Christmas bauble arches in Birmingham 2023

For the 2023 Christmas season, gone up in November 2023, at San Carlo Ristorante Italiano on Temple Street and The Queen's Head on Steelhouse Lane is a pair of Christmas bauble arches, for people to enjoy. Some I've noticed people have had their photos taken with them. I've also put them up on the Facebook and Instagram pages.

San Carlo Facebook post | San Carlo Instagram post

San Carlo Ristorante Italiano at 4 Temple Street has a Christmas baubles arch. Popular with people having their photos taken with it. There is a couple of Jack-in-a-Boxes on it, Santa's legs up-side-down, candy canes and dolls.

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The Queen's Head Facebook post | The Queen's Head Instagram post

The Queen's Head at 28 Steelhouse Lane has a Christmas baubles arch with two halves of a cracked Christmas cracker above, and a red post box for sending post to Santa at the North Pole until the 24th December 2023.

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 Photography by Elliott Brown

Snowdogs Birmingham 2023 trail

For a third Christmas season in a row, there is another Wild in Art trail. This time 10 Snowdogs. Based on the Snowman and the Snowdog by Raymond Briggs. Get as many Snowdogs as you want in a day, or get them over a number of days if that is easier for you. On from mid November 2023 to early January 2024.

Go here for Jack Prophotographypictures Birmingham We Are post on the Snowdogs on our Instagram page.

 

Candy Cane in the Great Western Arcade

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Elf at Christmas in Cathedral Square, Colmore Row (Birmingham Cathedral)

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Classic Snowdog on Corporation Street (CASS Art)

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Bark the Herald Angels Sing at the Bullring (Nike Birmingham)

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Gizmo in Selfridges (Click & Collect)

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Roodie in the Piccadilly Arcade

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Ginger at Hippodrome Square, Southside (Birmingham Hippodrome, Hurst Street)

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Sparkle in The Mailbox (BBC Birmingham)

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Starry Night at Ice Skate Birmingham (Centenary Square)

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Ru-dog at the Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market (Victoria Square)

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Photos by Elliott Brown

Birmingham, the Frankfurt Christmas Market in Victoria Square 2021

The Frankfurt Christmas Market in Victoria Square has now left so here is a gallery of Daniel's favorite photos taken during this years festivities.

21st October, the first arrival is the Merry-go-Round in Victoria Square.

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23rd October

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7th November

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13th November

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11th December

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Photography by Daniel Sturley.

The Snow Village at Birmingham's House of Fraser and the Walking with The Snowman trail

During the Christmas 2021 festive period, head up to the fifth floor in the House of Fraser (between Corporation Street, Cherry Street and Temple Row) for The Snow Village. Inside you will find no 12 on the Walking with The Snowman trail. Twelve Drummers Drumming. The other Snowman artworks are around the City Centre if you can find them.

The Snow Village

Head up to the fifth floor of the House of Fraser in Birmingham, between Corporation Street, Cherry Street, Temple Row and the North Western Arcade, for The Snow Village. This was the site where the House of Fraser used to have Santa's Christmas Grotto every year. But now it is The Snow Village.

 

You will find one of the Walking with The Snowman painted snowman sculptures. From Wild in Art, the same people behind The Big Hoot Birmingham 2015, The Big Sleuth Birmingham 2017, and more recently Gratitude, which was located in Chamberlain Square for the last 10 days of August 2021.

 

Welcome to The Snow Village. From the House of Fraser and Retail BID Birmingham.

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Some snowmen and penguins.

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Outside The Ice House.

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Post Office and Santa's Workshop. Post your cards to Santa here.

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Into The Ice House. A fireplace.

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What I came for. Walking with The Snowman. No 12: Twelve Drummers Drumming created by Sue Guthrie.

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Heading out, saw some Christmas trees.

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And Santa's sleigh.

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Christmas in Cathedral Square from the House of Fraser

Down to the fourth floor, saw some windows, so got some views of Christmas in Cathedral Square, with 103 Colmore Row, Birmingham Cathedral and the Grand Hotel. Plus the BT Tower.

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Panoramic photo merge of the two photos above. Makes 103 Colmore Row look larger than it actually is.

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Entrance to Christmas in Cathedral Square from Temple Row, near St Philip's Place. 

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The Pigeon in the Park, a temporary pub seen from St Philip's Place.

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The helter skelter seen from St Philip's Place.

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A Christmas tree seen from St Philip's Place.

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Walking with The Snowman

Some of the other Walking with The Snowman painted sculptures I've found.

No 11: Eleven Pipers Piping by Amanda Quellin. In the Great Western Arcade, Birmingham. 

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No 2: Two Turtle Doves by Laura-Kate Chapman. The Mailbox Birmingham, opposite BBC Birmingham.

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No 8: Eight Maids Milking by Megan Heather Evans. In the Piccadilly Arcade, near the New Street end.

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No 5: Five Gold Rings created by Adam Pekr. Outside of the West Mall at the Bullring, not far from the bull.

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No 7: Seven Swans Swimming created by RP Roberts. Located on Corporation Street, close to Fore Street. Outside of the Cancer Research UK shop.

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No 4: Four Calling Birds created by Mik Richardson. Located inside Birmingham New Street Station in the public concourse, not far from steps to platform 7.

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No 3: Three French Hens created by Jessica Perrin. Located outside of The Mailbox on Royal Mail Street, close to Starbucks and not far from City Social (at The Mailbox underpass square area).

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There is four more Snowman's to find, not sure if I'll get all of them before they go.

 

Bullring Bull

Bonus photo of the Bullring Bull in a silver outfit with snowflakes, at the beginning of December 2021.

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

Christmas Markets and Ice Skate Birmingham are back in 2021

Ice Skate Birmingham is back in Centenary Square and is open from 4th November 2021 to 9th January 2022

Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market is back in Victoria Square and is open from 4th November to 23 December 2021.

Christmas in Cathedral Square is open in the grounds of Birmingham Cathedral from 17th November to 19th December 2021.

Ice Skate Birmingham

Ice Skate Birmingham opened in Centenary Square, on the 4th November 2021, and will remain open until 9th January 2022. 

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Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market

The Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market has returned to Victoria Square (and New Street). As well as Bob Wilson's Carousel. It opened on the 4th November 2021, and will close on the 23rd December 2021.

It's a little bit smaller this time around and no Floozie which has been removed for repairs.

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Christmas in Cathedral Square

Taking place in the grounds of Birmingham Cathedral (St Philip's Cathedral) from the 17th November to the 19th December 2021 is Christmas in Cathedral Square featuring Christmas market stalls, a pub called Pigeon in the Park and a helter skeler.

Hours before the Christmas Market opened on 17th November 2021, the view below taken from Temple Row.

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

Stars in Millennium Point's Eyes from Eastside City Park

For our last pre-Christmas post of 2020, we pop to Eastside to check out the Christmas lights at the front of Millennium Point as seen from Eastside City Park. Also at the end of New Canal Street near The Woodman pub (closed) and Curzon Street Station. Was hoping for some dry weather on the evening of the 22nd December 2020, but it was raining again. A nice display even in the rain!

Millennium Point's Christmas Lights in Eastside

This will be the last pre-Christmas post of 2020. The only Christmas lights to see outside in Eastside is at the front of Millennium Point in Eastside City Park. There is no Christmas lights down Curzon Street (probably due to HS2). Just the regular lampposts. This was on the evening of the 22nd December 2020 around 5pm. Was hoping for dry weather for once (it was dry all day). But it started to rain after work in the evening, and was a bit heavy by the time I got to Eastside.

 

First view of Millennium Point with the stars all to the left, in front of Thinktank and above the Thinktank Science Garden.

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This view from in front of The Woodman pub (which is sadly still closed due to being in Tier 3).

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Millennium Point has put the fairy lights on the top of the building below their sign.

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The stars seen to the left above the Science Garden.

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From the bottom of New Canal Street between The Woodman and Curzon Street Station.

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Beyond here, New Canal Street is completely closed off to traffic and pedestrians by HS2. And an area behind The Woodman has fences up. Plus the part of the park where the water jets were is behind fences. So walked back to Moor Street Queensway for the bus.

 

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

Jewellery Quarter festive lights in St Paul's Square and The Golden Square

Christmas lights seen after dark seen around the Jewellery Quarter on the evening of the 17th December 2020. Mainly to see the festive lights around the Quarter as well as in St Paul's Square and The Golden Square. Was nice and dark. Although by the time he got to The Golden Square it started to rain. Never the less they looked nice. Plenty to see lit up around the Quarter.

The Christmas lights in the Jewellery Quarter are always unique. As they look like jewellery (of course). More of the standard fairy lights to be found in St Paul's Square and The Golden Square. But the JQ's famous streets have their unique take on Christmas lights on lampposts.

 

St Paul's Square

This was the first time I've been able to see the Christmas tree up close in St Paul's Square after dark, as I usually walk around here in the daylight hours. St Paul's Church was just about visible with the street lights here.

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The Christmas tree in St Paul's Square with a look down Ludgate Hill towards Snow Hill and the Colmore BID areas.

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The Golden Square

Approaching The Golden Square from Warstone Lane, saw this tree covered in white fairy lights.

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Jewellers on the right had this clock, that looks magical lit up after dark with it's own fairy lights!

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Onto the actual Golden Square with multicoloured fairy lights above the square and on the Christmas tree.

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Close up zoom in of the Christmas tree.

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Zoomed out, and you can also see the lights on the ground of the square.

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Next up was the Diamond Ring next to The Big Peg.

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The only reflection was from the giant Diamond Ring!

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One last look at the Diamond Ring and the coloured fairy lights before walking up Vyse Street to catch a train.

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Christmas lights around the Jewellery Quarter

Fleet Street near Summer Row. With a view of the Library of Birmingham. Jewellery box.

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Caroline Street on the walk up from St Paul's Square. Bow tie and bells.

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This pair seen on Hall Street, just beyond Caroline Street. Christmas tree and earrings.

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Turning onto Warstone Lane. Saw this Christmas tree.

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Some more down Warstone Lane close to The Golden Square.

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Turning onto Vyse Street as it started to rain. Pair of earrings near Newey's Jewellers.

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A diamond ring on Vyse Street.

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This necklace on Vyse Street opposite Jewellery Quarter Station.

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

Digbeth Custard Factory and Zellig festive lights

Every year you can see festive lights on Floodgate Street in Digbeth (although I think they are there all year round now). Plus at the Custard Factory on Gibb Street Christmas lights and Christmas trees go up every November and December. Popped into The Courtyard this year to find a bit more at Zellig. Comparisons between 2018 and 2020 mostly. In different weather conditions.

CUSTARD FACTORY AND ZELLIG

DURING THE  CHRISTMAS PERIOD

It's not just Southside, the Bullring, or the Retail area in the City Centre that gets decked out in Christmas lights and trees every November and December. Head down to Digbeth and the Custard Factory. There is lights on Floodgate Street that stretches from under the Bordesley Viaduct towards River Street. Plus the Christmas lights on Gibb Street as well as in The Courtyard at Zellig.

 

Floodgate Street

On the 15th December 2018 around 4:30pm, I was walking from Eastside (after checking out Ice Skate Birmingham at the time). Then headed towards Floodgate Street in atrocious weather. It was freezing, sleeting and raining. This was close to Little Ann Street.

dndimg alt="Floodgate St lights 2018" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Floodgate St lights Digbeth (Dec 2018) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The rain made interesting affects with the lights. Entrance to the Custard Factory over the River Rea bridge to the right.

dndimg alt="Floodgate St lights 2018" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Floodgate St lights Digbeth (Dec 2018) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

 

On the evening of the 12th December 2020. Approaching the lights on Floodgate Street in Digbeth under the Bordesley Viaduct. This was around 4:45pm, with the entrance to the Custard Factory on the right.

dndimg alt="Floodgate St lights" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Floodgate St Digbeth lights 12122020 (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The lights stretch past the Gent 48 street art on the left towards River Street. You can also see them from the bus in the evening on the Digbeth High Street, looking down Floodgate Street (just look left).

dndimg alt="Floodgate St lights" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Floodgate St Digbeth lights 12122020 (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Gibb Street

On the 15th December 2018 around 4:35pm on Gibb Street at the Custard Factory. Having crossed over the River Rea bridge and under the Bordesley Viaduct, it was still really cold and wet. But my first view of the Christmas lights on Gibb Street, despite the weather.

dndimg alt="Gibb St Christmas lights 2018" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Gibb St lights Custard Factory (Dec 2018) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

"Oh the weather outside was frightful ...". Yes, but not festive weather, heavy rain and sleet. Christmas trees on Gibb Street outside of Besoke Framing.

dndimg alt="Gibb St Christmas lights 2018" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Gibb St lights Custard Factory (Dec 2018) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

More Christmas trees on Gibb Street. At the time was a giant wall painting of (the now late) Sir Sean Connery.

dndimg alt="Gibb St Christmas lights 2018" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Gibb St lights Custard Factory (Dec 2018) (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Heading to the end of Gibb Street near Clink. Zellig on the right. Was glad to get to the bus stop on High Street Deritend.

dndimg alt="Gibb St Christmas lights 2018" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Gibb St lights Custard Factory (Dec 2018) (5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Much better weather on Gibb Street on the 12th December 2020, around 4:45pm. A lady and her daughter near the Christmas tree.

dndimg alt="Gibb St Christmas lights 2020" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Gibb St lights Custard Factory 12122020 (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

A close up look at the main Gibb Street Christmas tree near the yellow rimmed pool.

dndimg alt="Gibb St Christmas lights 2020" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Gibb St lights Custard Factory 12122020 (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

It looks so much better in dry weather. NHS blue heart on the left by Fokawolf. The Custard Factory Digbeth Reception on the right.

dndimg alt="Gibb St Christmas lights 2020" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Gibb St lights Custard Factory 12122020 (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Another Christmas tree outside of The Old Library near the end of Gibb Street.

dndimg alt="Gibb St Christmas lights 2020" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Gibb St lights Custard Factory 12122020 (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Zellig and The Courtyard

Pair of Christmas trees at the entrance to Zellig seen on the 6th December 2019 around 4:10pm. The first one near the Matrix sign.

dndimg alt="Zellig Xmas tree 2019" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Xmas tree Zellig (Dec 2019) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The second one as you head into Zellig.

dndimg alt="Zellig Xmas tree 2019" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Xmas tree Zellig (Dec 2019) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Was a couple more Christmas trees inside of Zellig, near the Reception and Shops sign.

dndimg alt="Zellig Christmas trees 2019" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Zellig Custard Factory (Dec 2019).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

A quick look at The Courtyard at The Custard Factory. Entrance from Gibb Street. Seen on the 12th December 2020 around 4:45pm.

dndimg alt="The Courtyard" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/The Courtyard Custard Factory 12122020 (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The Christmas lights in The Courtyard during Blue Hour. Towards the Factory Works, NO64 and Chance & Counters.

dndimg alt="The Courtyard" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/The Courtyard Custard Factory 12122020 (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

There was a Christmas tree to the right of the giant lion sculpture.

dndimg alt="The Courtyard" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/The Courtyard Custard Factory 12122020 (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

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

Bullring Christmas Lights: Then and Now

Over the last decade or so, the Christmas Lights at the Bullring outside have changed quiet a bit like the rest of the City Centre. Here we will look at the lights without any market on after dark. During the 2nd lockdown of November 2020, it was pretty quiet down St Martin's Walk and into St Martin's Square. Might be a bit different now under Tier 3 restrictions.

There has been a few changes to the Christmas lights and Christmas trees at the Bullring over the years. Compare St Martin's Square from 2013 to 2020. And St Martin's Walk from 2010 to 2020. If you want to see more photos from the Bullring over the years, the links to the posts is at the bottom of this post.

 

St Martin's Square

Then: December 2013. A real Christmas Tree lit up. Also red lights as all the shops and restaurants were open.

dndimg alt="St Martin's Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bullring Christmas (Dec 2013) (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

A close up of the Bullring Christmas Tree 2013.

dndimg alt="St Martin's Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bullring Christmas (Dec 2013) (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Now: November 2020. During the 2nd Lockdown. The reused artificial Christmas tree. Lights behind turned off as non essential retail was closed. Not many people around.

dndimg alt="St Martin's Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bullring Christmas (Nov 2020) (7).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The Bullring Christmas Tree 2020 seen from the balcony looking towards St Martin's Church.

dndimg alt="St Martin's Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bullring Christmas (Nov 2020) (5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

At the top was this Christmas circle, which was quite close to one of the clocks of St Martin's Church.

dndimg alt="St Martin's Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bullring Christmas (Nov 2020) (6).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

St Martin's Walk

 

Then: December 2010. Blue and white Christmas lights between the West and East Malls, with Next on the left.

dndimg alt="St Martin's Walk" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bullring Christmas (Dec 2010) (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

The view from the bottom in front of the Statue of Nelson towards the Rotunda.

dndimg alt="St Martin's Walk" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bullring Christmas (Dec 2010) (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Now: November 2020. Early evening with some rain heading down St Martin's Walk. These white and yellow Christmas lights have been used at the Bullring for several years now.

dndimg alt="St Martin's Walk" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bullring Christmas (Nov 2020) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

They looks the same as before, apart from there wasn't any Christmas market stalls during the 2nd lockdown period.

dndimg alt="St Martin's Walk" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bullring Christmas (Nov 2020) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The view from the Nelson statue up towards the Rotunda. That was either the moon above, plus bright yellow lights from the Christmas lights on the ramped path.

dndimg alt="St Martin's Walk" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bullring Christmas (Nov 2020) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The view to the left of the Nelson statue. Reminds me a bit of the Festival of Light from January 2020.

dndimg alt="St Martin's Walk" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bullring Christmas (Nov 2020) (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Click this link for the previous Bullring Christmas lights post. Covering 2015 to 2019.

Click here for the Festival of Light post of January 2020.

 

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

 

Brindleyplace festive lights in Westside (2013 and 2020)

For 2020, Brindleyplace has put blue festive lights in Central Square as well as a blue baubles lit Christmas tree. It looks nice after dark. I saw it on a heavy rain Friday evening, so I got a bit soaked. We will also show you what the Christmas lights was like back in December 2013 at Brindleyplace in the early evening.

If you go to Central Square in Brindleyplace during November and December, there is always usually something nice to see in terms of the Christmas tree and Christmas lights. Especially after dark. They really try to make an effort. Most years they have had a real Christmas tree. But their 2020 effort is a blue and white baubles Christmas tree that looks pretty at night.

 

December 2013

This was on the 14th December 2013, sometime after 4pm. Heading up Brunswick Street from Brunswick Square towards Central Square. The Brindleyplace Car Park is on the left. Christmas lights above.

dndimg alt="Brindleyplace Xmas lights 2013" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Festive lights Bplace (Dec 2013) (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

This route takes you past the car park and Four Brindleyplace and into Central Square.

dndimg alt="Brindleyplace Xmas lights 2013" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Festive lights Bplace (Dec 2013) (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

A real Christmas tree with fairy lights and a Christmas star located in Central Square at the time.

dndimg alt="Brindleyplace Xmas lights 2013" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Festive lights Bplace (Dec 2013) (3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Then the Christmas lights near Cafe Rouge as I left Central Square towards the Water's Edge at Brindleyplace.

dndimg alt="Brindleyplace Xmas lights 2013" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Festive lights Bplace (Dec 2013) (4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

December 2020

Heading towards Brindleyplace and into Central Square on a rainy Friday evening on the 4th December 2020, around 5pm from Atlas Way. Could already see all the blue lights between Five and Four Brindleyplace.

dndimg alt="Festive lights Brindleyplace 2020" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Festive lights Cent Sq Bplace 04122020 (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

It was very blue to the right, but was raining a lot, so was a lot of puddles and all paths were wet.

dndimg alt="Festive lights Brindleyplace 2020" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Festive lights Cent Sq Bplace 04122020 (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Turning to the white and blue baubles Christmas tree between Three and Two Brindleyplace, it made a nice wet reflection in the puddle.

dndimg alt="Festive lights Brindleyplace 2020" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Festive lights Cent Sq Bplace 04122020 (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Getting a close up view of the Baubles Christmas tree, my lens was getting wet, no time to wipe it in this weather!

dndimg alt="Festive lights Brindleyplace 2020" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Festive lights Cent Sq Bplace 04122020 (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Noticed that the water jet fountains down the steps were turn on.

dndimg alt="Festive lights Brindleyplace 2020" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Festive lights Cent Sq Bplace 04122020 (5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Not many people around in this weather, but the lights still madea nice wet reflection from this angle as well.

dndimg alt="Festive lights Brindleyplace 2020" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Festive lights Cent Sq Bplace 04122020 (6).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

One last view, before I headed towards Oozells Square and Broad Street.

dndimg alt="Festive lights Brindleyplace 2020" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Festive lights Cent Sq Bplace 04122020 (7).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

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

 

Smallbrook Queensway Christmas lights in Southside (2018, 2019 and 2020)

Southside BID are responsible for the Christmas lights on Smallbrook Queensway, in the yellow and red Chinese Quarter style. Traffic has gone from being mostly buses, to being busy with cars, to just buses again. Depending of what time of day it was. Smallbrook Queensway goes from Holloway Circus Queensway towards the Bullring. See also my post on the lights on Hurst Street.

The Christmas lights on Smallbrook Queensway have looked nice over the last three years in Southside. You can see them from Holloway Circus, crossing the road from Hill Street to Hurst Street. Or from the Bullring end close to Link Street (above). All part of the Southside Business District. They are on the trees that lines the road that used to once form part of the Inner Ring Road (aka the Concrete Collar).

 

Click here for the Hurst Street Christmas Lights post. 

 

December 2018

Just before 4pm on the 8th December 2018 from Holloway Circus, looking up Smallbrook Queensway. Not quite dark enough, but the yellow and red Chinese style Christmas lights were turned on.

dndimg alt="Smallbrook Queensway" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Smallbrook Qway Xmas lights (Dec 2018) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

On the 30th December 2018, sometime after 4:30pm, during Blue Hour. Smallbrook Queensway at the Hurst Street junction with the Centre City Tower to the left, and the Bullring straight ahead.

dndimg alt="Smallbrook Queensway" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Smallbrook Qway Xmas lights (Dec 2018) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

About a minute later after crossing the road, the other side of Smallbrook Queensway, near Hill Street, looking towards Holloway Circus. Lots of cars heading into the City Centre.

dndimg alt="Smallbrook Queensway" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Smallbrook Qway Xmas lights (Dec 2018) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

November 2019

On the 29th November 2019, sometime after 4:30pm on Smallbrook Queensway. These Chinese style Christmas lights close to the Holiday Inn Birmingham City Centre hotel, with the old Ringway Centre opposite.

dndimg alt="Smallbrook Queensway Christmas lights" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Smallbrook Qway Xmas lights (Nov 2019) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

There was so much traffic on Smallbrook Queensway that evening. Seen close to the Centre City Tower and the Ringway Centre. Many of the shops on the right have moved out, and there is now hoardings with street art on them.

dndimg alt="Smallbrook Queensway Christmas lights" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Smallbrook Qway Xmas lights (Nov 2019) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

December 2020

Heading to see the latest Christmas lights on Hurst Street, I crossed over at the traffic lights on Smallbrook Queensway, on the evening of the 1st December 2020, shortly before 5pm after work. Not as much traffic, just the odd coach and mini bus on this side near Hill Street.

dndimg alt="Smallbrook Queensway Christmas lights" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Smallbrook Qway Xmas lights (Dec 2020) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

National Express West Midlands buses on Smallbrook Queensway, with not other traffic on the last evening of the second lockdown. Was very quiet around here.

dndimg alt="Smallbrook Queensway Christmas lights" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Smallbrook Qway Xmas lights (Dec 2020) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

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

Hurst Street Christmas Lights in Southside (2018, 2019 and 2020)

A look at the Christmas lights on Hurst Street from Smallbrook Queensway towards the Birmingham Hippodrome and The Arcadian in Southside / Chinese Quarter. The walk through Christmas tree is now in front of the Hippodrome, but it was in Hippodrome Square the year before (when they had astroturf down there but not now).

A look at the Christmas lights on Hurst Street in Southside (Chinese Quarter / Gay Village) over the last three years. Mostly the same red and yellow Christmas lights on trees, in the Chinese Lantern style. The walk through Christmas tree was first installed in Hippodrome Square in November 2019. It returned in November 2020 outside of the Birmingham Hippodrome.

December 2018

These were taken on the 30th December 2018 (after 4:30pm), after getting off the no 45 bus on Pershore Street. A walk up Hurst Street through the Gay Village. The multicoloured fairy lights on the trees came out a bit blurry.

dndimg alt="Hurst St Xmas lights 2018" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Hurst St Xmas lights (Dec 2018) (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

First look at the red and yellow Christmas lights near The Arcadian as I headed towards the Hippodrome.

dndimg alt="Hurst St Xmas lights 2018" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Hurst St Xmas lights (Dec 2018) (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

A close up of the Hippodrome sign with the red and yellow tree Chinese lantern style Christmas lights.

dndimg alt="Hurst St Xmas lights 2018" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Birmingham Hippodrome (Dec 2018).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Dragon Christmas lights in yellow and red on the lampposts on Hurst Street in front of the Genting Casino.

dndimg alt="Hurst St Xmas lights 2018" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Hurst St Xmas lights (Dec 2018) (3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

November 2019

Heading down Hurst Street in Southside on the 26th November 2019, just before 5pm, to see the walk through Christmas tree. That year it was on the astroturf on Hippodrome Square. Several people about.

dndimg alt="Hurst St Xmas tree 2019" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Hurst St Xmas tree night (Nov 2019) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

People posing for photos with the walk through Christmas tree.

dndimg alt="Hurst St Xmas tree 2019" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Hurst St Xmas tree night (Nov 2019) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

A few days later on the 29th November 2019, took it again, this was shortly after 4:30pm that evening.

dndimg alt="Hurst St Xmas tree 2019" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Hurst St Xmas tree night (Nov 2019) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

December 2020

On the early evening of the 1st December 2020, I headed down Hurst Street shortly before 5pm.

These fairy lights (below) were on the side of Snobs on Hurst Street.

dndimg alt="Hurst St Xmas lights" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Hurst St Christmas lights (Dec 2020) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Looking down Hurst Street along the cycle lane with taxis parked opposite of Genting Casino.

dndimg alt="Hurst St Xmas lights" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Hurst St Christmas lights (Dec 2020) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The fairy lights along Genting Casino, Happy Lemon and Mr Egg in the Chinese Quarter.

dndimg alt="Hurst St Xmas lights" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Hurst St Christmas lights (Dec 2020) (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

This year the Christmas tree is in front of the Hippodrome. There wasn't anything on the Hippodrome Square space.

dndimg alt="Hurst St Xmas lights" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Hurst St Christmas lights (Dec 2020) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

As usual, there is always red lights in the trees outside of the Hippodrome.

dndimg alt="Hurst St Xmas lights" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Hurst St Christmas lights (Dec 2020) (5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

First close up shot of the walk through Christmas tree near the Hippodrome and Back to Backs. As a cyclist went past (I don't do long exposure or know how to).

dndimg alt="Hurst St Xmas lights" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Hurst St Christmas lights (Dec 2020) (6).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

A retake of the Christmas tree, with The Sly Old Fox pub on the left. Closed in the lockdown, probably still closed afterwards in Tier 3 as they can't do takeaways.

dndimg alt="Hurst St Xmas lights" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Hurst St Christmas lights (Dec 2020) (7).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The red and yellow Chinese style Christmas lights on the trees in the Gay Village part of Hurst Street near The Dragon Inn and The Arcadian.

dndimg alt="Hurst St Xmas lights" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Hurst St Christmas lights (Dec 2020) (8).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

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

From Baubles at Paradise to Christmas lights around the Colmore BID

There is three red Christmas Baubles on Centenary Way at Paradise Birmingham. Meanwhile the Colmore Business District Christmas lights have been turned on during late November 2020, including around Cathedral Square and an artificial Christmas tree at Colmore Square. They look good both in daylight and after dark.

Paradise Birmingham

Located on Centenary Way is this trio of red Christmas Baubles from Paradise Birmingham, outside of One Chamberlain Square.

'Tis the season to enjoy

dndimg alt="Paradise Baubles" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Paradise Bham Baubles 23112020 (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

'Tis the season of goodwill

dndimg alt="Paradise Baubles" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Paradise Bham Baubles 23112020 (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

'Tis the season to stay safe

dndimg alt="Paradise Baubles" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Paradise Bham Baubles 23112020 (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Colmore Business District

At Cathedral Square around Birmingham Cathedral St Philip's are these winged angels playing a trumpet, on the ornamental lampposts. They look good in daylight or after dark.

dndimg alt="Colmore BID Xmas lights" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Colmore BID Xmas lights (Nov 2020) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

View towards the BT Tower.

dndimg alt="Colmore BID Xmas lights" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Colmore BID Xmas lights (Nov 2020) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Towards Temple Row.

dndimg alt="Colmore BID Xmas lights" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Colmore BID Xmas lights (Nov 2020) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Towards Temple Street.

dndimg alt="Colmore BID Xmas lights" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Colmore BID Xmas lights (Nov 2020) (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

After dark towards the Cathedral.

dndimg alt="Colmore BID Xmas lights" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Colmore BID Xmas lights (Nov 2020) (5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Colmore BID Trio of Angels

The main feature this Christmas is the Colmore BID trio of Angels. The Colmore Row side towards Birmingham Cathedral. Looks good at midday.

dndimg alt="Colmore Angels" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Colmore BID Angels (Nov 2020) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The three Angels also looks good after dark towards Colmore Row.

dndimg alt="Colmore Angels" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Colmore BID Angels (Nov 2020) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Only two years ago there was a Christmas Market here, I suppose these Angel's makes up for that not being here this time around.

dndimg alt="Colmore Angels" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Colmore BID Angels (Nov 2020) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Colmore Square

The Christmas tree in Colmore Square this year is an artificial one from the Colmore Business District. Changes from year to year. Caught a tram going past at midday.

dndimg alt="Colmore Square Xmas tree" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Xmas Tree Colmore Square 26112020 (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

I later took another photo after dark of the Christmas tree lit up towards The Wesleyan.

dndimg alt="Colmore Square Xmas tree" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Xmas Tree Colmore Square 26112020 (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

There is no Christmas tree (or decorations) outside of Birmingham Snow Hill Station this year, probably due to the public realm works outside (or they haven't put it up yet).

 

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

Christmas lights around the Retail BID past and present

The Christmas lights as seen after dark around Birmingham City Centre in the Retail BID area past and present. The last Frankfurt Christmas Market was in 2019. The 2020 market was cancelled due to the pandemic, but to brighten things up, the Council still had lights put up around New Street and other roads. Gone from blues of 10 years ago to the yellow and white lights now.

A comparison of the Christmas lights in Birmingham City Centre over the last decade ago with now. Merry Covid Christmas. And enjoy! 

All around the Retail BID area. So the likes of New Street, High Street and Corporation Street etc. 

NEW STREET

The majority of the Christmas lights are up New Street. Most years seen above the Birmingham Frankfurt Christma Market. Starting from Corporation Street up towards Victoria Square.

November 2010

From the top end of New Street near Victoria Square, after the Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market had closed for the night.

dndimg alt="Christmas Lights New Street" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/New St Xmas Lights (Nov 2010) (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Between Pret a Manger and the Piccadilly Arcade.

dndimg alt="Christmas Lights New Street" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/New St Xmas Lights (Nov 2010) (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

They were reused from the year before, all blue and white.

dndimg alt="Christmas Lights New Street" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/New St Xmas Lights (Nov 2010) (3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

November 2020

Seen past the Piccadilly Arcade up to New Street.

dndimg alt="Christmas Lights New Street" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Xmas lights New St (Nov 2020) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Not far from the Piccadilly Arcade and Bennetts Hill.

dndimg alt="Christmas Lights New Street" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Xmas lights New St (Nov 2020) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Usually the Frankfurt Market would be here by now, but it's been cancelled due to the pandemic and the lockdown etc.

dndimg alt="Christmas Lights New Street" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Xmas lights New St (Nov 2020) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Heading up Stephenson Place, past Apple towards Lloyds Bank, saw this Christmas lights on the left. Even got the Lloyds black horse in shot!

dndimg alt="Christmas Lights New Street" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Xmas lights New St (Nov 2020) (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

CANNON STREET

January 2012

After Christmas 2011 was over, the lights were still on in early January 2012, as seen on Cannon Street.

dndimg alt="Christmas lights Cannon Street" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Cannon St Xmas Lights (Jan 2012) (3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Was the usual blue and white lights that was used in the late '00s to the mid '10s.

dndimg alt="Christmas lights Cannon Street" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Cannon St Xmas Lights (Jan 2012) (4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

I think they went all the way down Cannon Street at the time.

dndimg alt="Christmas lights Cannon Street" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Cannon St Xmas Lights (Jan 2012) (7).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Seen outside of Slater Menswear and White Stuff, towards New Street.

dndimg alt="Christmas lights Cannon Street" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Cannon St Xmas Lights (Jan 2012) (8).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

November 2020

Cannon St at Christmas from New Street. Only the bottom half of Cannon Street has the lights this time around.

dndimg alt="Christmas lights Cannon Street" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Xmas lights Cannon St (Nov 2020) (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Reverse view of Cannon ST at Christmas towards New Street and the Burlington Arcade.

dndimg alt="Christmas lights Cannon Street" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Xmas lights Cannon St (Nov 2020) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The Christmas lights close to Slater Menswear and White Stuff.

dndimg alt="Christmas lights Cannon Street" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Xmas lights Cannon St (Nov 2020) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Brightens up the bottom half of Cannon Street towards New Street. All non essential shops down here are closed until the 2nd lockdown ends.

dndimg alt="Christmas lights Cannon Street" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Xmas lights Cannon St (Nov 2020) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

HIGH STREET

November 2012

The Christmas lights on the High Street from near Marks & Spencer towards the Rotunda. The blue and white design towards Rotunda Square. They even had some over the bus stops outsid of DEICHMANN.

dndimg alt="Christmas lights High Street" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Xmas lights High St (Nov 2012).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

November 2020

The same yellow and white designed Christmas lights on the High Street, as they have now on New Street, seen outside of Marks & Spencer, from my bus stop. These lights have been put up from here towards Rotunda Square, but don't go over the bus routes.

dndimg alt="Christmas lights High Street" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Xmas lights High St MS (Nov 2020).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

UNION STREET

December 2012

The Christmas lights here seen at the bottom of Union Street towards Marks & Spencer on the High Street.

dndimg alt="Christmas lights Union Street" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Corporation St Xmas Lights (Dec 2012) (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

November 2020

I was suprised to see three sets of Christmas lights on Union Street between Argos, Boots, Burger King and WH Smith.

dndimg alt="Christmas lights Union Street" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Xmas Lights Union St (Nov 2020) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Heading to the bus stop it was nice to see them in the evening. But the lights are on all day.

dndimg alt="Christmas lights Union Street" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Xmas Lights Union St (Nov 2020) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

CHERRY STREET

January 2012

On Cherry Street at the time was these red and white Christmas lights. Near Cannon Street and Corporation Street.

dndimg alt="Christmas lights Cherry Street" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Cannon St Xmas Lights (Jan 2012) (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

The GAP was at Martineau Place at the time (that's now Poundland). House of Fraser on the left, near Corporation Street.

dndimg alt="Christmas lights Cherry Street" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Cannon St Xmas Lights (Jan 2012) (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

November 2020

Heading up Corporation Street, towards Union Street, saw this Christmas lights on Cherry Street between the EE shop and House of Fraser (which doesn't have the usual fancy lights up).

dndimg alt="Christmas lights Cherry Street" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Xmas lights Cherry St (Nov 2020).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

BEST OF THE REST

In December 2009 they had the Merry Christmas lights at the bottom of Corporation Street near New Street.

dndimg alt="Christmas lights Corporation Street" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Corporation St Xmas Lights (Dec 2009) (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

They used Merry Christmas again at the bottom of Corporation Street when I saw it back in November 2010.

dndimg alt="Christmas lights Corporation Street" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Corporation St Xmas Lights (Nov 2010).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Seen on New Street near Corporation Street was Christmas in Birmingham during December 2014.

dndimg alt="Christmas lights New Street" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/New St Xmas Lights (Dec 2014) (3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

They also had Shopping in Birmingham.com on the other side. It was the last time they had Christmas lights on Corporation Street, before the first Midland Metro extension opened in 2015 and 2016.

dndimg alt="Christmas lights New Street" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/New St Xmas Lights (Dec 2014) (4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Seen during November 2020 at the bottom of Lower Temple Street near Stephenson Street, between Caffe Nero and Ladbrokes was this Christmas lights.

dndimg alt="Christmas lights Lower Temple Street" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Xmas lights Lower Temple St (Nov 2020).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

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

That time that Ice Skate Birmingham spend two Winter seasons in Eastside City Park

While Ice Skate Birmingham is enjoying a successful return to Centenary Square for the 2019-20 winter season. Do you remember when they had to spend two winters in Eastside City Park? First year was 2017-18 on a part of the HS2 land. Then 2018-19 on Eastside Green. This was due to the redevelopment of Centenary Square which wasn't completed until the summer of 2019.

Happy New Year 2020. Christmas might be over and we have just had New Year's but doesn't mean Ice Skate Birmingham has closed down yet. Looking back to the two winter seasons over in Eastside.

November 2017 to January 2018

It was open from Thursday 16th November 2017 until Sunday 7th January 2018 at Eastside City Park. They were using land that belongs to HS2.

Setting up during late October 2017 on Eastside Green. This view after 5pm from Fazeley Street.

dndimg alt="Ice Skate Birmingham" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ice Skate Birmingham Eastside 2017-18 (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Before opening in November 2017. The view of the Birmingham Big Wheel and Millennium Point from the train from the Chase Line leaving Birmingham New Street.

dndimg alt="Ice Skate Birmingham" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ice Skate Birmingham Eastside 2017-18 (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

This view from the Snow Hill lines heading into Birmingham Moor Street. The Emporium building was under construction behind the Birmingham Big Wheel. With Jennens Court and the Birmingham Ormiston Academy to the right.

dndimg alt="Ice Skate Birmingham" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ice Skate Birmingham Eastside 2017-18 (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Sunset behind Curzon Street Station with the Birmingham Big Wheel sandwiched between that and the Rotunda.

dndimg alt="Ice Skate Birmingham" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ice Skate Birmingham Eastside 2017-18 (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

For 2017 / 18 Ice Skate Birmingham had a ride called the Wild Mouse. Bit like a mini roller coaster. This was near New Canal Street.

dndimg alt="Ice Skate Birmingham" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ice Skate Birmingham Eastside 2017-18 (5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

During December 2017. The view from the top of Moor Street Car Park. The Emporium was still going up, while there were other rides near the Birmingham Big Wheel (bit hard to see from this view).

dndimg alt="Ice Skate Birmingham" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ice Skate Birmingham Eastside 2017-18 (6).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Nightshot views of the Birmingham Big Wheel. This view from New Canal Street. Headed back to the Bullring via Digbeth.

dndimg alt="Ice Skate Birmingham" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ice Skate Birmingham Eastside 2017-18 (7).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The Wild Mouse ride lit up after dark. With Curzon Street Station, The Curzon Building, University Locks (of Birmingham City University) and The Woodman behind, in this New Canal Street view.

dndimg alt="Ice Skate Birmingham" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ice Skate Birmingham Eastside 2017-18 (8).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Still on New Canal Street as the Birmingham Big Wheel was lit up and the ride to the right was spinning. It was called The King.

dndimg alt="Ice Skate Birmingham" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ice Skate Birmingham Eastside 2017-18 (9).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Closing down during January 2018. Ice Skate Birmingham had it's last day on Sunday 7th January 2018. At the time I wasn't sure if it would return to Eastside or Westside. In the end they got permission to return to Eastside City Park as Centenary Square was still not finished during 2018.

dndimg alt="Ice Skate Birmingham" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ice Skate Birmingham Eastside 2017-18 (10).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

November 2018 to January 2019

They couldn't use the HS2 land this time around, so they used the land where the water fountain jets are, and the lawn down to Park Street instead. It was open this from Saturday 17th November 2018 until Sunday 6th January 2019.

These views from November 2018. View of the Birmingham Big Wheel once again outside of Millennium Point. Seen from a Chiltern Railways train I was on, heading into Birmingham Moor Street. Was closer to The Woodman this time around.

dndimg alt="Ice Skate Birmingham" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ice Skate Birmingham Eastside City Park (2018-19) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

This view of the Birmingham Big Wheel from the bridge over the Grand Union Canal (Digbeth Branch) from Grear Barr Street in Digbeth. The canal buildings up Warwick Bar are up here. To the right was Curzon Street Station, and behind was Birmingham Metropolitan College - Matthew Boulton Campus).

dndimg alt="Ice Skate Birmingham" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ice Skate Birmingham Eastside City Park (2018-19) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The view looking up Curzon Street towards the Birmingham Big Wheel, with Masshouse behind. Curzon Street Station to the left.

dndimg alt="Ice Skate Birmingham" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ice Skate Birmingham Eastside City Park (2018-19) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Another view of Ice Skate Birmingham from the top of Moor Street Car Park. The land used a year before was now an HS2 site. Monkey World ride to the left.

dndimg alt="Ice Skate Birmingham" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ice Skate Birmingham Eastside City Park (2018-19) (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Now in December 2018, was heading into Eastside City Park to see the Coca Cola truck again, as it was raining. But first up, headed up to Moor Street Car Park again for a nightshot view of the Birmingham Big Wheel. Visibility was poor and I couldn't see the Coca Cola Christmas truck from up here, so headed down and into the park.

My Coca Cola Christmas Truck in Birmingham over the years post is here.

dndimg alt="Ice Skate Birmingham" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ice Skate Birmingham Eastside City Park (2018-19) (5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

As I walked up Park Street towards Eastside City Park, it was freezing cold, wet, sleeting and raining. Not what I would call festive weather! First close up look at the Birmingham Big Wheel lit up after dark.

dndimg alt="Ice Skate Birmingham" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ice Skate Birmingham Eastside City Park (2018-19) (6).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The Bar & Ice Skating area, seen near the main entrance of Eastside City Park. My camera was getting wet as I headed in. I was soaking! But the ice rink was covered, so those enjoying an ice skate were dry.

dndimg alt="Ice Skate Birmingham" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ice Skate Birmingham Eastside City Park (2018-19) (7).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Passing the ice rink, wasn't much to see from here into the ice rink, but got interesting lighting effects from the Big Wheel and the wet weather.

dndimg alt="Ice Skate Birmingham" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ice Skate Birmingham Eastside City Park (2018-19) (8).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

A couple of days later and it was now dry in Eastside City Park. A look at the ice rink from the outside.

dndimg alt="Ice Skate Birmingham" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ice Skate Birmingham Eastside City Park (2018-19) (9).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

It is now January 2019, and the Birmingham Big Wheel has already been taken down. The ice rink was behind fences as they started to dismantle it. This was around 5 days after Ice Skate Birmingham had finished for the year.

dndimg alt="Ice Skate Birmingham" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ice Skate Birmingham Eastside City Park (2018-19) (10).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

This was the last time it was in Eastside. Around 10 months later (October 2019), they were setting up Ice Skate Birmingham in Centenary Square again (first time since 2016-17). It opened on the 7th November 2019 and it is due to close on the 12th January 2020.

 

Photos taken by Elliott Brown.

Follow me on Twitter here ellrbrown.

Christmas at the Bullring down St Martin's Walk to St Martin's Square over the years

Every year like clockwork, the Bullring puts up their Christmas lights and Christmas tree between October and November every year. The gallery here from 2015 to 2019. Better to walk down St Martin's Walk, find it quite steep going up hill. The Christmas tree is usually in St Martin's Square outside of St Martin's Church (usually artificial).

2015

This was during November 2015. The Christmas tree in St Martin's Square lit up after dark with Selfridges in the background.

dndimg alt="Bullring Xmas" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bullring Christmas 2015 (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Looking at the Christmas lights up St Martin's Walk between both the West and East Mall. This is towards Rotunda Square.

dndimg alt="Bullring Xmas" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bullring Christmas 2015 (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

2016

This was during November 2016. The artificial Christmas tree seen in St Martin's Square.

dndimg alt="Bullring Xmas" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bullring Christmas 2016 (1) .jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

This Bar was near all these Christmas trees in December 2016. Around the time that the Cola Cola Christmas truck returned to Birmingham. Post here Coca Cola Christmas Truck in Birmingham over the years.

dndimg alt="Bullring Xmas" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bullring Christmas 2016 (2) .jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

2017

There was a Lurpak Christmas tree in Rotunda Square during November 2017. Was the first weekend of the Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market, but it was unrelated to that.

dndimg alt="Bullring Xmas" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bullring Christmas 2017 (1) .jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The Christmas tree and carousel (merry-go-round) that was in St Martin's Square during December 2017.

dndimg alt="Bullring Xmas" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bullring Christmas 2017 (2) .jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The carousel was only at the Bullring during the Christmas / winter 2017 / 2018 season. Seen close to Selfridges, lit up in blue after dark.

dndimg alt="Bullring Xmas" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bullring Christmas 2017 (3) .jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Looking up at the Christmas lights from the statue of Nelson above St Martin's Walk towards the Rotunda.

dndimg alt="Bullring Xmas" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bullring Christmas 2017 (4) .jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

2018

Now December 2018 and the Christmas lights up St Martin's Walk had changed. There was also now a small Christmas market at the bottom of the hill.

dndimg alt="Bullring Xmas" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bullring Christmas 2018 (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

First look at the Snow House in the direction of the West Mall.

dndimg alt="Bullring Xmas" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bullring Christmas 2018 (5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The Salvation Army band were performing near the Christmas tree in St Martin's Square. Visitors could pose with the reindeer in front of the tree.

dndimg alt="Bullring Xmas" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bullring Christmas 2018 (6).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

They had changed the Christmas tree for 2018. Looking more green than the previous white one.

dndimg alt="Bullring Xmas" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bullring Christmas 2018 (7).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Heavy sleety cold rain as I walked down St Martin's Walk towards the Snow House. Was heading to Eastside City Park, where Ice Skate Birmingham was (at the time).

dndimg alt="Bullring Xmas" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bullring Christmas 2018 (8).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

While it looks Christmasy, the weather didn't feel like it! The resulting photos from that weather came out quite good though, like the Christmas lights with Christmas trees and reindeer with some stars.

dndimg alt="Bullring Xmas" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bullring Christmas 2018 (9).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The Snow House. People under cover were probably dry. Outside everyone else was getting wet!

dndimg alt="Bullring Xmas" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bullring Christmas 2018 (10).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

2019

The Snow House returned in October 2019, around 10 months later. In time for Halloween. So initially there was pumpkins and cobwebs etc around and a Haunted House.

dndimg alt="Bullring Xmas" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bullring Christmas 2019 (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The Haunted House. It would get replaced in November 2019 by the Christmas market again.

dndimg alt="Bullring Xmas" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bullring Christmas 2019 (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

It is now November 2019 and the Christmas lights on the East Mall. "Walk in strut out". This is near Rotunda Square.

dndimg alt="Bullring Xmas" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bullring Christmas 2019 (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Better weather this time heading down St Martin's Walk. It looks like they reused the 2018 Christmas lights. The spire of St Martin's Church on the walk down to the Snow House. By then the small Christmas market at the bottom of the hill was back again.

dndimg alt="Bullring Xmas" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bullring Christmas 2019 (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Not quite as dark enough as I would have wanted it. But zooming into these Christmas lights made it a bit more dark looking. Snow House at the bottom.

dndimg alt="Bullring Xmas" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bullring Christmas 2019 (5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The 2019 Christmas tree in St Martin's Square appears to be the same one as in 2018. Complete with the reindeer bench.

dndimg alt="Bullring Xmas" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bullring Christmas 2019 (6).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Looking up St Martin's Walk. The Christmas lights from the statue of Nelson up to Rotunda Square. You can compare this shot with the equivalent I took in 2017.

dndimg alt="Bullring Xmas" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bullring Christmas 2019 (7).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Photos taken by Elliott Brown.

Follow me on Twitter here ellrbrown.

Birmingham Big Wheel and (later) Ice Skate Birmingham in Centenary Square (2009 - 2016, 2019 - present)

Here we will look at the Birmingham Big Wheel and other rides that have been in Centenary Square over the years. Eventually Ice Skate Birmingham took it over. My earliest photos from 2009. Ice Skate Birmingham was held in Centenary Square until 2016 (moving to Eastside for 2017 and 2018) before returning now in 2019.

Ice Skate Birmingham has been running the Big Wheel and ice rink since at least 2016 in Centenary Square (also in Eastside City Park). Known as Winter Skate between 2013 and 2015. Before then it was just the Birmingham Big Wheel (and sometimes a few other rides).

Of course the Birmingham Big Wheel had been in Centenary Square before 2009 (10 years ago). But I only started taking photos of Brum back in 2009. So first got the Big Wheel in November and December 2009.

2009

Seen here in November 2009 in Centenary Square. The Birmingham Big Wheel sponsored by the Birmingham Mail. With Symphony Hall and The ICC Birmingham behind. Raining and gale force winds at the time.

dndimg alt="Birmingham Big Wheel" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Birmingham Big Wheel Cent Sq (Nov 2009).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

It was now December 2009, and getting another view of the Birmingham Big Wheel at sunset. On my walk back into town after seeing Avatar at the cinema. The Christmas Craft Market was also in Centenary Square at the time.

dndimg alt="Birmingham Big Wheel" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Birmingham Big Wheel Cent Sq (Dec 2009).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

I didn't get photos of the Birmingham Big Wheel in 2010 or 2011. Instead by December 2011 I only took photos of a Chair-o-Planes ride in Centenary Square.

2011

Close to The REP side of Centenary Square was a ride I called the Chair-o-Planes ride. Was other fun fair likes stalls around here.

dndimg alt="Chair-o-Planes" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/ChairOPlanes Centenary Square (Dec 2011) (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Similar to what is in Centenary Square now, but much closer to the ground.

dndimg alt="Chair-o-Planes" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/ChairOPlanes Centenary Square (Dec 2011) (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

By 2012 you could already see the Library of Birmingham, around a year before it was due to open in Centenary Square.

2012

The Chair-o-Planes ride seen with the new (then still under construction) Library of Birmingham behind. Seen in November 2012.

dndimg alt="Chair-o-Planes" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bham Big Wheel Cent Sq (Nov 2012) (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

For the first time you could see the Birmingham Big Wheel with the Library of Birmingham. The gold cladding around the Shakespeare Memorial Room wasn't quite finished (the Skyline Viewpoint would also be up there). Chair-o-Planes ride to the right now.

dndimg alt="Birmingham Big Wheel" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bham Big Wheel Cent Sq (Nov 2012) (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Now in December 2012 in the evening. The Birmingham Big Wheel and Chair-o-Planes rides lit up after dark. Couldn't see the Library of Birmingham as they hadn't turned on the lights (still a construction site until September 2013).

dndimg alt="Birmingham Big Wheel" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bham Big Wheel Cent Sq (Dec 2012) (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

This view from Broad Street towards The REP. The same fun fair style stalls that they had there a year before.

dndimg alt="Birmingham Big Wheel" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bham Big Wheel Cent Sq (Dec 2012) (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

The ice rink returned to Centenary Square in 2013 after the new Library of Birmingham opened. At this time they called it Winter Skate.

2013

The new Library of Birmingham opened to the public in September 2013. By November 2013, the Birmingham Big Wheel was back, and for the first time an ice rink called (at the time) Winter Skate. This was from the Discovery Terrace. This ice rink was not covered.

dndimg alt="Winter Skate" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bham Big Wheel Winter Skate Cent Sq (Nov 2013) (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Another Discovery Terrace view towards Symphony Hall. The beginnings of Ice Skate Birmingham as Winter Skate. They would return here every year until 2016.

dndimg alt="Winter Skate" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bham Big Wheel Winter Skate Cent Sq (Nov 2013) (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

The Birmingham Big Wheel and Winter Skate seen during December 2013 in the evening. This view towards the Hall of Memory. I was heading to the Library of Birmingham.

dndimg alt="Winter Skate" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bham Big Wheel Winter Skate Cent Sq (Dec 2013) (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

For the first time you could get the Big Wheel with the Library of Birmingham after dark. They even had a Christmas tree in the Amphitheatre below.

dndimg alt="Winter Skate" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bham Big Wheel Winter Skate Cent Sq (Dec 2013) (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Just a few arty shots in 2014.

2014

Reflection of the Birmingham Big Wheel on Christmas Eve 2014 in the Library of Birmingham. December 2014.

dndimg alt="Birmingham Big Wheel" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bham Big Wheel Cent Sq (Dec 2014) (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Reflection of the Big Wheel from the Discovery Terrace at the Library of Birmingham.

dndimg alt="Birmingham Big Wheel" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bham Big Wheel Cent Sq (Dec 2014) (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

View from Gas Street Basin with the Library of Birmingham seen behind. A few days before the end of December 2014.

dndimg alt="Birmingham Big Wheel" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bham Big Wheel Cent Sq (Dec 2014) (3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

I'm not sure if they were calling it Ice Skate Birmingham in 2015, but they had the ice rink there. Just more shots of the Big Wheel and a few details. Or it may have still been called Winter Skate Birmingham.

2015

A few nightshots. I noticed that the Birmingham Big Wheel kept changing colours every few seconds. This view towards Symphony Hall and The REP from Broad Street. November 2015.

dndimg alt="Ice Skate Birmingham" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ice Skate Birmingham Cent Sq (Nov 2015) (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

There was still bus stops at this end of Broad Street, so around 4 years before the Westside Metro extension is due to open (and was 2 years before construction even began).

dndimg alt="Ice Skate Birmingham" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ice Skate Birmingham Cent Sq (Nov 2015) (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

View from the Library of Birmingham of customers getting onto the Big Wheel. Looked like they had slightly changed the ice rink behind. Buses still using that end of Broad Street at the time.

dndimg alt="Ice Skate Birmingham" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ice Skate Birmingham Cent Sq (Nov 2015) (3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Now December 2015 on Boxing Day. Ice Bar at what was Winter Skate Birmingham (now Ice Skate Birmingham). The ICC was closed on that day.

dndimg alt="Ice Skate Birmingham" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ice Skate Birmingham Cent Sq (Dec 2015).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

It finally got the Ice Skate Birmingham name in 2016. This would be the last year in Centenary Square before a temporary two year move to Eastside City Park (due to the impending redevelopment of the square). After a delay they returned for the 2019 Christmas season.

2016

This view of Ice Skate Birmingham from the Secret Garden at the Library of Birmingham during December 2016. The last time it was in the 1991 style Centenary Square. It was open here until January 2017.

dndimg alt="Ice Skate Birmingham" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ice Skate Birmingham (Dec 2016) (1) .jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The major difference with the ice rink this time was an artificial Christmas tree in the centre. But still not covered, to protect you from the rain and snow (that would change in future years).

dndimg alt="Ice Skate Birmingham" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ice Skate Birmingham (Dec 2016) (2) .jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Closer look at the artificial Christmas tree in the middle.

dndimg alt="Ice Skate Birmingham" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ice Skate Birmingham (Dec 2016) (3) .jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

A couple of Ice Skate Birmingham workers scrape the ice after people had skated over it.

dndimg alt="Ice Skate Birmingham" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ice Skate Birmingham (Dec 2016) (4) .jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Centenary Square would be mostly closed for redevelopment in 2017 and in 2018. And it didn't fully reopen until July 2019. That meant Ice Skate Birmingham had to find somewhere else. They were on Eastside Green in Eastside City Park for the two Christmas seasons they couldn't be in Westside (I will do a separate post of those years on Ice Skate Birmingham in Eastside).

2019

Being set up during the middle of October 2019. Ice Skate Birmingham is back in Centenary Square for the first time in 3 years and is bigger than ever. At this time the covered ice rink was awaiting a few more panels. And the Big Wheel yet to get the spindles for passengers to ride in. The view from near the Hall of Memory.

dndimg alt="Ice Skate Birmingham" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ice Skate Bham (Oct 2019) (1) .jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The view from the Discovery Terrace at the Library of Birmingham. When Centenary Square looked like a constructions site again. Only months after fully reopening. Then again the Westside Metro extension is due to open to Centenary Square by December 2019. And the Symphony Hall redevelopment will be finished sometime in 2020.

dndimg alt="Ice Skate Birmingham" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ice Skate Bham (Oct 2019) (2) .jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

By the end of October 2019, the Star Flyer had been installed. Fences here for the Symphony Hall redevelopment and the Westside Metro extension. There was a path straight ahead to walk up towards Centenary Way and Paradise Birmingham. Library of Birmingham seen to the left.

dndimg alt="Ice Skate Birmingham" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ice Skate Bham (Oct 2019) (3) .jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Hoping to get Ice Skate Birmingham after dark in the middle of November 2019. I went to Cineworld and saw the film Le Mans '66. After leaving it was raining heavily but still got my photos. The Star Flyer flying after dark and the Big Wheel lit up.

dndimg alt="Ice Skate Birmingham" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ice Skate Bham (Nov 2019) (1) .jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

I walked along the path alongside Arena Central going past the former Municipal Bank (being redeveloped for the University of Birmingham) and HSBC UK at 1 Centenary Square. Here before heading down the steps you can also see the complete tracks for the Westside Metro extension. I have yet to see a tram in test on them (yet).

dndimg alt="Ice Skate Birmingham" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ice Skate Bham (Nov 2019) (2) .jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The ice rink is now covered and lit inside. So rain (or snow) outside would not effect the inside of the ice rink at Ice Skate Birmingham. It was also covered when they were at Eastside City Park in the two previous winter seasons.

dndimg alt="Ice Skate Birmingham" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ice Skate Bham (Nov 2019) (3) .jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Photos taken by Elliott Brown.

Follow me on Twitter here ellrbrown.

Coca Cola Christmas Truck in Birmingham over the years

The world famous Coca Cola Christmas Truck used to make an annual visit to Birmingham (and other places across the UK). It will not be returning to Birmingham in December 2019 (instead to the Merry Hill Shopping Centre near Dudley). Instead enjoy this gallery of photos from the Bullring (2014 and 2016) and Eastside City Park (2017 and 2018).

St Martin's Square, Bullring, December 2014

I was first able to get photos of the world famous Coca Cola Christmas Truck at the Bullring in St Martin's Square on the early evening on the 11th December 2014.

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Was a crowd of people in the queue to get a free can of Coca Cola, or pose with the truck. Was near Selfridges, St Martin's Church and a Christmas tree.

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Views from the upper level balcony at the Bullring are best to see the Coca Cola Truck (and other things that park here).

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The Coca Cola Truck always drew a crowd of people.

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You know the "holidays are coming" when Santa brings his Coca Cola Truck to town!

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St Martin's Square, Bullring, December 2016

Thanks to Birmingham Updates for using one my 2016 photos on their Social Media posts, I now know that it wont be returning to Birmingham in December 2019.

I next saw the Coca Cola Truck when it returned to the Bullring on the 17th December 2016. This time got my photos in the daylight hours.

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Similar views as before, but you can see the Coca Cola Truck properly now. A Coke man takes a families photo with the truck.

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The Bullring's 2016 Christmas tree look rather artificial that year. This is the photo that Birmingham Updates used. Coca Cola Truck Bham Updates.

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Getting different views, but more of the same.

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Going round the side of Selfridges for this view of the Coca Cola Truck at the Bullring.

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Ice Skate Birmingham, Eastside City Park, December 2017

The next time I saw the Coca Cola Truck was when it visited Ice Skate Birmingham in Eastside City Park. This was on the 9th December 2017. This was the day before it snowed. I was coming back on the train from a day out in Bedworth. Not much of a view from the train, so I headed to Eastside after I arrived at Birmingham New Street Station.

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Close up view of the world famous Coca Cola Truck. New views with it included The Woodman pub and Curzon Street Station.

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This view with the Birmingham Big Wheel and the other rides that were at Ice Skate Birmingham. They found this site in 2017 due to the then redevelopment of Centenary Square (which took two years in the end).

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Slightly further back with the Birmingham Big Wheel. It would be nice to get something like this again in Westside, but the Coca Cola Truck isn't coming to Birmingham this year.

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Last 2017 view as the light faded. Masshouse residential blocks to the right. Rotunda in the middle and the Birmingham Big Wheel to the left.

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Ice Skate Birmingham, Eastside City Park, December 2018

Spending a section festive season in Eastside City Park, Ice Skate Birmingham once again hosted the return of the Coca Cola Christmas Truck. I saw it on the early evening of the 15th December 2018, in rainy sleety cold and freezing weather!

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Despite the weather conditions, the resulting photos looking quite Christmasy, even thought it wasn't snowing. The Birmingham Big Wheel to the right. With The Woodman pub seen behind.

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For 2018, they parked the Coca Cola Truck in a slightly different position. Also Ice Skate Birmingham were further to the right, as the land they used previously was now HS2 land.

dndimg alt="Coca Cola Truck Eastside" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Coca Cola Truck Eastside City Park (Dec 2018) (3) .jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Probably due to the weather, there wasn't many people around.

dndimg alt="Coca Cola Truck Eastside" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Coca Cola Truck Eastside City Park (Dec 2018) (4) .jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Still the sleety rain added to the effect of a Coca Cola Christmas!

dndimg alt="Coca Cola Truck Eastside" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Coca Cola Truck Eastside City Park (Dec 2018) (5) .jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

I hope people at Merry Hill enjoy it. Never been there myself. Although I know that you can get a bus from Cradley Heath Station (which is on the Snow Hill lines). According to the Birmingham Mail, it will be in Merry Hill on the 6th and 7th December 2019. Coca-Cola Christmas truck 2019 heads to intu Merry Hill.

 

Photos taken by Elliott Brown.

Follow me on Twitter here ellrbrown.

The 2009 Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market (10 years ago this November)

I took my very first photos of the Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market 10 years ago on the 14th November 2009. Can't believe that 10 years already has passed since then. I have over the years taken more photos from the market, but not as full as my initial photos (subsequent years mostly the market going up or down). Back then was a helter skelter, giant polar bear and Santa heads!

These photos were taken on the 14th November 2009. 10 years ago this week. In the years since I have taken more photos at the Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market, but not with all the crowds that I experienced 10 years ago!

Victoria Square, November 2009

Now this is the route of the new Westside Metro extension, but back in 2009 Anthony Gormley's Iron:Man was still here, and they had a helter skelter ride near Victoria Square House! Was also a nest in this tree (now cut down).

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Anthony Gormley's Iron:Man statue enjoying the first weekend of the Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market. 10 years on it's still in storage.

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Another man with a camera heading around the market.

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Can you see the giant polar bear with a Christmas hat?

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Close up of the polar bear. I think this was a Polar Beer Bear Bar (or something like that?).

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Also a giant Santa Claus head. Whatever happened to that?

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Bob Wilson's Carousel returns like clockwork every year, so expect to see it in Victoria Square now, like 10 years ago. The Floozie in the Jacuzzi, when the River was dry (after a leak).

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New Street, November 2009

This was the view heading down Christchurch Passage towards New Street.

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Already looking too crowded on New Street, yet I headed down to try and get my first photos of the market.

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Somehow caught a beggar with his hands out near the Halifax (now a Nando's).

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More people as I headed down New Street. This is from Ethel Street.

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This piece is at the Frankfurt Christmas Market every year. Red candles with figures of Santa, Nutcrackers etc. Always just before Bennetts Hill.

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Carrying on past the Tesco Metro. There is never any market stalls between Bennetts Hill and Temple Street. A pedestrianised road to allow vehicles through.

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Getting closer to Corporation Street. Near Slater Menswear and Urban Outfitters

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Near an Oasis shop. Which is still there now. Close to what was a Waterstone's book shop (now an Apple store). Would be a few years later before the market stretched as far as Rotunda Square.

dndimg alt="BFCM New St" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BFCM New Street (Nov 2009) (8).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Photos taken by Elliott Brown.

Follow me on Twitter here ellrbrown.

The Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market 2019: Day 1 of 43

Open now for it's 20th annual year in Birmingham, the Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market as usual stretches from New Street to Victoria Square. For the first time it opened about 2 weeks earlier than usual on the 7th November 2019. Meaning it will be open for around 43 days until the 23rd December 2019.

New Street

This is the section of New Street between Corporation Street and High Street. Retail BID have again turned the tree lights pink and purple. This was around 5pm on Thursday 7th November 2019 between the Britannia Hotel and Odeon Cinema.

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This year they have an new arch on New Street saying "Birmingham's Frankfurt Christmas Market". Also with the shields / arms of Birmingham and Frankfurt. The cities have been twinned since 1966. Birmingham and Frankfurt.

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A closer look at the tower with Birmingham's Forward coat of arms / shield.

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Santa Claus and penguins.

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Zum Glockenspiel near the end of New Street. Poppies up as it's the time of year of Remembrance.

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Victoria Square

Earlier in the day, I popped out at lunchtime and headed up Pinfold Street from Birmingham New Street Station, following the tracks of the West Midlands Metro extension to Centenary Square (also known as the Westside Metro extension).

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A small change to the security barriers near the new tram line. As the Birmingham FCM is now open again in front of the Council House.

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Even here the towers have Birmingham's Forward coat of arms shield. One of the square's Sphinx Guardian's watches on.

dndimg alt="Birmingham FCM" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Birmingham FCM Victoria Square (Nov 2019) (3) .jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Photos taken by Elliott Brown.

Follow me on Twitter here ellrbrown.