Features

The Fountain Inn pub, also known as “Aunty’s bar”, was a safe haven for LGBTQIA+ people in Walsall, and those travelling in from the wider West Midlands region, during a time when homosexuality was still illegal. It closed its doors following Alice Cronin’s (the much-loved Aunty that gave the venue its name) retirement. Now almost sixty years later, the bar has inspired Birmingham Opera’s upcoming mini opera.

Following the great success of its first series, Celebrity Traitors is returning for a second series with a star-studded line-up. The line-up includes Brummie comedian, artist, and activist, Joe Lycett, and Nottingham-born non-binary actor Bella Rasmey best known for their roles in Game of Thrones as Lyanna Mormont, and The Last of Us as Ellie.

Members of the Women's Royal Army Corps (WRAC) Association will be joining the Great Birmingham Run this weekend, and among them will be several LGBTQ+ ex-personnel.

Brummie comedian and TV host, Joe Lycett, has also, more recently, become known for his artworks. Pieces created by Lycett are set to go on display this summer at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery in his first major solo exhibition.

Content Warning: This article contains sensitive topics related to the impact of Section 28. The Section 28 Justice Coalition launched this month as a campaign group calling for a public inquiry into the impact of Section 28 on LGBTQ+ people. As part of their campaign, they have launched a petition calling for the public inquiry, as well as opening a letter writing campaign

LGBTQ+ Poetry Open Mic, Queer Voices, held in Worcester is changing venue to support a local business in Worcester.

TV series, What It Feels Like For A Girl, which is set in Nottinghamshire and explores trans identities, has been nominated for a fantastic four BAFTAs at this year’s Television Awards.

A new project, ‘The LGBTQIA+ Cultural Barometer’ aims to measure and understand the current climate surrounding LGBTQ+ culture programming and creatives in the UK, and the impact of backlash. Led by Curious Arts, in partnership with Birmingham's Fatt Projects (Adam Carver), and Marlborough Productions, the research project has shared its first insights, providing “a snapshot into an ongoing and intensifying situation”.

The award-winning musical Kinky Boots, tells the story of Charlie Price, who tries to save his family's shoe factory by partnering with drag queen, Lola, to create high-heeled boots with more endurance than those currently on the market. The musical was based on the 2005 film of the same name but the story was mostly inspired by true events that took place in Northamptonshire.

Wolverhampton Grand Theatre’s 2025 pantomime, Sleeping Beauty, has received a brilliant three nominations at the UK Pantomime Awards.

A major exhibition of work from pop art icon, Andy Warhol, is coming Wolverhampton Art Gallery from May 2026.

Wolverhampton-born emerging music artist, Sofie Anné is set to headline her début solo concert this March at The Grand Theatre, and joining her are two fellow Wolves artists: Wolverhampton-based grime artist and rapper, Reepa; and the UK’s first transgender rapper, Nate Ethan, who was also born and bred in the city.

Story Time with Mama G is one of many shows coming to Leicester Comedy Festival this year.

Birmingham and West Midlands actors have been announced among the cast for an upcoming production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream at The Rep Theatre.

Rare works by widely-regarded pop artist and filmmaker, Andy Warhol, have gone on display at Nottingham's Lakeside Arts Gallery.

2026 is fast approaching, and with it comes a new year of great productions in Birmingham and across the Midlands. We've picked just a few of our favourites in theatre, dance, musicals, drag and cabaret that would make great Christmas gifts or, of course, a treat for yourself. ★ Fiddler on the Roof at The Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham ( 9th December 2025 - 3rd January 2026 ) “Completely sold out at the Barbican in London, this is a rare opportunity to catch this critically ac

Drag star, La Voix, has been announced in exciting new casting for the UK tour of the hit musical, Annie. La Voix (the drag persona of Christopher Dennis) will play Miss Hannigan across several venues including The Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, which plays in June 2026.

Wolverhampton-born singer, songwriter and performer, Beverley Knight MBE will reprise her Olivier Award-winning role as Emmeline Pankhurst, alongside alongside Sharon Rose as the title character, Sylvia Pankhurst in the touring production of the Olivier-nominated musical, Sylvia.

Joe Lycett’s celebration of all things Brummie, the International Day of Birmingham, is returning for its second year in 2025.

A lost miniature portrait, which until now has never been seen by the public, is thought to depict William Shakespeare’s secret gay lover and the subject of his erotic sonnets.