Free symphony orchestra performances to fill Birmingham with music as festival returns to city streets

City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra to perform free concerts across the city over the August bank holiday weekend, with music in shopping centres, railway stations, libraries and even on a Metro tram

Thousands of people will be able to enjoy free live music across Birmingham when the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO) brings its annual CBSO in the City festival back this August.

The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra will present a free performance in New Street Station as part of this year's CBSO in the City festival | Jonathan Ferro

placeholder image — The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra will present a free performance in New Street Station as part of this year's CBSO in the City festival | Jonathan Ferro

Running from Thursday, August 27, to Monday, August 31, the festival will see musicians perform in some of the city's busiest and most unexpected locations, including the Bullring, Birmingham New Street station, libraries, museums, cafés, gardens and public spaces.

Among the highlights is the return of CBSO Music Director Kazuki Yamada, who will once again perform aboard the orchestra's branded West Midlands Metro tram before conducting the full orchestra in the Bullring on Bank Holiday Monday.

CBSO Music Director Kazuki Yamada: “CBSO in the City is one of my favourite moments in the year. Having the chance to surprise people with music, to see how it brings happiness and joy, is so uplifting for all of us." | Andrew Fox

Other events include performances at Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Touchwood Solihull, Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, The Exchange and Digbeth, while the CBSO Chorus will join musicians for a special performance in New Street station.

Emma Stenning, CBSO Chief Executive, said: "Birmingham is not a city waiting to be introduced to culture. It is already living it, in public spaces and on commutes, long before anyone walks through the doors of Symphony Hall.

"With CBSO in the City, our musicians spend a week in the places people already use and enjoy, creating surprise moments that feel personal, unexpected and rooted in the life of the city.

"We want people to feel that the CBSO is theirs, and this run of free public concerts is our gift to a city we are proud to call home."

The festival follows the publication of the CBSO's Birmingham Listening Project, which found music plays a major role in everyday life for residents, with many listening while relaxing, commuting, socialising and working.

Visitors attending performances will also be able to pick up a golden ticket, allowing them to book selected CBSO concerts during the 2026-27 season for £1.

Most events are free to attend, although normal admission charges apply at some venues. The performances at New Street Station and the Bullring will also form part of Birmingham Weekender, the city's free Bank Holiday festival.