop).

dndimg alt="St Martin's Square model" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bullring St Martins Square model 2000 (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Another view of the path into St Martin's Square. Those steps on the right is where Handmade Burger Co is now. Sadly the Birmingham based chain has closed down (including their Bullring and Brindleyplace restaurants).

dndimg alt="St Martin's Square model" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bullring St Martins Square model 2000 (5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Now to compare the model to the real St Martin's Square from 2009 to early 2011 (before the Spiceal Street development got underway).

From the spring of 2009 when I started taking photos of Birmingham, that included the Bullring area. Got this view of St Martin's Church from near the steps during May 2009. The Three Cubes fountains were still there on the left. Little did I know that this area would all change about 2 years later.

dndimg alt="St Martin's Church" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St Martin in the Bullring (May 2009).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

These views from Digbeth, look quite similar to the model. Taken in October 2009, on the first day that I ever took photos around Digbeth (and not the last). This view past the Bull Ring Tavern towards the crossing between St Martin's Church and Selfridges.

dndimg alt="St Martin's Church" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St Martins Church from Digbeth (Oct 2009) (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Digbeth ends here, then the Bullring starts on the other side of the lights. There is a really short section of road called St Martin's Lane between Moat Lane and Park Street. Usually the buses wait at the lights here.

dndimg alt="St Martin's Church" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St Martins Church from Digbeth (Oct 2009) (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

This view from near the Bull Ring Open Markets on Moat Lane. There was bunting on the lampposts. A sign on the right pointed directions to Digbeth Temporary Coach Station, as National Express was having their old coach station rebuilt into Birmingham Coach Station (which opened at the end of 2009 by the then England Football Manager, Fabio Capello).

dndimg alt="St Martin's Church" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St Martins Church from Digbeth (Oct 2009) (3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Some of my earliest photos of St Martin's Square from April 2009. This from the balcony not far from the statue of Horatio Nelson. This view towards Borders, the Three Cubes fountain sculpture and Gloria Jeans Coffee. Neither of those were on the model (the sculpture and coffee shop).

dndimg alt="St Martin's Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St Martins Square (April 2009) (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

This view also from April 2009, looking up to the balcony with the statue of Nelson. The stepped seating area was on the left, next to that was the Three Cubes fountain sculpture. St Martin in the Bullring to the right (still there now of course).

dndimg alt="St Martin's Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St Martins Square (April 2009) (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

On month on, now May 2009. The curved semi circle section of the West Mall above Borders, the Three Cubes fountain sculpture and Gloria Jeans Coffee.

dndimg alt="St Martin's Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St Martins Square (May 2009) (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

At the time in May 2009, the stepped seating area was closed off. Perhaps for a deep clean. But they would be dug up 2 years later in 2011 for the Spiceal Street development. This view towards Selfridges.

dndimg alt="St Martin's Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St Martins Square (May 2009) (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Side view of Gloria Jean's Coffee. This cafe building would be open until the end of 2010 (and into January 2011). The metal panels were later recycled into the tree sculpture that is in St Martin's Square today.

dndimg alt="St Martin's Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St Martins Square (May 2009) (3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Aware that the building occupied at the time by Gloria Jean's Coffee would be dismantled for the Spiceal Street development, I took these early evening shots around 5pm at the end of December 2010.

dndimg alt="Gloria Jean's Coffee" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Gloria Jeans Coffee St Martins Square Bullring (Dec 2010) (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

There was already some barriers around here, but people could still go up and down the steps. Oh and Forever 21 had opened up above Jamie's Italian by then (where Borders used to be until that closed down).

dndimg alt="Gloria Jean's Coffee" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Gloria Jeans Coffee St Martins Square Bullring (Dec 2010) (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

A few days later and a couple of days into the new year of 2011. So now January 2011 for some last daylight shots of this building before they took it down.

dndimg alt="Gloria Jean's Coffee" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Gloria Jeans Coffee St Martins Square Bullring (Jan 2011) (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

There was a planning application here from Birmingham City Council detailing the plans for what was going to happen at Spiceal Street.

dndimg alt="Gloria Jean's Coffee" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Gloria Jeans Coffee St Martins Square Bullring (Jan 2011) (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

I did not go in. I didn't really start to go to coffee shops until 2012, starting off with Costa Coffee. Before trying Caffe Nero and Starbucks in 2014. I also discovered Coffee#1 in 2015 in South Wales before they opened some stores in the West Midlands.

dndimg alt="Gloria Jean's Coffee" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Gloria Jeans Coffee St Martins Square Bullring (Jan 2011) (3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

In August 2009 a view from the upper balcony near Selfridges towards Digbeth. At this point in time, I had yet to have a photo walk around Digbeth. I didn't start to do that until October 2009. The steps below on the left, were demolished in 2009, and this is where Handmade Burger Co was built. The model of St Martin's Square shows tables and chairs outside of Selfridges on the lower balcony. There used to be a Starbucks in Selfridges at this corner (that has now gone).

dndimg alt="St Martin's Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St Martins Square Bullring Digbeth (August 2009).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

A nice sunny view heading into St Martin's Square during August 2009. I had changed camera's by this point.

dndimg alt="St Martin's Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St Martins Square (August 2009).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

This view of Selfridges from Digbeth during December 2009. They were selling (at the time) Real Christmas Trees at Selfridges. The steps were still there at the time (seen on the left).

dndimg alt="Selfridges" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St Martins Square Bullring Selfridges (Dec 2009).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

St Martin's Square in late December 2010. Slightly blurry at about 5pm near the Christmas tree. This was a few months before the Spiceal Street development which took all of 2011 to complete adding several new restaurants, and new steps up to St Martin's Walk with a replacement water feature.

dndimg alt="St Martin's Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St Martins Square Bullring (Dec 2010).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

The Three Cubes fountain sculpture seen during April 2009. Behind them was the former stepped seating area. Borders Books used to have many of the units there, including a Starbucks Coffee. That later became Jamies Italian and Forever 21 (which at one point had a Costa Coffee). Sadly both have recently closed down. But there is a Starbucks in the West Mall just as you enter the doors.

dndimg alt="Three Cubes" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Three Cubes fountain Bullring (April 2009).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

As you can see by December 2010, Jamie's Italian had moved in. They would last until 2018 (going into administration and closing down). The cubes were removed in early 2011 when construction of the Spiceal Street development started.

dndimg alt="Three Cubes" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Three Cubes fountain Bullring (December 2010).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Photos taken by Elliott Brown.

Follow me on Twitter here ellrbrown.

Birmingham We Are People with Passion award winner 2020

Share  Connect with us
60 passion points
Art; Culture & creativity
31 Jan 2020 - Elliott Brown
Inspiration

Festival of Light at the Bullring, from St Martin's Square to Rotunda Square

Post image

There are five artworks that are lit up after dark from 5pm each evening from the 24th January to the 2nd February 2020 at the Bullring. For the second year running. This time coinciding with Chinese New Year. Talk to the Skies in St Martin's Square. Up St Martin's Walk With Love, Neon Angel Wings and Pulse. And in Rotunda Square is Birds that Fly Around with You.

Related

Festival of Light at the Bullring, from St Martin's Square to Rotunda Square





There are five artworks that are lit up after dark from 5pm each evening from the 24th January to the 2nd February 2020 at the Bullring. For the second year running. This time coinciding with Chinese New Year. Talk to the Skies in St Martin's Square. Up St Martin's Walk With Love, Neon Angel Wings and Pulse. And in Rotunda Square is Birds that Fly Around with You.


Another Brumtography meet with Karl Newton and one other member of this Facebook group. It had been raining on and off in the afternoon, so wasn't many of us.

Talk to the Skies - St Martin's Square

Shortly after 5pm on Sunday 26th January 2020, a look at Talk to the Skies by ITHACA Studio. Red, blue and green colours go across the bulbs on the ground. While pink, blue or green on the tube where beams of blue light shoot out into the sky. Selfridges seen behind. Wasn't quite dark enough at this point.

dndimg alt="Talk to the Skies" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Festival of Light Talk to the Skies Bullring (Jan 20) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The view from the balcony near Selfridges. This was by 5:50pm. On the right was With Love, the throbing red heart that plays music. More on that further down this post.

dndimg alt="Talk to the Skies" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Festival of Light Talk to the Skies Bullring (Jan 20) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

From the area behind Chaophraya Thai Restaurant looking to the left, as the beams of blue light shoots into the sky to the left of the spire of St Martin in the Bullring.

dndimg alt="Talk to the Skies" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Festival of Light Talk to the Skies Bullring (Jan 20) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Back to the Selfridges balcony area, sometime after 6pm. The colours keep chaging down there, and the heart keeps beating.

dndimg alt="Talk to the Skies" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Festival of Light Talk to the Skies Bullring (Jan 20) (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The beams of light goes so high above the spire of St Martin in the Bullring. It is best to see from up here, although you can check it out from St Martin's Square.

dndimg alt="Talk to the Skies" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Festival of Light Talk to the Skies Bullring (Jan 20) (5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

With Love - St Martin's Walk

They didn't get the red heart inflated until about 5:30pm on the evening we went. Seen here from down Pulse on St Martin's Walk. With Neon Angel Wings below. It was designed by Franck Pelletier. You can hear a beating heart sound effect and they had music playing, which you could change if you pressed a button.

dndimg alt="With Love" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/With Love Festival of Light Bullring (Jan 20) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Tried to get some views of the With Love red heart with the statue of Horatio Nelson. Which has been at the Bullring since 1809 (sculpted by Sir Richard Westmacott), some 4 years after Nelson died at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. Meaning this statue is older than Nelson's Column in London!

dndimg alt="With Love" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/With Love Festival of Light Bullring (Jan 20) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

There was also a view of the heat with Selfridges, which was lit up orange. I missed seeing it in red for Chinese New Year. I think they should have left the lights red all weekend and not turn it back to orange.

dndimg alt="With Love" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/With Love Festival of Light Bullring (Jan 20) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Where the heart is was where the Snow Dome was until the end of the Christmas season.

dndimg alt="With Love" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/With Love Festival of Light Bullring (Jan 20) (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

This view lining the heart up with the Talk to the Skies blue beams and the spire of St Martin in the Bullring. This was one of my Creative Effect photos (trying out different settings).

dndimg alt="With Love" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/With Love Festival of Light Bullring (Jan 20) (5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Neon Angel Wings - St Martin's Walk

Seen down the semi circle tube called Pulse is the Neon Angel Wings by Carla O'Brien. Visitors can pose for selfies with the pair of wings. From this side a bit difficult to get a clear shot without anyone in the way of them.

dndimg alt="Neon Angel Wings" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Neon Angel Wings Festival of Light Bullring (Jan 20) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

A bit further down Pulse towards Neon Angel Wings.  The wings to the left was near the East Mall while the wings to the right was by the West Mall.

dndimg alt="Neon Angel Wings" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Neon Angel Wings Festival of Light Bullring (Jan 20) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Managed to get a clear view of the wings from the back on St Martin's Walk, looking up towards the Rotunda.

dndimg alt="Neon Angel Wings" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Neon Angel Wings Festival of Light Bullring (Jan 20) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

A close up look at one of the set of wings with Pulse seen behind.

dndimg alt="Neon Angel Wings" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Neon Angel Wings Festival of Light Bullring (Jan 20) (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

From the other side. I think the Bullring malls were closed by 6pm, although it seemed like they had closed earlier than that (due to Sunday trading laws). I'm not sure if the restaurants were still open by then.

dndimg alt="Neon Angel Wings" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Neon Angel Wings Festival of Light Bullring (Jan 20) (5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Pulse - St Martin's Walk

This semi circle tube of lights is on St Martin's Walk and is by This is Loop. The lights have different patterns. The show lasts 5 minutes, and repeats every 20 minutes.

dndimg alt="Pulse" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Pulse Festival of Light Bullring (Jan 20) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

From the top of St Martin's Walk looking down to the spire of St Martin in the Bullring. A Chinese lady had a facemask on, although that's probably common with Chinese people in this country (and nothing to do with that virus outbreak).

dndimg alt="Pulse" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Pulse Festival of Light Bullring (Jan 20) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Caught this cyclist heading through the tunnel down St Martin's Walk.

dndimg alt="Pulse" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Pulse Festival of Light Bullring (Jan 20) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Added a star filter on my camera (which is in one of my cameras Creative effects).

dndimg alt="Pulse" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Pulse Festival of Light Bullring (Jan 20) (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

One last look at Pulse, up towards Rotunda Square.

dndimg alt="Pulse" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Pulse Festival of Light Bullring (Jan 20) (5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Birds that Fly Around with You - Rotunda Square

At first they were having problems turning the lights on for this Birds feature in Rotunda Square. As you can see it is loads of birds in a circle. By 5:25pm they still were unable to turn it on. It is by Masochism Shimada.

dndimg alt="Birs that Fly Around with You" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Birds that Fly Around with You Festival of Light Bullring (Jan 20) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Got several photos up here, before heading down St Martin's Walk and checking out the other light displays at the Bullring.

dndimg alt="Birs that Fly Around with You" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Birds that Fly Around with You Festival of Light Bullring (Jan 20) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Later we popped back up St Martin's Walk to check if they were able to turn it on. After 6pm they had managed to get it working. If someone walks around the centre, the lights on the birds follows them around in a anti clockwise direction.

dndimg alt="Birs that Fly Around with You" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Birds that Fly Around with You Festival of Light Bullring (Jan 20) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

This view of the birds with the Rotunda (I have still not been up).

dndimg alt="Birs that Fly Around with You" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Birds that Fly Around with You Festival of Light Bullring (Jan 20) (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

One more view of the light on the birds going around in circles.

dndimg alt="Birs that Fly Around with You" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Birds that Fly Around with You Festival of Light Bullring (Jan 20) (5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

We spent well over an hour going up and down checking out the Festival of Light features. It was good but very cold. And worth seeing as I missed seeing the 2019 Festival of Light after dark (I only saw it in the daylight hours). So this made up for it.

 

Photos taken by Elliott Brown.

Follow me on Twitter here ellrbrown.

Birmingham We Are People with Passion award winner 2020

Share  Connect with us
70 passion points
History & heritage
16 Dec 2019 - Elliott Brown
Inspiration

Birmingham's Hidden Spaces: A look around St Martin's Church (September 2015)

Post image

It was September 2015 and Birmingham Heritage Week. Mainly popped into St Martin's Church at the Bullring for The Big Hoot's Little Hoot, but also got these shots. May have also been to do with Birmingham's Hidden Spaces. The visit on the 12th September 2015. Stained glass windows, the Alabaster Tomb and more!

Related

Birmingham's Hidden Spaces: A look around St Martin's Church (September 2015)





It was September 2015 and Birmingham Heritage Week. Mainly popped into St Martin's Church at the Bullring for The Big Hoot's Little Hoot, but also got these shots. May have also been to do with Birmingham's Hidden Spaces. The visit on the 12th September 2015. Stained glass windows, the Alabaster Tomb and more!


The main reason for this visit was at the time there was various small painted owls inside of St Martin's Church that were part of The Big Hoot's Little Hoot. The trail accompanying The Big Hoot Birmingham 2015 trail. July to September 2015. So this was before the owls were removed and auctioned off for charity.

Here though we will look around the church from the inside.

First look at a pair of stained glass windows. One of these was designed by Edward Burne-Jones and made by William Morris (the window in the south transept).

dndimg alt="St Martin's Church" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St Martin in the Bullring interiors (Sept 2015) (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

The next stained glass window close to several memorials on the wall.

dndimg alt="St Martin's Church" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St Martin in the Bullring interiors (Sept 2015) (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

The walls around this stained glass window came out dark.

dndimg alt="St Martin's Church" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St Martin in the Bullring interiors (Sept 2015) (3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

This stained glass window above some stone scultural details.

dndimg alt="St Martin's Church" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St Martin in the Bullring interiors (Sept 2015) (4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

A bunch of pink flowers with a fan behind (elephant on it). Below is a weaved basket holding the flowers. With white flowers seen below.

dndimg alt="St Martin's Church" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St Martin in the Bullring interiors (Sept 2015) (5A).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

This is The Alabaster Tomb.

dndimg alt="St Martin's Church" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St Martin in the Bullring interiors (Sept 2015) (6).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

This is an effigy of Sir John de Bermingham, probably early 15th century. Sir John was a knight who fought in the wars of France from 1373 until his death in 1393. Close inspection of this tomb reveals tiny patches of ancient colouring on the sword belt and on the coat of mail.

dndimg alt="St Martin's Church" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St Martin in the Bullring interiors (Sept 2015) (7).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Close up of Sir John de Birmingham. Still looking like a Knight after 630 years.

dndimg alt="St Martin's Church" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St Martin in the Bullring interiors (Sept 2015) (8).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

The organ pipes.

dndimg alt="St Martin's Church" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St Martin in the Bullring interiors (Sept 2015) (9).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

WW1 war memorial (1914 - 1918). For the fallen of The Royal Warwickshire Regiment. either side was a pair of Little Hoot owls. Tawney on the left (by King Edward VI Five Ways School), and When I Grow Up on the right (by King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Boys).

dndimg alt="St Martin's Church" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St Martin in the Bullring interiors (Sept 2015) (10).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Stone arches holding up the left side of the church.

dndimg alt="St Martin's Church" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St Martin in the Bullring interiors (Sept 2015) (11).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Interesting looking carved wooden details towards the wooden doors with glass windows.

dndimg alt="St Martin's Church" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St Martin in the Bullring interiors (Sept 2015) (12).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Plaque on the wall. On Wednesday 23rd March 1887 the St Martin's Society of Change Ringers rung the bells on the visit of Her Majesty Queen Victoria on the occasion of the laying of the foundation stone of the Victoria Law Courts (on Corporation Street). The Mayor of Birmingham at the time was Thomas Martineau.

dndimg alt="St Martin's Church" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St Martin in the Bullring interiors (Sept 2015) (13).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

In this room was this centre table with lit candles. You can see that plaque behind.

dndimg alt="St Martin's Church" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St Martin in the Bullring interiors (Sept 2015) (14).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

This wooden carved entrance ways leading to a modern revolving door.

dndimg alt="St Martin's Church" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St Martin in the Bullring interiors (Sept 2015) (15).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

The wooden arched ceiling. Holding up both walls of the church.

dndimg alt="St Martin's Church" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St Martin in the Bullring interiors (Sept 2015) (16).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Some art on this wall. Looks like ghostly crosses to me.

dndimg alt="St Martin's Church" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St Martin in the Bullring interiors (Sept 2015) (17).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

This leads to the churches cafe. Never been in myself. Was probably rebuilt in the early 2000s when the modern Bullring was built.

dndimg alt="St Martin's Church" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St Martin in the Bullring interiors (Sept 2015) (18).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

A waterfall on these metal table things.

dndimg alt="St Martin's Church" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St Martin in the Bullring interiors (Sept 2015) (19).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Another bunch of flowers on a curvy yellow and orange base. Near the metal waterfall thing. And one of The Little Hoot owls.

dndimg alt="St Martin's Church" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St Martin in the Bullring interiors (Sept 2015) (20).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Photos taken by Elliott Brown.

Follow me on Twitter here ellrbrown.

Share  Connect with us
70 passion points
Art; Culture & creativity
09 Dec 2019 - Daniel Sturley
Gallery

Birmingham, the Amazing Stained Glass Windows in St Martin in the Bullring - December 2019

Post image

I was lucky to visit the interior of St Martin in the Bullring during almost perfect conditions for photos of some the amazing stained glass windows, the low sun was shining directly through the south side windows and I got a few of the famous Burne-Jones window in the south transept.

Related

Birmingham, the Amazing Stained Glass Windows in St Martin in the Bullring - December 2019





I was lucky to visit the interior of St Martin in the Bullring during almost perfect conditions for photos of some the amazing stained glass windows, the low sun was shining directly through the south side windows and I got a few of the famous Burne-Jones window in the south transept.


dndimg alt="" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/IMG_3863b_SMSQ.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/IMG_3867b_SMSQ.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/IMG_3875b_SMSQ.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/IMG_3841b_SMSQ.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/IMG_3890b_SMSQ.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/IMG_3854b_SMSQ.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/IMG_3888b_SMSQ.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Photos by Daniel Sturley

Share  Connect with us
80 passion points
Modern Architecture
07 Dec 2019 - Daniel Sturley
Gallery

Birmingham, St Martin's Square in the Bullring - December 2019

Post image

St Martin's Square is at the heart of the Bullring shopping centre hosting St Martin in the Bullring (St Martin's Church), the Selfridges Building, many restaurants, the south entrance to the Bullring shopping centre, and the gateway to the Birmingham Markets and Digbeth. Also there are the 'Copper Tree' and the Birmingham Blitz Memorial.

Related

Birmingham, St Martin's Square in the Bullring - December 2019





St Martin's Square is at the heart of the Bullring shopping centre hosting St Martin in the Bullring (St Martin's Church), the Selfridges Building, many restaurants, the south entrance to the Bullring shopping centre, and the gateway to the Birmingham Markets and Digbeth. Also there are the 'Copper Tree' and the Birmingham Blitz Memorial.


dndimg alt="" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/IMG_3816b_SMSQ.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/IMG_3901b_SMSQ.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/IMG_3762b_SMSQ.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/IMG_3773b_SMSQ.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/IMG_3817b_SMSQ.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/IMG_3795b_SMSQ.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/IMG_3820b_SMSQ.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/IMG_3811b_SMSQ.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/IMG_3768b_SMSQ.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/IMG_3917b_SMSQ.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/IMG_3905_SFBD.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Photos by Daniel Sturley

Share  Connect with us
80 passion points
Close and return