Around Birmingham in springtime? About 40 miles away is Download Festival, a rock festival with about 80,000 visitors, held annually at Donington Park. It is the most popular British Rock and Heavy Metal festival and has hosted some of the genres' biggest names, including Black Sabbath, Slipknot, Metallica, Iron Maiden, Motörhead, Aerosmith, AC/DC, Kiss, Judas Priest, and Guns N' Roses. Normally, Donington Park is a motorsport circuit. Also hosting Formula One races in former days.
For a more luxury stay, choose The Priest House. Mosh with the masses then retreat to civilisation. This four star hotel offers the ultimate in festival luxury - a hot bath and a big, warm bed. The Priest House is 3.6 miles from Download Festival site. Set in a tranquil and stunning location on the banks of the River Trent, house’s history is a rich one that can be traced back almost 1,000 years.
Swarkstone Hall Pavillion is a must see, only 15 minutes away from Download Festival site by car. In June 1968, The Rolling Stones had a photo shoot with Michael Joseph at the Swarkstone Pavilion for their album Beggar’s Banquet. One of the photos ended up being used for the Stones’ compilation album Hot Rocks.
On your way from Download Festival to Swarkstone Hall Pavillion you will pass the small town of Melbourne with Melbourne Hall. This is a stately home which stands in an idyllic setting at the east end of the village overlooking the 20 acre mill pool. House and garden can be visited - so why don’t you stroll around when the sun is out and enjoy some spare time in beautiful British surroundings.
Jack's of Melbourne is a small but perfectly formed, award-winning, independent coffee shop in the Georgian market town of Melbourne. Its homemade cakes and breakfasts are sensational. At Jack’s, they are committed to using fantastic local suppliers, whenever possible.
For the really big gigs, Arena Birmingham is the right place. Also located very nice in the canalside area with loads of restaurant and bar options around.
If you are heading for a major artist’s gig, you may probably have tickets for O2 Academy. Hosting concerts nearly every night, this one is all about live music.
Independent music scene comes alive in the The Sunflower Lounge. DJs and live bands alike will promise best entertainment for tonight.
The Glee Birmingham is mostly about comedy performances, but also hosts live music shows on a regular basis, from Indie to Rock, and Pop music.
South of the inner city is The Hare and Hounds where UB40 once played a legendary concert. Now one of the most influential music venues in town.
Fancy some live music? The Actress & Bishop is probably a good choice on virtually every night. Also strongly supporting local acts from Birmingham and around.
One of the best options in Brum for vibrant live music atmosphere: The Asylum Venue. Always on the list are Punk, Rock, Heavy Metal, Grunge, or Indie.
The Digbeth Institute was originally built as a methodist congregational chapel at the turn of the 1900s. From 1955 on, it was used as a civic hall. It later became a music venue and has become an essential part of the Birmingham live music and club scene. Over the last 30 years this legendary venue has hosted numerous renowned bands.
Download Festival (Photo by Bachmeier / Ramsthaler)
Download Festival (Photo by Bachmeier / Ramsthaler)
Download Festival (Photo by Bachmeier / Ramsthaler)
Download Festival (Photo by Bachmeier / Ramsthaler)
Download Festival (Photo by Bachmeier / Ramsthaler)