Birmingham’s Digbeth is set to erupt with music and protests this October, as some of the area’s most iconic independent venues unite to stage a mass protest against proposed developments which threaten the region’s beloved night-time economy.

XOYO Birmingham, Luna Springs, Club Colette, Mama Roux’s and The Night Owl have joined together as the Digbeth Music Venues Alliance to help Save Our Scene put on a spectacular Block Party on Sunday 11 October, from 2pm – 9pm on Lower Trinity Street, with tickets available from £15.

A-list drum and bass line-ups will be on hand to provide the perfect soundtrack to a day out that will also see the campaigning group rally support for an independent venue-laden town known as one of the UK’s most vibrant cultural hotspots.

 

The Block Party coincides with the announcement of Network Rail’s proposed £1.75 billion Midlands Rail Hub scheme, which campaigners claim would see more than 50 independent shops and venues in Lower Trinity Street and Bordesley Viaduct compulsorily purchased, or forced out, threatening the area’s unique character as a music and restaurant quarter.

Music venues in Digbeth form a large part of the area’s independent shopfronts, and many of the remaining venues may also be caught up in the proposals currently before Birmingham City Council and the government. Members of the newly formed Digbeth Music Venues Alliance argue that those affected by the proposed developments have not received adequate support, relocation packages or assurances about their futures. Meanwhile, their Block Party aims to showcase just what makes this unassuming district in the heart of the city so special. On the SOS Street Stage, headliners Silva Bumpa will be joined by Fleur Shore, Tom Shorterz, Faraz and 22 Collective, with the Save Our Scene fire truck also set to make a special appearance.

Meanwhile, house maestro Fat Tony will be hosting a star–studded line-up at XOYO, which includes Low Steppa, Monki and local hero Paul Morrell.

Elsewhere, Club Colette will be hosting a KISS-tastic party featuring Illyus & Barrientos, Jess Bays, TCTS, Beth and Act On.

However, for Save Our Scene, the Block Party is about far more than music.

The campaign group has already helped secure the impressive support of more than 4,000 constituents writing to Birmingham MP Shabana Mahmood, and SOS is urging Block Party-goers to keep up the pressure on local MPs and councillors to protect Digbeth’s much-loved independent music venues and night-time economy.

“I was lucky enough to cut my teeth in the underground music scene here in Digbeth,” said Low Steppa, who has extensive ties to the local scene. “You can’t replicate something like this anywhere else. Scenes like this take a lifetime to develop, and can be gone in an afternoon if we’re not careful.

“Save Our Scene and the Block Party are giving a voice to the people of Digbeth who care about venues, late-night licenses and those who run local shops. I hope everyone who values Digbeth’s independent spirit turns up to the Block Party on 11 October and helps us show our support.”

The next public consultation on the rail proposals is not due until summer 2027, meaning there is still time for residents to make their views heard.

For the members of the Digbeth Music Venues Alliance, however, it is not just a matter of preserving local culture.

Birmingham needs new infrastructure, but it should not come at the expense of the independent spirit that has helped make Digbeth the unique and diverse area that it is.

EVENT DETAILS
Save Digbeth Block Party
Sunday 11th October 2026
Lower Trinity Street, Digbeth, Birmingham B9 4AG
2pm – 9pm
Free outdoor street party | Venue stages (capacity ticketed)
Tickets and campaign info: saveourscene.uk