Back and bigger than ever before, Birmingham’s favourite festive hang-out is preparing to take the city by storm this Christmas. Transforming Suffolk St Queensway underpass, City Social will bring together local independent traders, festive food, bars and live music, as well as a of festive cheer to the heart of the city centre.
Back for the third year running, City Social returns on 28 November and will run for five weeks until 21 December. The ultimate alternative to the traditional Christmas markets, the event will take up residence in the underpass located in front of the Mailbox, transforming the space with wooden chalets, a cinema screen and setting the stage for live music and performances.
Celebrating the city’s thriving independent scene, City Social welcomes traders from across the Midlands, specialising in everything from delicious festive food and drink to bespoke gifts and decorations.
Back for a second year, Roastie Toastie – your favourite roast dinner slapped between two slices of bread – joins City Social’s food and drink offering alongside Worcester steakhouse, Ounce. Asha’s and Prestige Mobile Catering will sit alongside both a Baileys and hot chocolate chalet, as well as a classic hot Pimms and mulled cider stall, completing a tasty line-up of festive treats.
Together with these delicious delights will be a host of independent traders specialising in everything from Christmas decorations and craft ales, to bespoke Brummie memorabilia and so much more. The Art Partnership, which is also back for a third year running, will join bespoke painting and gifts of Birmingham influence, Festive Retail, as well as Memorabilia Gifts. Completing the offering will be Punjaban – specialising in Indian sauces, chutneys and more!
Not only this, but City Social has a jam-packed scheduled of events – and there’s sure to be something for everyone with festive film screenings live music and performances; creating the ultimate Christmas party vibes.
This year also sees the return of ‘Busking Battles’, written and presented by Phil Oldershaw. The show has joined forces with SLAM (Supporting Local Artists & Musicians) and will see the city’s hottest musicians pitted against each other in a bid to be crowned the best busker in town. Taking place at City Social on Friday evenings from 6pm, Busking Battles will invite musicians to battle it out before the crowd decides who will win the competition!
Whether you’re looking for an alternative to the hustle and bustle of the Frankfurt market, an after-work tipple or a festive family day out; City Social is the place to be this Christmas!
Kicking off on the 28 November running for five weeks through until 21 December, City Social is open 12pm – 7pm Sunday – Wednesday and 12pm – 9pm Thursday – Saturday. There will be live music and a DJ every Thursday and Friday evening from 5pm and from 1pm on Saturday. Sunday family film screenings will take from 1pm-3pm, 3pm – 5pm with the last viewing beginning at 5pm. A full schedule of events can be found here.
For more information about City Social, please visit the thecitysocial.co.ukor follow City Social on Facebook, Twitterand Instagram.If you are interested in taking part in the Busking Battles, please get in contact with them through their Facebook page.