With the end of the summer looming and a new school term on the horizon, we've selected some of the top events and activities to enjoy this forthcoming bank holiday weekend.

THE TIGER WHO CAME TO TEA | BIRMINGHAM TOWN HALL | UNTIL 26 AUGUST

The tea-guzzling tiger once again drops in on Sophie and her mum, just as they’re settling down for an afternoon cuppa... 

Adapted by David Wood OBE from Judith Kerr’s 1968 book, this 55-minute show comes without an interval, features singalong songs and boasts plenty of magic - not to mention a big stripy tiger, of course!

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PIRATE TREASURE HUNT | NATIONAL SEA LIFE CENTRE BIRMINGHAM | UNTIL 4 SEPTEMBER

Ahoy there, mateys, it’s time to head off on a swashbuckling treasure hunt at the National SEA LIFE Centre!

Along the way, little ones will have the chance to meet a real pirate and collect pirate trading cards... And to make the experience even better, there will be some ‘special treasure’ waiting for them at the end of the adventure, too!

Opportunities to check out the venue’s underwater residents - including sharks, green sea turtles and clownfish - further add to the fun.

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NOISES OFF | BIRMINGHAM REP | UNTIL 9 SEPTEMBER

Booker Prize-winning author Michael Frayn’s ‘farce about a farce’ became one of the biggest hits in Broadway history when it opened there in 1983.

The show’s audience is effectively presented with two plays in one. The actors go onstage to perform in a play called Nothing On, and then come offstage to appear in the ‘real-life’ farce occurring backstage.
While fights break out behind the scenes, on stage the actors are missing their cues, missing their footing and missing the point altogether. Even the director ends up having to take a role in the show! 

Liza Goddard, Matthew Kelly and Simon Shepherd star in this Theatre Royal Bath Productions revival. 

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THE LION KING | BIRMINGHAM HIPPODROME | UNTIL 16 SEPTEMBER

Julie Taymor’s stage adaptation of the Oscar-winning animated film of the same name brings together a huge cast of actors, singers and dancers. Seen by a staggering 110 million people worldwide since premiering on Broadway in 1997 - and featuring hundreds of masks & puppets - the show tells the compelling story of Simba, a young lion cub, as he journeys through life and struggles to accept the responsibilities of adulthood...

The production’s rich tapestry of songs and compositions - the most famous among which is the iconic Circle Of Life - includes contributions from Elton John and Hans Zimmer.

Age guidance for the two-and-a-half hour show is six-plus.

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MOSTLY JAZZ FUNK AND SOUL ALL-DAYER | MOSELEY PARK | 25 AUGUST

The team behind Birmingham's Mostly Jazz Funk and Soul Festival are ensuring August Bank Holiday gets off to a cracking start by throwing a very special All-Dayer.

The first Mostly Jazz Funk and Soul All-Dayer sees Hot Chip man the decks for a headlining DJ set, aided by Crazy P Soundsystem, Boca 45, Sanity, and more.

Emerging in the early '00s, synth pop act Hot Chip have continued to innovate, with last year's eighth album, Freakout/Release, reshaping elements of pop, disco, '80s, funk, house and rave to continued acclaim. They previously appeared at Mostly Jazz in 2021 in their Hot Chip Megamix guise.

Returning to the site after July’s slightly storm-bashed festival are Nottingham’s crowd-pleasing Crazy P Soundsystem and Bristol DJ/producer Boca 45, while Sanity (previously known as Lady Sanity) is one of Birmingham's leading music lights - her recent Late Night track is a smooth blend of hip hop, jazz and soul.

Rounding off the Mostly Jazz Funk and Soul Festival All-Dayer bill are Wolverhampton's NeONE The Wonderer (whose Never Die is inspired by jazz, drill and Wu Tang), plus spoken word artist Jadapoetryyy, Sherene and Smallboy.

Alongside the music, the event will also see some of Brum's best street food vendors too.

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WING FEST | THE BOND DIGBETH | 25-27 AUGUST

The world's largest chicken wing festival, Wing Fest, returns to Birmingham after a successful debut event last summer.

The event will showcase a range of restaurants, street food traders and pop-ups, who will display their culinary talents and compete against each other over a whopping 100,000 drums and flats, to answer the age-old question of who makes the best wings in the UK?

The competition is split into two categories: the best buffalo wing; the battle for who can execute the perfect classic spicy sauce, and the best wild wing; where the traders can let their creativity run wild with flavours and toppings to transform a humble chicken wing into a flavour eruption.

Birmingham Wing Fest goers can expect plenty of beer plus entertainment including live blues music, brass bands, axe throwing, games and BBQ cooking demonstrations. Cocktails and bourbon master classes will be hosted plus there will be DJs playing summer party vibe tunes into the night.

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PAIRC FESTIVAL | IRISH CENTRE, DIGBETH | 25-27 AUGUST

Returning for a second year with a three-day celebration of Irish music and culture, Páirc will feature a mix of international headline acts and local talent.

The event promises fun for all the family and comes complete with street food, beer and festival merchandise.

2023 line-up includes: Van Morrison (pictured), The Waterboys, Mary Black, Nathan Carter, Derek Ryan, The High Kings, The Fureys, All Folk’d Up and Ceol.

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BIRMINGHAM WEEKENDER | CITY CENTRE | 26-27 AUGUST

This bank holiday, free event Birmingham Weekender will take over the heart of the city with colourful installations, interactive experiences and energetic performances from some of the best local, national and international artists.

This year’s festival takes place at Bullring & Grand Central and in the Hippodrome’s home district of Southside.

Highlights include a giant swing set on Central Street, which will be open to the public after daring aerial duets from All or Nothing Theatre; a spectacular stage near the Rotunda, curated by young people; and Lumini, a sculptural and sensory inflatable walk-through of wonder. Located on Hippodrome Square, Lumini will host an array of workshops and performances across the weekend, including yoga, sensory sessions and African drumming.

The festival culminates on Sunday with Weekender Carnival, a vibrant musical celebration and dance extravaganza by ACE Dance and Music featuring a mass procession through the streets to start and end the day.

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UB40: THE HOMECOMING | MOSELEY PARK | 27 AUGUST

Formed in Birmingham in 1978, UB40 proudly wear their working-class roots on their sleeves, championing causes and concerns in songs that tackle political and social issues head on.

Capturing the hearts, minds, and dancing feet of disaffected British youth, their loyal audience has grown and evolved with them over the past 45 years, gathering new and younger fans along the way, thanks to the power and impact of music and messages that continues to resonate today.

Fans can expect an evening of much-loved classic hits from two era-defining acts – expect Kingston Town, Red Red Wine, (I Can’t Help) Falling In Love With You, Food For Thought, along with new material from the upcoming UB45 album due out later this year.

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TRIBE OF TATTU BRUNCH | TATTU | 27 AUGUST

Inspired by the hedonistic spirit of the Mediterranean and the rhythmic essence of Tulum, lose yourself in the mesmerising sounds of tribal house and delight in a three-wave brunch menu and luxury drinks offerings at contemporary Chinese restaurant, Tattu.

Priced at £47.50, dishes include salt and pepper loin ribs, sea bass tom yum, caramel soy aged beef fillet and more.