Come to Campus timetable

Whether you have a few hours or a full day, the Come to Campus, Community Festival promises an unforgettable experience. Don’t miss this chance to celebrate with us!

Largely in your hands: making and shaping a university
Aston Webb building - drop in exhibition 10:00 - 17:00

From civic foundations and transformation in times of crisis to student life past and present, explore over a century of history with University Collections’ new exhibition. Through film, art and objects, Largely in your hands delves into the stories of the people behind the ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø.

Don’t forget to stop by our stall outside Aston Webb and cast your vote on which historic or present-day figures should be represented on the walls of our campus buildings.

Explore Big Ideas at the Research Marketplace
Drop in 10:00 – 17:00

Step into a world of discovery at the Research Marketplace - a vibrant, open-air showcase of cutting-edge research from across the ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø. With 50 tents hosted by researchers from across the University, the Marketplace is your chance to meet the minds behind the breakthroughs. Whether you want to ask a burning question, try out a hands-on demo, or just be inspired, the Research Marketplace is a place to explore, engage, and connect with ideas that matter.

Chancellors Court Sports Hub
Drop in 11:00 - 16:00

Get ready to move, play, and cheer at the Chancellors Court Sports Hub - a vibrant, action-packed space at the heart of the event, where sports fans of all ages and abilities can dive into the excitement. Whether you’re a player, a fan, or just curious to explore, the Sports Hub has something for everyone. From hands-on activities to opportunities to connect with local sports teams, it’s the ultimate zone for sports lovers.

Try Something New

ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø Sport is bringing a purpose-built wheelchair basketball court to the Hub. Whether you're a seasoned player or a total beginner, everyone is welcome to give it a go and experience the thrill of the game.

Train Like the Pros

Join the Birmingham Panthers, the city’s professional netball team, for fun and interactive netball activities. Test your skills, get tips from the players, and enjoy a fast-paced introduction to this fantastic sport.

Kick Off the Fun

The Birmingham City Football Club Foundation will be leading football games and challenges throughout the day - perfect for aspiring strikers, casual kickers, or anyone who loves the beautiful game.

The Green Heart Stage

Join us throughout the day on the for a lively programme of talks, games, and interactive sessions led by researchers, artists, students, and special guests.

11:00 – Water Worlds: Stories from Our Rivers

Perfect for families
Dive into the world of waterways, aquatic life, and environmental research in this fun, sensory session. Artist Sarah Hamilton Baker brings research to life through storytelling and immersive, hands-on activities for the whole family to enjoy!

12:00 – University (of Birmingham) Challenge

Great for curious minds
Join us for a fast-paced game show with our own twist on popular formats. With rounds like Would I lie to you?, AI vs Human, and Have I got clues for you, two teams of academics go head-to-head! Hosted by (host TBC), expect quick thinking and plenty of laughs.

13:00 – Global Health: A Conversation that Connects Us All

Perfect for those who love to learn
Join Professor Alice Roberts for a thought-provoking panel on the key challenges and breakthroughs in global health. Hear from experts discussing the issues shaping our world and discover how ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø researchers are tackling them. Full line-up to be announced soon.

14:00 – Our Birmingham: Stories, Voices, and a Quiz!

For all those proud Brummies
Celebrate Birmingham’s spirit in an interactive session with inspiring talks from academics and ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø leaders. Then join local poet Sipho for a Brum-inspired quiz where you can test your knowledge and win prizes!

Saris of Strength
Film screening in Carol Lecture Theatre, Muirhead Tower - 13:30 – 15:30

Commemorating the biggest strike led by South Asian women workers in the UK, DESIblitz will be screening Saris of Strength and The Power of Unity at the ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø. The documentary tells the powerful story of the Grunwick Strike, which began in 1976 and lasted two years, a movement that inspired mass pickets and generations of activists across Britain. The film explores the strikers’ fight against being “treated as animals rather than human beings” and their campaign for dignity and justice.

The screening will be followed by a special panel conversation featuring Raghib Ahsan, who joined the Grunwick picket line, Professor Sundari Anitha, author of Striking Women, and prominent members of Birmingham Black Sisters and the Indian Workers Association.

In addition to the screening, the DESIblitz Truck Art Bus will be on campus throughout the day as an interactive experience hub. We’re also proud to be unveiling our brand-new Saris of Strength exhibition on the bus, a powerful and engaging visual tribute open for all to explore.

This screening and exhibition are delivered in partnership with through the University's Culture Forward and Alumni Impact Fund initiatives.

Little Learners Zone
Drop in 11:00 - 16:00

A playful space in the historic centre of the University, The Great Hall, designed especially for families with babies and toddlers in mind.

The Little Learners Zone is a corner of the event where even the youngest visitors can explore, discover, and enjoy meaningful moments of connection and creativity. With talks and advice for carers, live music performances for tots and craft for children – there’s something in this space for all the family.

Explore early development with the Birmingham BabyLab

Join researchers from the Birmingham BabyLab as they share insights into how babies and toddlers grow, learn, and understand the world around them. Through gentle, engaging activities, discover the science of early development - and how your little one is already a brilliant learner.

Get creative with the Barber Institute of Fine Arts

Inspired by the Barber’s online exhibition on medieval manuscripts, come along to Barber Baby – interactive, live performances for little ones and their families at 11:30, 13:00 & 14:30. You’ll also find open ended, sensory toys for babies made using natural dyes and fibres by artist Georgina Barney. Older children can have fun in this space too with drop-in craft activity including collage and papercraft led by Birmingham artists Niall Singh and Danielle Phelps, and calligraphy provided by the Pen Museum.

Support for you, too

Connect with friendly staff from the Birmingham Breastfeeding Network, who will be on hand to offer support, advice, and a welcoming space for feeding and resting. Whether you’re popping in for a quiet moment or looking for something playful and enriching to do with your baby or toddler, the Little Learners Zone is here to help you and your child feel right at home.

Picnic & Play on the Green Heart
Drop in 11:00 - 16:00

Wrap up your day with some well-earned downtime in the Green Heart Amphitheatre - a beautiful, relaxed space at the heart of campus, perfect for a picnic and a little playful fun. Bring a blanket, bring your friends, and bring your own picnic - or grab something tasty from one of the nearby food stalls. However you choose to refuel, it’s the perfect spot to take a break and soak up the atmosphere.

Games & Good Times

Try your luck (and your skills!) with fun games for all ages, from classic lawn games to quick-fire challenges. There’ll be prizes to win and a prize draw you can enter just by taking part.

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