- Town Hall welcomes Toto the Ninja Cat and the Great Snake Escape in August, a brand-new stage adaptation of Dermot O’Leary’s bestselling children’s book. Packed with original music, spectacular puppetry and laugh-out-loud comedy, this purr-fect family adventure promises entertainment for all ages.
- Brassed Off Live comes to Symphony Hall in September, as the world-renowned Grimethorpe Colliery Band performs the film’s iconic and emotionally powerful score live alongside a screening of the much-loved classic.
- The Birmingham Classical 2026/27 season opens at Symphony Hall in September with the Munich Philharmonic Orchestra and legendary pianist Martha Argerich. Argerich makes her first appearance at Symphony Hall in more than 30 years and her Birmingham Classical debut.
- Formula One legend Nigel Mansell takes to the Symphony Hall stage in September to share stories from his extraordinary career, offering audiences a unique insight into one of Britain’s greatest motorsport champions.
- In October, Starsailor celebrates the 25th anniversary of its acclaimed, multi-platinum debut album Love Is Here with a special performance at Town Hall, accompanied by a string ensemble arranged and conducted by Joe Duddell.
B:Music, the Birmingham music charity responsible for Town Hall and Symphony Hall, has unveiled its August to October 2026 season, bringing an exciting programme of live music, comedy, film, family entertainment and spoken word to its two iconic venues.
The new season features an eclectic line-up of world-class artists and unforgettable live experiences. August opens with performances from Britain’s leading musical theatre star Michael Ball, as well as the exceptional young musicians of the National Youth Orchestra. September offers an outstanding mix of live music and entertainment, from singer-songwriter Freya Ridings to the thrilling James Bond Concert Spectacular. The season continues into October with acclaimed comedian Jason Byrne taking to the Town Hall stage, and Justin Hayward, the celebrated vocalist, lead guitarist and songwriter of the legendary Moody Blues.
Comedy fans are spoilt for choice this autumn as B:Music welcomes a stellar line-up of stand-up talent to Town Hall and Symphony Hall. Audiences can enjoy an evening of laughs with Kanan Gill: Not This Again(10 September), Simon Brodkin: Unleashed (11 September), Henry Parker: Pencil Case(23 September), Urzila Carlson: Fatty on a Yacht (26 September), Gianmarco Soresi: The Misery Loves Tour (30 September), Laura Smyth: Born Aggy (2 October), Jason Byrne: 30 Years Byrning (3 October), and Serena Terry (9 October), making Birmingham the place to be for comedy this season.
Live music lovers are in for an exceptional season, with everything from world-class classical performances to iconic pop, rock and global music.
The Birmingham Classical 2026/27 season opens in spectacular style with the Munich Philharmonic Orchestra joined by the legendary pianist Martha Argerich (4 September). Widely regarded as one of the greatest pianists of all time, Argerich returns to Symphony Hall for the first time in more than 30 years and makes her Birmingham Classical debut, performing Beethoven’s youthful and exuberant Second Piano Concerto. This marks the Munich Philharmonic Orchestra’s only UK performance outside London, promising an unforgettable evening of music-making.
For fans of classic pop, Clare Grogan and Altered Images bring their iconic album Happy Birthday to Town Hall in a special performance featuring the album in full alongside the band’s biggest hits (12 September). One of the defining acts of the early 1980s, Altered Images enjoyed a string of chart successes, while Grogan also became a celebrated actress, starring in the cult classic Gregory’s Girl.
Also in September, Captain Fantastic & The Rocket Man Band (21 September) celebrates more than five decades of Sir Elton John’s extraordinary music at Symphony Hall, recreating his greatest hits live in a spectacular tribute to one of Britain’s most enduring musical icons.
October sees the return of African Soul Rebels, Music Beyond Mainstream’s acclaimed live series celebrating artists who push musical boundaries while honouring tradition. Leading this new chapter are the electrifying L’Amazones d’Afrique (8 October), the acclaimed West African collective whose powerful performances blend rich musical heritage with contemporary sounds and messages of strength, unity and social change.
The season continues with Starsailor celebrating the 25th anniversary of their critically acclaimed, multi-platinum debut album Love Is Here at Town Hall (23 October). The band will perform the album in full, accompanied by a specially arranged string ensemble conducted by Joe Duddell, before revisiting fan favourites from across their celebrated career.
Film and music come together for a unique live experience as the much-loved British classic Brassed Off returns to the big screen in a special live-in-concert performance (13 September). The world-renowned Grimethorpe Colliery Band performs the film’s stirring and emotionally charged score live alongside a screening of the 1996 comedy-drama, creating an unforgettable celebration of one of Britain’s most cherished films. Starring Stephen Tompkinson, Ewan McGregor, Tara Fitzgerald and Pete Postlethwaite, Brassed Off tells the inspiring story of a Yorkshire colliery brass band fighting to keep hope alive in the face of pit closures, and remains one of the nation’s most celebrated films three decades after its release.
Looking for family entertainment? Town Hall has plenty to keep audiences of all ages smiling this season. In August, Toto the Ninja Cat and the Great Snake Escape (15–16 August) brings Dermot O’Leary’s bestselling children’s book to life in a fun-filled stage adventure packed with original music, spectacular puppetry and plenty of laughs. Then, in September, everyone’s favourite explorer Blippi arrives with the all-new Be Like Blippi tour (6 September). Joined by Meekah, Blippi takes families on a high-energy interactive adventure filled with music, dancing, games and surprises, inspiring children to embrace curiosity and discover the world around them.
Looking for inspiration, insight or a fascinating story? B:Music’s autumn programme features an outstanding line-up of speakers and special events. Formula One legend Nigel Mansell takes to the Symphony Hall stage (27 September) to reflect on his remarkable racing career, sharing stories from his 15 seasons in Formula One, including his 1992 World Championship-winning campaign with Williams.
Fans of The Archers can celebrate 75 years of the nation’s favourite radio drama at a unique live event in Symphony Hall (9 September). Hosted by comedian and devoted fan Angela Barnes, the special anniversary show transports audiences to the Ambridge Flower & Produce Show, with performances from cast favourites Charles Collingwood, Ryan Kelly, Susie Riddell and Sunny Ormonde, live sound effects from Vanessa Nuttall, and memorable moments from the BBC archives.
Comedy legend John Cleese also arrives at Town Hall (20 September) for an unforgettable evening celebrating Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Following a screening of the iconic film, Cleese will take to the stage for a live conversation and audience Q&A, sharing behind-the-scenes stories, memories and trademark wit in a must-see event for comedy fans.
The season also features a host of standout events across both venues. Wine expert, broadcaster and author Tom Gilbey brings his entertaining live show Absolute Filth to Town Hall (19 September), while Rob Lamberti Presents Perfectly George celebrates the timeless music of George Michael in a spectacular tribute at Symphony Hall (19 September). In October, audiences can experience What the World Needs Now: The Burt Bacharach Song Book (8 October), a heartfelt celebration of one of popular music’s greatest songwriters. Led by Burt Bacharach’s longtime musical director, Rob Shirakbari, and performed with the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra, the production brings Bacharach’s extraordinary catalogue of classic songs to life.
To see the full programme and to book tickets, visit www.bmusic.co.uk