Summer in the city: Birmingham and the festival frenzy by Isla Campell

For many people, the UK’s festival season is as good as it gets in terms of letting loose, relaxing and watching their favourite bands. Indeed, 3 or 4 days camped in a field with nothing to do but eat, drink and dance may be the ideal way to wile away the summer months, with numerous festivals to choose from throughout the UK.

But for many other people, the prospect of lying in a mud-filled field for a whole weekend just isn’t their idea of fun. After all, the UK weather isn’t exactly the most reliable, even in the summer months. And this is where city festivals have a major advantage over rural festivals, where camping can be exchanged for pampering, and pies can be swapped for paella.

Birmingham, for example, is a veritable festival hotspot. And it’s not entirely surprising, given that it’s the second biggest city in the UK, and the largest of England’s ‘core cities’. Situated within the West Midlands County, Birmingham really comes into its own in the summer months and is home to a festival frenzy, focussing on music, the arts and even food.

The Bass festival takes place throughout June, and is spread over a few cities. The Birmingham segment has everything from live jazz and Hip-Hop, to a graffiti exhibition and even a DJ Masterclass.

Then, there is the BBC Good Food Show, which takes place over 5 days in June at the Birmingham NEC. And for many, this is the perfect summer day out, with alfresco dining, amazing food and wine and even shopping. In 2008, top TV celebrity chefs such as Gordon Ramsay and James Martin will be showing off their culinary skills in the Good Food Show’s summer kitchen; so turn up, take notes and learn from the masters.

And for the more traditional arts, there is the New Generation Arts (NGA) Festival, which is hosted by Birmingham University with venues spread throughout the city. Running over the course of 15 days in June, there is the opportunity to watch films, visit digital media exhibitions and even attend a day of creative writing presentations and readings.

But for those who enjoy a good old-fashioned music festival and can’t put up with the hassle of camping in a field, then there is the 20th Annual City Stages music festival in downtown Birmingham. Taking place over 3 days, massive international-selling artists help create a phenomenal festival experience in a city environment ensuring hotels in Birmingham are bursting at the seams.

Indeed, throughout the summer months, Birmingham hotels are positively thriving, and it’s hardly surprising, given the eclectic mix of festival experiences on offer. So ditch that tent and prepare to be pampered this summer, Birmingham is where it’s all happening.