Words and photos by Tony Gaskin

Saturday was quite a special day. It was when we were going to be able to get inside the iconic Dale End venue that will be The Birmingham Ballroom. The team behind the resurrection of the old Academy/Humming Bird/Top Rank site threw open the doors and invited local music fans in to share their memories and memorabilia of this hallowed place from throughout it's long and colourful history.

A steady stream of fans came along with posters, flyers, ticket stubs and in one instance a tour t-shirt from a Sisters of Mercy gig! It was great to re-live some of those gigs, one guy had a Red Hot Chili Peppers ticket from when they played the Humming Bird another had a Nirvana ticket, and I missed both of those!!

If you were unable to get down and would still like to contribute stuff for the memory wall then contact Steph at info@birmingham-ballroom.com, there are Gig and Drinks Vouchers up for grabs!!

I got chance to speak to all four members of the team behind this exciting venture; Steph, Kev, Richard and Steve and my immediate impression was that these people are real music fans who have a passion for live music and that this venue is going to be a proper music venue that bands and fans will want to come to again and again. With three rooms there is scope to cater for a variety of bands of all sizes. There will be The Ballroom with a 3,100 capacity, The Other Room 400-600 cap. and The End 200 cap.

It's little things like not having regular Friday/Saturday club nights which means no ridiculously early starts and curfews for gigs, a late licence (very late in fact - 6am!!) so you don't feel rushed after a gig has finished, dedicated smoking areas, reasonably priced drinks, all things which will enhance your gig experience and this has to be applauded.
The Team! Steph, Kev, Richard and Steve

Work continues on the bricks and mortar aspect of the site to get it ready in time for the first gigs which have already been announced. The smaller room which will be called The End, is the old Bar Academy and has had an extensive refit and the first gig there will be 23rd Sept with the first main room event being the Zombie Ball on the 29th October.

For full listings and tickets go here

If you want to work at The Birmingham Ballroom they are recruiting now just go here

Bands and Promoters can contact the venue here

http://www.birmingham-ballroom.com/index.php