Sandwell residents and groups are being encouraged to get involved in the new Shine a Light Festival, showcasing the best of Sandwell in the run up to the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

They will play an important part in the festival by performing at events, providing activities and crafts, displaying art, promoting local products or services. The programme of activities and performances – which includes free, and value for money ticketed options – will be launched at the end of February.
 
The festival is a full, inclusive programme of cultural events and activities taking place over six weekends – one in each of Sandwell’s six towns – from April to August 2022.

The events will ‘Shine a Light’ on Sandwell’s rich, diverse culture and showcase the best of arts, sports and creativity from all ages, backgrounds, and parts of the community. The festival will culminate with a programme of events and activities at Sandwell Valley from 25 July to 8 August.
  
The six towns’ Shine a Light Festival Weekends will take place at town centres, heritage sites, and public/open spaces from 10am to 4pm each day.
 
As part of the Shine a Light Festival Weekends there will also be ticketed events, with fairs, live performances, food and drink, and entertainment for children and adults in each town. These will run from 4pm-9pm each day. The culmination of the festival will be a two-week programme of events and activities at Sandwell Valley, from 25 July to 8 August. Councillor Danny Millard, Sandwell Council’s cabinet member for culture and tourism, said:

“Sandwell is an area rich with heritage and culture, and the unique legacy of our historic town centres. The Shine a Light Festival is a great opportunity to showcase the borough’s diversity and the best of our arts, sports and creativity.

"I encourage residents and groups to take part in the festival.”
  
To take part in a Shine a Light Festival activity, display or performance, complete the participant application at discoversandwell.co.uk.