Following last year’s success, Birmingham Hippodrome has announced the return of Six Summer Saturdays, bringing outdoor theatre to Birmingham city centre from Saturday July 9 to Saturday August 13. And it’s all for free.

Six Summer Saturdays kicks off  on July 9 with a host of interactive musical sculptures and energetic sounds in partnership with Birmingham Jazz Festival.

It takes place in public spaces across the city including Birmingham Hippodrome piazza, Arcadian Centre, Chamberlain Square, Victoria Square, Cathedral Grounds, Colmore Square and Brindleyplace.

From July 22-24, just one year before the start of the Olympic Games, Six Summer Saturdays forms part of the London 2012 Open Weekend when No Fit State Circus arrive with trampolines, tight ropes, juggling and much more.

Featuring a host of live performances across the city, Six Summer Saturdays highlights include:

• Snow ball fights in the middle of summer
• The world’s smallest mobile theatre
• A special interactive game on Victoria Square’s BBC Big Screen
• Late night waltzes with inflatable lobsters
• A Festival of Fudge
• Revolving six foot tall paintings
• Giant balloons
• A dazzling ping pong tournament
• Furry feline characters and amazing aerial theatre

Sarah Allen, Birmingham Hippodrome’s Creative Programme manager said: “We are very excited to be bringing Six Summer Saturdays to the streets of Birmingham once again.

“If people are just shopping or eating al fresco they will be able to enjoy some very exciting performances in locations such as Brindleyplace, Chamberlain Square and outside the Hippodrome.

“And, if people are feeling more energetic, they can plan their day so that they enjoy a whole range of free performances across the city.

“New to this year’s season is Feel Good Fridays, with performances in and around Colmore Business District, providing people with the chance to warm up for the weekend whilst on their lunch break or leaving work.”

Full listings can be obtained from www.sixsummersaturdays.com

Performances may be delayed or rescheduled in wet weather.  Ask a Six Summer Saturdays steward for the latest updates or stay in touch via Twitter following @brumhippodrome and the hashtag #6summersats