Motoring legends, heritage buses, transport talks and family activities set to fill Birmingham city centre next month.
With just one month to go until Brum Transport Fest, organisers Colmore Life have unveiled the details of the packed festival programme that will transform Birmingham city centre into a celebration of the region’s rich transport and automotive heritage.
Taking place on Friday 18 and Saturday 19 September from 11am – 5pm across some of the city’s most iconic public spaces, the free weekend event will bring together classic vehicles, heritage transport, expert speakers, live entertainment and family-friendly activities, offering something for transport enthusiasts and families alike.
Brum Transport Fest will be centred around Victoria, Chamberlain, Hippodrome and Centenary Square. Victoria Square will feature heritage buses courtesy of Transport Museum Wythall, giving visitors the opportunity to enjoy the lovingly restored vehicles and learn more about the region’s public transport history.
Centenary Square will host an impressive display of heritage vehicles from organisations including the British Motor Museum, Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust, Aldridge Transport Museum, Reflective Car Care and Raw Rides, alongside a special exhibition marking the 40th anniversary of the Birmingham Super Prix, featuring memories and stories contributed by the public. More than 100 additional heritage vehicles owed by individual enthusiasts will also be on display across the weekend.
On the Centenary Square entertainment stage, guests will hear from well-known names from across the motoring world, including Practical Classics magazine editor Danny Hopkins, television personality and engineer Fuzz Townshend, event and presenter Phil Oldershaw, broadcaster Ed James, and transport historian John Lakey, who will take part in a series of engaging live interviews.
Stage highlights include:
- Introduction to Classic Cars
- Building Cars in Birmingham
- Classic Buses
- From Bikes to Cars and Back Again
- Pride of Longbridge
- 40 Years Since the First Birmingham Super Prix
- Champion Tinkerers: The People Who Keep Classics Going
- Trams, No Trams and Now More Trams
For younger visitors, a dedicated family zone will feature special transport characters, while a creative workshop at Birmingham Library on Saturday will provide hands-on fun for children.
Hippodrome Square will host a special display from the Gay Classic Car Group, showcasing a collection of distinctive and lovingly maintained classic vehicles while celebrating the diversity and inclusivity of the UK’s motoring community. One of the country’s most welcoming communities for classic vehicle enthusiasts, the group brings together LGBTQ+ owners and allies who share a passion for preserving automotive heritage. Visitors can meet the meet owners, admire a range of classic cars and hear the stories behind the vehicles and the people who help keep them on the road today.
Additional classic vehicle displays are planned for Chamberlain Square, creating a trail of transport heritage throughout the city centre.
Melanie Williams, Board Director at Birmingham Colmore and lead of the Colmore Placemaking Working Group said: “Brum Transport Fest will be a fantastic celebration of the Midlands’ proud transport heritage and the people who helped build it. From classic cars and heritage buses to expert talks, live music and family activities, there really will be something for everyone.
“With just one month to go, we’re excited to reveal the first details of the programme and look forward to welcoming visitors from across the region to enjoy this unique weekend in the heart of the city.”
The first of its kind festival delivered by Colmore Life, Brum Transport Fest aims to bring together enthusiasts, families and curious visitors to celebrate the vehicles, people and stories that have shaped Birmingham and the wider West Midlands.
Colmore Life also delivers the annual Colmore Food Festival and supports International Day of Birmingham, Birmingham Cocktail Weekend and many other city-wide events.
For the latest updates and programme announcements, visit www.colmorelife.co.uk or follow @ColmoreLife on Facebook and Instagram.
