O2 Academy Birmingham
The O2 Academy Birmingham is one of Great Britain’s best-known concert venues. It hosts performances by both global stars and up-and-coming artists who are just beginning to make their mark on a wider audience. With several venues of varying capacities, the venue is suitable for both intimate concerts and large-scale tours, and new names appear on its programme almost all year round.
Over the years, O2 Academy Birmingham has hosted artists from a wide variety of genres – from indie rock and alternative music to hip-hop, punk, metal and the electronic music scene. For many British artists, concerts at this venue are an integral part of their national tour, whilst for fans of live music it is one of the city’s most attractive venues. In this article, we’ll explore the history of O2 Birmingham, explain where the venue is located, how it’s laid out, what events take place there and why it remains one of the city’s leading music venues.
Name | O2 Academy Birmingham |
Country | United Kingdom |
Address | 16–18 Horsefair, Bristol Street, Birmingham, West Midlands, B1 1DB |
Venue type | concert venue |
Opening date | September 2009 |
Owner | Academy Music Group |
Main hall capacity | 3,009 people (2,409 standing places and 600 balcony seats) |
Total maximum capacity | 3,859 people when all three halls are in use simultaneously |
Purpose | Hosting concerts, music festivals, tours, club events and cultural events |
The History of the O2 Academy Birmingham
The history of the Birmingham O2 Academy began in 2000 in the Dale End area, when it was known as the Birmingham Academy. The venue quickly became one of the city’s leading music venues, hosting regular performances by British and international artists. The official opening took place on 16 November 2000 – the first major concert saw the band Ocean Colour Scene perform to a live audience.
O2 Academy Birmingham Photos
The old building had a rich musical history even before the Academy was established. It had previously housed The Ballroom, then the Top Rank Suite, and later the Hummingbird club, which in the late 1980s hosted such renowned acts as Nirvana, Sonic Youth and The Beastie Boys. The Birmingham Academy’s move was a continuation of this existing concert tradition.
In 2009, the venue moved to a new building on Horsefair. The change of location was necessitated by the fact that the previous venue no longer met the requirements of the modern concert industry, and the Dale End complex itself was due to be redeveloped as part of an urban regeneration project. The new venue opened in September 2009 on the site of the former Dome II Nightclub.
The opening of the new building was a significant event for the city’s music scene. In its early days, the venue hosted concerts by local and well-known British acts, with Editors, The Twang, Mike Skinner, The Streets and Ocean Colour Scene all taking to the stage. Following the move, the venue retained its multi-hall layout, enabling it to host events of varying scales.
Today, Birmingham Academy is part of the Academy Music Group network and remains one of the region’s leading concert venues. It hosts touring concerts, club nights and performances by artists across a wide range of genres – from alternative rock to pop and hip-hop.
Events and a concert at the O2 Academy Birmingham
O2 Academy Birmingham Concerts
The O2 Academy Birmingham has hosted many artists from the British rock scene. Foals, known for their blend of indie rock, post-punk and dance beats, have performed here on numerous occasions as part of their concert tours.
Another well-known band, Kasabian, also has a strong connection to Birmingham’s concert history. The band has regularly performed in the city at various venues.
On 16 July 2022, The Prodigy played a concert at the O2 Academy. The show was part of a tour marking the 25th anniversary of the album The Fat of the Land. This tour marked the band’s first major comeback following the death of Keith Flint in 2019.
Pop singer Anne-Marie performed at the O2 Academy Birmingham on 18 March 2018, whilst on tour in support of her debut album Speak Your Mind. This was a period when the singer was rapidly gaining popularity in Great Britain thanks to her hits ‘Alarm’, ‘Ciao Adios’ and ‘FRIENDS’.
Scottish rock band Biffy Clyro is also among the well-known acts to have graced the stage at the O2 Academy Birmingham. Twin Atlantic also performed here as part of their national tour. The venue is very popular amongst fans of alternative rock.
Zara Larsson - Lush Life (Venus Tour @ The O2 Academy Birmingham)
The Libertines are another name from the British rock scene with a history of performing in Birmingham. Following the band’s reunion in 2010, they toured extensively across Great Britain.
Wolf Alice performed at the O2 Academy Birmingham on 9 March 2022 as part of their tour following the release of the album ‘Blue Weekend’. That evening, Lucia & The Best Boys took to the stage before the main act.
Rapper Slowthai put on a brilliant show at the O2 Academy Birmingham on 23 September 2023 as part of his concert tour. Nia Archives also featured on the evening’s line-up. This concert was part of the artist’s busy tour following the release of his album UGLY.
Don Broco also performed in Birmingham. As well as solo artists’ concerts, the O2 Academy Birmingham regularly hosts club nights and special music events. Thanks to the complex’s multiple venues, the venue can accommodate different formats simultaneously – from large-scale concerts in the main hall to smaller gigs by up-and-coming artists.
Where is the O2 Academy Birmingham?
The O2 Academy Birmingham is situated in the centre of Birmingham, within the Birmingham City Centre area. The venue is located close to Birmingham New Street, the city’s main railway station, making it easily accessible to both local residents and visitors from other parts of the United Kingdom.
The concert hall is housed in the former Dome II Nightclub building. In 2009, the O2 Academy Birmingham moved here from its previous location at Dale End, as the old venue no longer met the requirements of a modern concert venue.
Seating Plan O2 Academy Birmingham
Seating Plan O2 Academy Birmingham
The O2 Academy Birmingham comprises three main concert areas, each designed to accommodate a different number of spectators. The Academy’s Main Hall is the complex’s largest venue, with a capacity of 3,009 people. This is where major concerts by big-name artists take place.
In addition, the building has two smaller spaces: Academy 2, which can accommodate up to 600 people, and Academy 3, designed for approximately 250 visitors. Thanks to this division, different events for different audiences can take place on the same evening.
The main hall is usually used as a standing-room-only venue with a balcony, which provides additional seating for the audience. The smaller halls have a more compact layout and are suitable for chamber concerts and club events.
Information for visitors
O2 Academy Birmingham
Before heading to the O2 Academy for a concert or other event, it’s worth checking the venue’s opening hours and finding out which restaurants are nearby. You should also sort out your transport and accommodation.
Opening hours
The O2 Academy Birmingham’s opening hours depend on the schedule of concerts and events. The venue does not have fixed opening hours: doors usually open before the start of an event, and the entry time is specified on your ticket or on the page for the specific concert.
Restaurants nearby
Restaurants near O2 Academy Birmingham
In the Birmingham City Centre area, close to the venue, there are plenty of places to grab a bite to eat or have a drink before the concert. Within walking distance, you’ll find cafés, restaurants and bars near Bristol Street, New Street and the Bullring shopping area. Among the most popular options are Cherry Red’s Café Bar and Grand Central Kitchen.
Hotels nearby
Hotels near O2 Academy Birmingham
Thanks to its city-centre location, there are several accommodation options near the O2 Academy Birmingham. Among the closest are:
- B&B HOTEL Birmingham Centre.
- Holiday Inn Birmingham City Centre by IHG.
- ibis Birmingham New Street Station.
How to get there?
The O2 Academy Birmingham is in the centre of Birmingham, close to the main transport hubs. There are several ways to reach the venue from different parts of the city.
- Train. The nearest railway station is Birmingham New Street. It’s about a 5-minute walk from there to the venue. You can also use Birmingham Moor Street and Birmingham Snow Hill stations.
- Bus. Birmingham City Centre bus routes run nearby. Bus stops are just a few minutes’ walk from the venue.
- Car. The address for sat-nav is 16–18 Horsefair, Bristol Street, Birmingham, B1 1DB. From areas within the city limits, it is easy to reach via the A38(M), M6 and M5.
Parking
Parking near O2 Academy Birmingham
The O2 Academy Birmingham does not have its own car park. Visitors can use the nearest public car parks in the city centre, from which the venue is within walking distance. On concert days, spaces fill up quickly, so it is best to arrive early.
Contact details and postcode
Address: 16–18 Horsefair, Bristol Street, Birmingham, West Midlands, B1 1DB, United Kingdom.
Postcode: B1 1DB.
Frequently asked questions
What is the capacity of O2 Academy Birmingham?
The main auditorium at the O2 Academy Birmingham has a capacity of approximately 3,009 people. In addition, the building houses smaller venues: Academy 2, with around 600 seats, and Academy 3, with approximately 250 seats.
How big is the O2 Academy Birmingham?
It is a concert venue with three halls, with a total capacity of around 3,859 people. The main hall can accommodate more than 3,000 visitors, whilst the two additional spaces are used for smaller performances and events.
What was the O2 Academy Birmingham called before?
From 1975 to 1981, it was known as The Night Out Theatre Restaurant (1975–1981), and from 1981 to 2003 as the Dome II Nightclub. In 2009, it moved to its current address in the former Dome II Nightclub building and was renamed the O2 Academy Birmingham.
