What's On in Birmingham
Wednesday 23 September 2026 · This weekend · City guide
Wednesday in Birmingham is anything but midweek ordinary — the city is pulling out all the stops with a lineup that stretches from chocolate-scented family fun to prog-rock majesty at one of the country's finest concert halls. Whether you are eight years old and wide-eyed, or a seasoned gig-goer looking for something with real soul, this is a day to get out and soak it all in. Birmingham is buzzing, and there has never been a better excuse to explore it.
Highlights

Cadbury World - Standard Entry — If you have ever wanted to swim in a river of chocolate (and honestly, who hasn't?), Cadbury World is the next best thing — a genuinely immersive journey through the history, science, and delicious excess of Britain's most beloved confectionery empire. Doors open at 10:00am, making it a perfect morning adventure for families or anyone who considers themselves a serious chocolate enthusiast. Check the website for ticket prices and booking, and go on an empty stomach — you will thank yourself later.

Leee John of Imagination — Soul, funk, and pure 1980s magic descend on The Jam House at 6:00pm when Leee John, the voice and heartbeat behind Imagination, takes to the stage. This is the man behind 'Just an Illusion' and 'Body Talk' — anthems that still make dance floors tremble — delivered live in one of Birmingham's most intimate and characterful music venues. At £25, it is an absolute steal for a chance to experience a true British soul legend up close.

Marillion + Haunt the Woods — Symphony Hall is one of the most acoustically stunning rooms in Europe, and tonight it plays host to Marillion, the prog-rock institution whose cinematic, emotionally charged sound feels tailor-made for a venue of this grandeur. Support comes from Haunt the Woods, adding an atmospheric opener to what promises to be a deeply immersive evening. Doors at 7:30pm — check the website for tickets, and do not leave it too late, because this one will sell.

Grace Campbell: the Lady Is a Tramp — Comedian Grace Campbell is one of the sharpest, most fearless voices in British stand-up right now, and her show at the Glee Club from 7:15pm is set to be an evening of laughter that genuinely makes you think. Known for her frank, politically charged, and deeply personal comedy, she has a gift for making an entire room feel like they are in on the joke together. Check the website for tickets — this is the kind of show people talk about for weeks afterwards.

Birmingham Improv presents Noteworthy - The Made Up Musical — What happens when a group of brilliantly talented improvisers decide to invent an entire musical from scratch, live on stage, with absolutely no script? You get Noteworthy at 1000 Trades from 7:30pm, and it is every bit as gloriously chaotic and joyful as it sounds. The intimate Jewellery Quarter venue is the perfect setting for this kind of bold, hilarious creativity — check the website for tickets and prepare to witness something that will never, ever happen again in quite the same way.

Lost Romance plus Number 57 — For just £5 at 7:00pm, the Rock And Roll Brewhouse is offering one of the best-value live music nights in the city, with Lost Romance and Number 57 sharing a stage that promises energy, volume, and the kind of raw, unpretentious rock atmosphere that reminds you why live music matters. This is the perfect Wednesday night out if you want something that feels genuinely underground and exciting without any fuss — grab a pint and lose yourself in it.
Full listings
| Event | Venue | Time | Price | Link | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Live Music | |||||
| Leee John of Imagination | The Jam House | 6:00pm | £25 | Tickets | |
| LEEE JOHN OF IMAGINATION Wed 23 Sep Performing Live Jam House Birmingham | The Jam House Birmingham | 6:00pm | Check website | Tickets | |
| Lost Romance plus Number 57 | Rock And Roll Brewhouse | 7:00pm | £5 | Tickets | |
| Home Free | O2 Academy Birmingham | 7:00pm | Check website | Tickets | |
| Marillion + Haunt the Woods | Symphony Hall | 7:30pm | Check website | Tickets | |
| The Telescopes + ZD Grafters | The Victoria | 7:30pm | £15 | Tickets | |
| Comedy | |||||
| Birmingham Improv presents Noteworthy - The Made Up Musical | 1000 Trades | 7:30pm | Check website | Tickets | |
| Arts & Theatre | |||||
| Grace Campbell: the Lady Is a Tramp | Glee Club | 7:15pm | Check website | Tickets | |
| General | |||||
| Sea Life Birmingham - Standard Entry | National SEA LIFE Centre Birmingham | 9:30am | Check website | Tickets | |
| Cadbury World - Standard Entry | Cadbury World Birmingham | 10:00am | Check website | Tickets | |