FORGED
ARTIST
Birmingham Bullring & Birmingham Hippodrome
LOCATION
St. Martin's Balcony, Bullring
Birmingham Bullring was also the location of our festival Information Point, which was open from 5pm - 10pm.
Visitors to Bullring were invited to take centre stage with a spectacular fire-breathing organ, a bold, interactive installation that the public can play themselves, triggering bursts of flame against the city’s night sky.
Set within the heart of Bullring, the organ stood dramatically framed by the iconic curves of the Selfridges building and the historic St Martin’s Church, creating an unmissable photo and selfie opportunity that captured Birmingham’s past, present and future in a single shot.
FORGED was a high-energy live experience that transformed Bullring with fire, set to a live soundtrack of spoken word and original music from one of the city’s most exciting metal bands, Insurgent. Inspired by the sparks, steel and relentless rhythm that shaped Birmingham, FORGED reimagined the city’s industrial legacy as a powerful modern roar.
Audiences experienced a 20-minute fire performance at 6pm, 7pm and 8pm, where flames, movement and music collided in a fierce, flame-fuelled spectacle. Between performances, the spotlight turned to the public - visitors took control of the fire-breathing organ, and quite literally played with fire, harnessing the raw energy of steel, sound and flame in one unforgettable moment.
You can take a look at the performance script for FORGED here.
⏺︎ SPOTLIGHT
A fiery, live and LOUD celebration of Birmingham’s industrial heart.
CREDITS
BULLRING PRESENTS…
FORGED
Produced by Birmingham Hippodrome and Outdoor Places Unusual Spaces.
ARTIST / STUDIO BIO
With Outdoor Places Unusual Spaces, Bullring and Birmingham Hippodrome created FORGED for the people of Birmingham.
Bullring and Birmingham Hippodrome collaborate to animate the heart of the city with bold cultural experiences, bringing world-class performances into public spaces. The programme blends creativity, culture and spectacle to transform the city into a stage that celebrates the city’s diverse spirit and artistic energy.
Birmingham Hippodrome is on a mission to provide that “goosebumps” feeling through memorable and extraordinary experiences.
Bullring is Birmingham’s biggest attraction, a one-of-a-kind destination with over 800 years of history that brings together the city’s brilliance, culture and relentless energy.
ARTIST / STUDIO LOCATION
Birmingham, UK
SUSTAINABILITY INFORMATION
Birmingham Hippodrome recognises that what we do today affects the environment for both current and future generations. Sustainability sits at the heart of who they are and guides how they shape experiences for the city.
FORGED has been designed to limit impact while delivering a safe fire-based installation and performance. The flame systems use controlled fuel sources and run on timed cues rather than continuous burn to reduce overall fuel use. Lighting and sound draw power from the mains electric grid, removing the need for generators and lowering emissions. Structural elements are hired or reusable, and local artists and suppliers are used where possible to cut transport impact.
We encourage audiences, where possible, to use the city’s public transport network when travelling to see FORGED. Visitors who choose to drive can utilise Bullring’s electric vehicle charging points located throughout Bullring car parks (charging fees apply).
FIND OUT MORE
https://www.bullring.co.uk/
https://www.birminghamhippodrome.com/hippodrome-projects/hippodrome-produced/festivals/
www.opusartsevents.co.uk