B-SIDE Hip-Hop Festival is celebrating its tenth anniversary from Fri 30 May – Sun 1 June with an unforgettable programme of events and activities across Birmingham Hippodrome, Southside and Bullring.

Produced by Birmingham Hippodrome with Break Mission, Afroflux, Queer-Side, GraffitiArtist.com and Soul City Arts, this year marks 10 years of B-SIDE Hip-Hop Festival and includes dance battles, rap showcases, workshops, exhibitions, immersive performances and more.

Matt Evans, Head of Festivals & Sites at Birmingham Hippodrome said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have produced our tenth anniversary programme. There’s something in there for everyone, including favourites from the festival’s history, plus some exciting new additions. Seeing the city come together to celebrate B-SIDE Hip-Hop Festival for the tenth time is going to be fantastic – we can’t wait!”

Birmingham Hippodrome’s Young Community Drop In kick starts the free festival on Friday 30 May with dance and music workshops for young people aged 14+ delivered by industry professionals.

Mathilde Petford, Young People & Community Manager at Birmingham Hippodrome explains: “Our Young Community Drop In’s are all about building a welcoming space where young people can connect and explore their creativity. This special edition for B-SIDE Hip Hop Festival brings the same chilled vibes, with a live DJ, workshops, crafts and more. It’s the perfect opportunity for young people aged 14+ to try something new or develop their skills during the May half-term.”

On Friday evening, professional level dance masterclasses are taking place, led by headline international guest artists and judges from Break Mission & Queer-Side Dance Championships, including Viktor Manoel, Panda Waack, B-BOY Gieras, Perninha, E-Solo & D-Soul. Tickets are bookable at birminghamhippodrome.com.

The festival expands onto the streets of Southside on Saturday 31 May, with dance competition qualifiers, a block party with graffiti and resident DJs Scratchers Delight, Fluxcon mini convention, workshops, skateboarding, roller skating and basketball hosted by Kings Heath Clangers.

Sunday 1 June starts with high-energy Art of Raw dance battles – no stage, no dance floor, just pure skill in the open air – on Central Street at Bullring. The day builds to an exciting finale with the Break Mission Worldwide and Queer-Side Dance Championships finals in Bullring and showcases incredible talent from the UK and beyond, including a special guest music performance to close the day in style. The finals will be livestreamed online internationally.

Danielle Bozward, Marketing & Placemaking Manager at Bullring said: “We are delighted to host the finals during B-SIDE Hip-Hop Festival’s tenth anniversary. We’ve had the pleasure of welcoming Break Mission Worldwide and Queer-Side Dance Championships to Bullring & Grand Central for many editions, and each time the atmosphere has been truly incredible. We look forward to seeing the incredible talent this year brings.” 

The B-SIDE Hip-Hop Festival programme has been designed to ensure accessibility for all. The festival includes an Inclusive Street Dance Workshop for Disabled, Neurodivergent, D/deaf and Visually Impaired dancers on 30 May and Access Hubs, Accessible Viewpoints, a Chill Out Zone and Sensory Walk on 31 May. Access Hosts will be on hand to advise about accessibility, ear defenders and fidget toys will be available and there will be BSL interpretation and audio description throughout the festival.

Charlotte Boyer, Access Lead at Birmingham Hippodrome said: “We have curated a programme where access is front and centre as we want everyone at B-SIDE Hip-Hop Festival to have an enjoyable and inclusive experience. We’re excited to welcome our Access & Inclusion Advocates to the festival for the first time and can’t wait to hear them feedback on our tenth anniversary celebrations.”

B-SIDE Hip-Hop Festival is produced by Birmingham Hippodrome with Break Mission, Afroflux, Queer-Side, GraffitiArtist.com and Soul City Arts. In partnership with Bullring and supported by Arts Council England, Southside District, The Arcadian, Kings Heath Clangers, Silva Sessions and Birmingham Skate Spaces.

Find the full B-SIDE Hip-Hop Festival 2025 programme here.