IT’S been a Brummie blast! Birmingham Festival 23 came to a close on Sunday evening after ten days of celebrations to mark the first anniversary of the city’s Commonwealth Games.

The finale featured some of Brum’s finest established and emerging music, poetry, and spoken word talent in B:Music’s Next Track, a fitting soundtrack for England’s Second City.

Pic: Lensi Photography

In this post you’ll find galleries of great images that showcase the spirit of the festival that brought the city together once more.

Clockwise pics: Lensi Photography; Lensi Photography; Katja Ogrin; Lensi Photography; Katja Ogrin; Lensi Photography

Creative Director Raidene Carter says: “We can’t thank audiences enough for helping us prove that the love and pride this city has for culture and community is stronger than ever.

Clockwise pics: Sampad; Katja Ogrin; Verity Milligan; Lensi Photography; Lensi Photography; Irina Mackie

“We’ve seen all walks of life in the last 10 days and incredible moments of kindness, from people who have shared brollies to personal stories and promises with one another.

Pics: BirminghamFestival23; Verity Milligan; BirminghamFestival23

“Birmingham’s done itself proud, yet again.”

Clockwise pics: Verity Milligan; Verity Milligan; Verity Milligan; Katja Ogrin; Paul Stringer; Verity Milligan

A packed 10-day programme had catered for all ages and interests, with back-to-back live and on-screen events and activities throughout each day.

Pics: Verity Milligan

The festival programme certainly reflected the diversity of the city, brought people together and was a fitting way to mark the anniversary of the terrific 2022 Commonwealth Games.

Lead picture: Katja Ogrin. All images courtesy of Birmingham Festival 23. Visit official website BirminghamFestival23 for more about the many events and people who made them possible.