Birmingham Town Hall

Birmingham Town Hall is a concert hall in Birmingham (United Kingdom). In this article, we will tell you about its history and past events, and provide useful information for visitors.

History of Birmingham Town Hall

Birmingham City Hall was originally designed as a concert hall for the Birmingham Music Festival, established in 1784.

Joseph Hansom and Edward Welch won the competition to design the building. The design was based on the proportions of the Temple of Castor and Pollux in the Roman Forum. During construction, Joseph Hansom went bankrupt, but with the help of sponsors and funding from patrons, the building was completed.

Charles Dickens performed at the Town Hall, Mendelssohn concerts were held there, as well as premieres of works by now famous British composers. It was the ‘home stage’ of the Birmingham Symphony Orchestra.

In the 1960s and 1970s, The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Queen, Pink Floyd, Black Sabbath, The Rolling Stones and Bob Dylan performed there. In the first half of the 21st century, the Town Hall underwent major repairs and reconstruction, after which the building reopened with Prince Charles and Camilla attending the ceremony.

The concert hall in Birmingham can seat approximately 1,100 people. It is built of brick and finished with snow-white marble. The walls are divided into two levels: the lower level is covered with smooth slabs, while the upper level is surrounded by classical columns.

The entrance is decorated with arches, and the window openings have rounded tops. The interior decoration has been preserved from historical times and has been restored, supplemented with technical innovations.

In the 1990s, the stage and acoustics were renovated. In 2007–2008, it underwent a large-scale restoration of the façade and interiors. The historical appearance of the building has been preserved, while improving comfort and safety.

Birmingham Town Hall is a striking example of neoclassical architecture, resembling the temples of Ancient Rome. Its façade is decorated with columns and a pediment, reminiscent of the Pantheon in Rome.

The interiors of the Town Hall have been used several times in films and music videos to convey a historical atmosphere.

In the 19th century, a small fire broke out in the concert hall, but thanks to fireproof beams, serious damage was avoided. Another interesting fact is the existence of a secret entrance for artists. The building has an underground corridor leading from the side entrance to the stage so that celebrities can enter the stage unnoticed. Currently, this passage is partially closed, but in the past, it was actively used by stars.

The concert hall's outstanding acoustics are particularly noteworthy, with unique wooden panels that ‘adjust’ the sound to the human ear. If you stand at a certain point near the columns, you can hear a quiet whisper from the stage.

Events at Birmingham Town Hall

Birmingham Town Hall regularly hosts major events, including The Tiger Who Came to Tea. On 15 November 2025, George Lewis will perform, on 20 November, The Dubliners will appear before the audience, and on 22 November, Jen Brister: Reactive is scheduled to perform. On 4 December, Sweet will perform with special guest Bobbie Dazzle. On 10 December, Live At Christmas With Sam Campbell will take place, featuring Sam Campbell, Lucy Beaumont, Tom Rosenthal and Amy Gledhill. On 17 December 2025, James B Partridge: The Big Christmas Assembly 2025 will be held.

Every month, Birmingham Town Hall has an extensive programme of events. World-renowned artists perform in the concert hall.

Past notable events

Immediately after its opening, the hall became the venue for the longest-running classical music festival of its kind. It hosted the premieres of Mendelssohn's Elijah (August 1846), Elgar's Gerontius' Dream (October 1900) and Arthur Sullivan's Overture to a Ball (August 1870).

On 7 March 1939, Paul Robeson gave a concert with Lawrence Brown as pianist in support of the local charity Birmingham Mail Christmas Tree Fund.

In the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s, the hall hosted performances by artists such as:

1. Ozzy Osbourne.
2. Buddy Holly.
3. The Beatles.
4. Led Zeppelin.
5. Pink Floyd.
6. Black Sabbath.
7. The Rolling Stones.

Weddings

Birmingham Town Hall is an excellent venue for weddings and other private events in the city centre. The building has changing rooms and an events coordinator and master of ceremonies. It is a prestigious venue, ideal for award ceremonies, conferences, receptions, gala dinners and banquets.

Where is Birmingham Town Hall?

Birmingham Town Hall is located on Victoria Square in the city centre, named after Queen Victoria. Three main roads converge at this point: Colmore Row, New Street, Paradise Street and others.

The square is home to the Town Hall and the Council House, as well as the famous River Fountain. During the Christmas season, festive markets and craft fairs are held here.

Seating plan for Birmingham Town Hall

The concert hall has a capacity of approximately 1,086 people when fully seated. The seating areas are divided into the stalls and the balcony. The stalls have 507 seats, some of which can be opened up for wheelchair users.

There are 358 seats in the balcony + side sections, designed for 58 spectators and 4 wheelchair spaces. For some events, it is possible to have either partial or full standing room in the stalls — up to 800 people.

The hall has ramps and lifts leading to certain levels, as well as spaces for wheelchairs. For a good view of the stage, you can sit not only in the front row of the stalls, but also in the balcony.

How to get to Birmingham Town Hall?

There are various ways to get to Birmingham Town Hall. Choose the option that suits you best.

By train

The nearest stations, Birmingham New Street and Snow Hill, are within walking distance of the Town Hall and Symphony Hall. Moor Street and Five Ways stations are a little further away, but still within easy reach.

By underground

There is no traditional underground in Birmingham. The closest to the concert hall is the West Midlands Metro line. Take any tram going to the city centre. Get off at the Bull Street stop. Then walk towards the Bull Ring shopping centre. From there, go straight to Cathedral Square, then turn left onto Colmore Row and then right onto Victoria Square. Birmingham Town Hall will be right in front of you.

By bus

To get to Birmingham Town Hall by bus, choose routes that go to the city centre. You need the Town stop, located next to the concert hall. Bus routes 24, 45, 4A, 87, 9, X4, and X8 run in this direction.

By car

Another option for getting to Birmingham Town Hall is by taxi. The closest drop-off point to the building is Hill Street, which is a minute's walk from the Town Hall entrance.

You can also get to the concert hall by private car. Take the motorways: use the A38(M) approach (or from the M6 / M5 / M42, then into the centre.

Birmingham city centre is part of the Clean Air Zone system. If your car does not meet the emission standards, you will have to pay a fee.

Parking

There is a car park near the main concert hall in Birmingham: Town Hall Multi-Storey Car Park. It is located at Brunel Street, B1 1TA. It is open 24 hours a day.

Alternative parking options:

1. Q-Park Brindley Place (1 Brunswick Street, B1 2JF).
2. Q-Park The Mailbox (Royal Mail Street, B1 1RD).

Parking at Town Hall next to the building may be limited due to construction work.

Information for visitors

Before visiting Birmingham Town Hall, please read the information for visitors. Find out how much tickets for events cost, where to buy them, and what hotels and restaurants are nearby.

Opening hours

Birmingham Town Hall's opening hours depend on the event schedule. The box office usually opens 1.5 hours before the start of scheduled events. The concert hall's standard opening hours are Monday to Saturday from 9:00 to 18:00.

Tickets

The cost of tickets for events at Birmingham Town Hall varies depending on the format of the event. Tickets can be purchased through B:Music/City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO) on their official website.

Tickets are also available for purchase through third-party agencies such as Ticketmaster. Please note that a commission of approximately £3-5 may be charged when purchasing tickets through third-party platforms.

Ticket prices for organ concerts start at £7.50. Special rates and discounts are available for students. For example, tickets for The Sweet start at £33.60.

Tickets for larger shows will cost £40-50. For example, the minimum price for The Manfreds is £48.88.

Hotels near Birmingham Town Hall

Good hotels near Birmingham Town Hall:

1. Hyatt Regency Birmingham — located 0.2 km from Birmingham Town Hall, guests have access to free Wi-Fi, a swimming pool and a spa centre.
2. The High Field Town House — located 1.1 km from Birmingham Town Hall, has parking. The hotel has free Wi-Fi and pet services.
3. Birmingham Strathallan Hotel, BW Signature Collection — located 1.5 km from Birmingham Town Hall. The hotel has a restaurant.
4. The Grand Hotel Birmingham — located 200 metres from Birmingham Town Hall, offering a fitness centre, terrace and bar.

Restaurants near Birmingham Town Hall

Today, Birmingham Town Hall is one of the most popular venues for events in the city. There are many good restaurants in the surrounding area:

1. The Ivy Temple Row specialises in contemporary British cuisine. Lunch and dinner are served in a stylish setting. It is advisable to book a table.
2. Gaucho Birmingham offers a wide selection of meat dishes, including Argentine steaks. It is an excellent place for a hearty dinner with wine.
3. Dishoom Birmingham delights guests with Indian cuisine, a large selection of dishes and a cosy atmosphere.
4. Cow & Sow. A steakhouse serving British cuisine.
5. Tiger Bites Pig is an establishment specialising in Asian cuisine.
6. The Indian Streatery is a restaurant serving Indian and Asian cuisine.

Contact details and postcode

Address: Victoria Square, Birmingham, B3 3DQ

Postcode: B3 3DQ, Birmingham, Great Britain.

Telephone: +44 121 780 3333;

Email: [email protected]

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Frequently asked questions