Brierley Hill Community Forum

Ring a Church Bell
2024-09-14 10:00 - 12:00 UTC | St Michael’s Church, Bell Street South, Brierley Hill, West Midlands, DY5 3EX, United Kingdom
Have you ever wondered what it feels like to ring a church bell? How do church bell ringers know when to ring their bell? How many different orders can you ring seven bells in? This is an opportunity to answer those questions, to visit the normally closed ringing room, and to have a go at ringing a church bell yourself. Free “I’ve rung the bells of St Michael’s” badge to all who have a go!!!! Each visit lasts about 15 minutes – no need to book.

Have a go at handbell ringing
2024-09-14 10:00 - 12:30 | St Michael’s Church, Bell Street South, Brierley Hill, West Midlands, DY5 3EX, United Kingdom
When Tim and Jenny took over the bell ringing in the tower they found scattered around the ringing room a set of old bells. Some were cracked, some were missing clappers. On others the handles had come off. Supported by grants from the Fisher Trust and St Michael’s Church the bells were sent of to be refurbished…and then it was discovered that they were over 150 years old and made by the same foundry that made Big Ben and the Liberty Bell in America!
This is a chance for you to have a go at ringing these precious bells. It’s quick to get a tune out of and a great chance to video yourself. We’ll also cover the ‘tunes’ church bell ringers play on a Sunday morning. Fun for all ages.
Sessions run for about 30 minutes. No need to book.

Former Library and Technical Institute
2024-09-14 10:00 - 14:00 | Technical Insitute and Library, Moor Street, Brierley Hill, West Midlands, United Kingdom
Work is ongoing on this fabulous building. Opened in 1904 as a Technical Institute, Art School and college, the building has some fine examples of Terracotta figures, designed by Mart Masters Gibbons and Oaken. Inside are tiles donated by the famous Gibbons and Hinton tile factory and admirable stained glass. The outside of the building is being renovated as part of the council’s Heritage Action Zone project, funded by Historic England. Inside work is being done to convert the building to residential uses. This is a super opportunity to visit the building part way through the conversion.

Albion Street Church - Free to explore
2024-09-14 10:00 - 14:00 | Albion Street Church, Albion Street, Brierley Hill, West Midlands, DY5 3EE, United Kingdom
Built in 1882 this building served initially as a Congregationalist Church. During the Second World War, Brierley Hill’s Air Raid Patrol centre was located here. The inside of the building has been extensively refurbished in the last few years and this is an opportunity to see a fine example of what can be done to adapt an old building for modern use. A chance to explore and a historic exhibition available.

St Michael's Church - Free to Explore!
2024-09-14 10:00 - 15:00 | St Michael’s Church, Bell Street South, Brierley Hill, West Midlands, DY5 3EX, United Kingdom
See inside the Brierley Hill’s oldest building (1765). Now grade 2 listed. Look around the church – the inside will surprise you – visit the historic graveyard (self guided tour available). Learn about the memorials in the church and admire the stained glass windows. At the same venue there will be Stained Glass based activities, Craft Book making, handbell ringing and the rare opportunity to visit the bell tower and ringing room.

Crafting at Harry's on the High Street
2024-09-14 10:00 - 15:00 | Harry’s, 65a High Street, Brierley Hill, West Midlands, DY5 3AE, United Kingdom
Free crafting for all ages at Harry’s on the High Street. Jewellery making, rock painting, card making, jigsaw mat and more. All Free!!! Woo hoo!!!!

St Mary's Church - Free to Explore
2024-09-14 10:00 - 15:00 | St Mary’s RC Church, 26 High Street, Brierley Hill, West Midlands, DY5 3AE, United Kingdom
Don’t let this extraordinary building’s exterior fool you. This is a gem of a building and a real beauty inside. Pugin designed, the building is home to some extraordinary artwork. Heritage Open Day gives you a chance to tour the inside PLUS as a bonus, the opportunity to listen to harp and organ playing by Helen Barley and Richard James respectively PLUS Helen has kindly agree to bring along some of her harps for YOU to have a go on. How cool is that!!! There will also be a mouse trail for youngsters and refreshments will be available.

Stained glass workshops
2024-09-14 10:00 - 22:50 | St Michael’s Church, Bell Street South, Brierley Hill, West Midlands, DY5 3EX, United Kingdom
Create a colourful piece of art to decorate your home or present as a gift. We will be working with acrylic glass to make designs inspired by the beautiful windows of St Michael’s church. This session is 16+ but younger children are welcome if accompanied by an adult. Choose one session from 1000 and 1200. Sessions last 50 minutes.

Free Harp Recital and have a go at harp playing - St Mary's Church
2024-09-14 10:30 - 12:00 | St Mary’s RC Church, 26 High Street, Brierley Hill, West Midlands, DY5 3AE, United Kingdom
Listen to the talented harpist Helen Barley play. The recital commences at 1030. When she has finished performing Helen will be letting people have their own go at playing one of her harps. An extraordinary opportunity.

Craft Bookmaking
2024-09-14 11:00 - 11:50, 2024-09-14 13:30 - 14:20 | St Michael’s Church, Bell Street South, Brierley Hill, West Midlands, DY5 3EX, United Kingdom
Create a mini notebook bound in a cover of your design. Besides assembling the booklets, we will be using a variety of carved stamps to decorate their pages with images in the tradition of medieval art. No need to book, just turn up!

Free organ recital with Richard James - St Mary's Church
2024-09-14 11:30 - 13:00 | St Mary’s RC Church, 26 High Street, Brierley Hill, West Midlands, DY5 3AE, United Kingdom
Relax as Richard hits the keyboard at this 150 year old church – dream about the generations of our ancestors who have sat here over the decades appreciated the very same instrument. Let yourself go wherever the music takes you. Plus the opportunity to visit the normally out of bounds organ loft. Not to be missed.

Denver to Diamond
2024-10-04 19:30 - 22:00 | St Michael’s Church, Bell Street South, Brierley Hill, West Midlands, DY5 3EX, United Kingdom
Celebrate the music of JOHN DENVER and NEIL DIAMOND on Friday 4th October in the beautiful surroundings of Grade II listed St Michael’s Church, Bell Street South, DY5 3EX.

Wayne Denton’s sell out double tribute show. Ticket’s just £10 including a free drink and entry to a raffle.
Click RSVP OR email ticketsatchurch@gmail.com to reserve your place, OR call in St Michael’s any Thursday 1000-1430.

1940s Day, Brierley Hill Market
2025-03-08 11:00 - 15:00 | Brierley Hill Market, High Street, Brierley Hill, West Midlands, DY5, United Kingdom
Saturday 8th March 11am-3pm the Market is hosting another of its very successful 1940s days. Step back in time to the glory days of World War 2 with a range of top-class performers on the market stage. These will include singer Vicky Elise, George Formby tribute Kyle Evans, tap dancer Katie Lewis, and banjo player Angie Parker!
As well as the entertainment, genuine World War 2 military vehicles will be on display at the back of the market. There will be a fancy-dress competition, dress up in 1940s style and win a prize! Prizes for best 1940s dressed gentlemen, lady and child. There will also be a special competition for children, find 10 warplanes in the market and win a prize! FREE activities for all the family!

Brierley Hill at War - guided walk
2025-03-23 11:00 - 13:00 | The Swan, Brettell Lane, Brierley Hill, 10 Brettell Lane, Amblecote, West Midlands, DY8 4Bn, United Kingdom
YOUR PUB NEEDS YOU!

FREE guided walk through our war time history in aid of the Royal British Legion

The walk will set off from The Swan, Brettell Lane on Sunday the 23rd of March at 11am, with the aim of looking at and walking through the shared war time history along Brettell Lane and into Brierley Hill.

The tour will take in the industrial past as a base for ways in which the local people served their country in the 1st and 2nd world wars. Observing an industrial landscape that fed the war effort and discovering stories of the people who fought here and overseas during both wars.

Expect to see historic buildings and spaces including the canals, parks, graveyards, war memorials, churches, a pig tunnel and a recently excavated WW2 ROC lookout towers foundations. There will be stories of bombings & blackouts, crashing air crews, the Home Guard, POWs and American G.I.’s.

It will be a circular route with some steep paths taking approximately two hours, following which the Swan will generously be serving hot cobs on the return to the pub.

All are welcome but there are limited places for this walk. Please only sign up if you can definitely come on the day. Click the RSVP link to reserve your place. All collections and donations on the day will go to the Royal British Legion.

Chapel Street Estate Wildflower Planting
2025-04-23 11:00 - 13:00 | Yeovil Court, Brierley Hill, DY5 2SD, Yeovil Court, Brierley Hill, West Midlands, DY5 2SD, United Kingdom
Help us plant wildflowers around the Chapel St Estate on Wed 23rd April.
Meet at the Housing Hub by 11am (under Yeovil Court) Hill Street, Brierley Hill, DY5 2SD.
Light work clearing weeds and planting seeds, with some refreshments provided for volunteers. Everyone is welcome to join in, children must be accompanied by an adult. Please bring your own gloves, trowels and handrakes if you have them. Some equipment and litter pickers will be provided if needed.

Cake Not Hate - Treasure Hunt Picnic
2025-06-21 11:00 - 14:00 | Brierley Hill Town Centre
Fun for all the family! Do you like cake, samosas and freshly baked crusty cobs? Discover our town’s treasured foods and share in musical entertainment and activities at our community picnic. We have 25 free places available for this event.
Simply click RSVP at the bottom of this page to reserve your place. Please note maximum of 5 per booking. Note start times vary from 11am to 11.30am. You will be sent your arrival time and town centre start venue a few days after you RSVP.
Come to Brierley Hill town centre on Saturday 21st June to collect your picnic bag and begin the treasure hunt. Follow the map to a secret location, picking up goodies along the way, ready to join our community picnic with your fellow treasure hunters!
The treasure hunt involves a walk around the high street shopping areas followed by a short walk to the picnic venue. The route is wheelchair accessible and step-free, and there’s an accessible toilet at the venue.
The event will run from your start time to 2pm.

EAT the STREET
2025-08-23 12:00 - 16:30 | Brierley Hill High Street, High Street, Brierley Hill, West Midlands, DY5 3ET, United Kingdom
EAT the STREET 23rd August 12 to 4pm – An inside-out festival of food. Come and try our High Streets great food outlets, cafes, bakeries, butchers, delis and stalls. All participating food vendors will have ‘Secret Eats’ and ‘Off the Menu’ items for your taste buds to try. Just look for a poster and pop inside to ask what’s cooking. Did you know there are specials and secret snacks, burgers, shakes, cakes, tripple decker pork sandwiches and many other hiidden gems available here, all year round?
We are also working with Taste from India to create the YAMOSA! An EAST meets WEST MIDS – BLACK COUNTRY FUSION street food that will blow your freakin mind. The only way to try it is buy it, so get yours while you can. Big ingredients reveal on BBC Radio WM Thursday Breakfast show. All proceeds from YAMOSA sales will go to the Sands United FC Dudley baby loss charity.
There is entertainment too…
On Saturday 23rd of August from 12 to 4pm.
12pm to 1pm Slick 6 Choir at Brierley Hill Market Hall Café, singing all your favorite tunes, but nicely…
1pm to 2pm Kasperia – Classic rock with a fresh modern twist will be playing in the new Lion’s Way walkthrough next to the Brier Rose public house.
2pm to 3.30pm Food Fun at the library for all. Fun family workshop to create your fantasy plate of food. Brierley Hill library will also be showcasing all of their cookery and recipe books for all ages during the event. Badgemaking iis also available with special EAT the STREET templates, or create your own one-off badge.
Feel free to come along and enjoy your food with the entertainment. Or just find a nice bench near by. There is also a large CIVIIC GREEN park right in front of the police station, where you can have a more horizontal picnic.
If you are a food retailer in Brierley Hill High Street and we have not managed to sign you up yet please contact us at culture@brierleyhill.net. We have tried to get to as many as possible, but some of you were busy with a lot of cuustomers when we came around. We will continue to try and get to you between now and the event.
Look out for stewards in PINK HI-VIZ on the day. These Brierley Hill Pointers will help you find your way around and guide you to the activities.
Brierley Hill Community Forum – Cultural Consortium

Heritage Open Week: Visit the Ringing Chamber for Sunday Ringing (14th Sept) or Come to a Ringing Practice (Fri 19th Sept)
2025-09-14 08:00 - 2025-09-19 21:00 | St Michael’s Church, Bell Street South, Brierley Hill, West Midlands, DY5 3EX, United Kingdom
For a truly rare Heritage Open Day experience, climb into the historic ringing chamber at St Michael’s Church and discover the powerful, rhythmic world of English change ringing.
The church’s eight bells, cast by the renowned Taylor Bellfoundry in 1899, were the first in the Black Country to be tuned using the Simpson Five-Tone principle — an innovation that shaped modern bellringing acoustics. Brierley Hill once boasted one of the region’s most outstanding peal bands, and now you have the chance to follow in their footsteps.
Visitors will:
Tour the ringing chamber, rarely open to the public.
Hear the bells in action during a live ringing session.
Try ringing a bell themselves, guided by experienced ringers.
Learn about the fascinating techniques and mathematical patterns known as “methods.”
Discover the unique heritage and dedication behind the art of tower bell ringing.
📅 Two opportunities are available:
Sunday Ringing Session
Date: Sunday, 14th September
Arrival: 09:50 | Ringing: 10:00–10:30
Max: 8 participants
Friday Practice Sessions
Date: Friday, 19th September
Two time slots: 7:30 PM and 8:15 PM (Max 8 per slot)
👉 Booking is essential at www.brierleyhill.net – these sessions fill quickly and are not available throughout the year.

Heritage Open Week: Graves at Night - Tue 16th, Wed 17th, Thu 18th September
2025-09-16 19:50 - 2025-09-18 21:30 | St Michael’s Church, Bell Street South, Brierley Hill, West Midlands, DY5 3EX, United Kingdom
As dusk falls, step into the shadows of St Michael’s Churchyard and uncover the fascinating lives behind the headstones. The Graves at Night guided walk brings local history vividly to life, with carefully researched stories of ordinary people who lived extraordinary lives.
You’ll hear about war heroes, industrial pioneers, tragic losses, and curious mysteries — all told with warmth and humour in true Brierley Hill fashion. Subtle lighting adds to the atmosphere, and the peaceful setting becomes a stage for voices from the past to be heard.
The walk has become a favourite in the town’s Heritage Open Day programme. Comments from past participants include:
“Such a fabulous day. The graveyard tour was amazing!”
“Wonderful weaving of stories and histories.”
“Thoroughly enjoyed the walk — informative and moving.”
“Great to see the community engagement.”
“The lighting of the graves really added to the experience. The story of the nun was especially appreciated – would love a women’s history walk one day.”
Ideal for those interested in genealogy, local history, or simply hearing a good story told well. Not to be missed — and perfectly timed to allow visits to other nearby venues during the day, including St Michael’s Church, Brierley Hill Library, and St Mary’s Church.

Heritage Open Day: Historic Artefacts and Local History Collection at Brierley Hill Library
2025-09-20 09:00 - 15:30 | Brierley Hill Library, 122 High St, Brierley Hill, West Midlands, DY5 3ET
Step inside Brierley Hill Library for a fascinating look at the town’s history through original artefacts, exhibitions, and archives. This year’s Heritage Open Day display showcases a unique mix of objects and stories that span over 150 years of local life.
Discover the Nine Locks brooch, a keepsake from the 1869 mining “miracle” that captured national attention. Learn about the local 311 Anti-Aircraft Battalion and its role in WWII and the fall of Mussolini. View the Town Hall clock hand, historic commemorative plates, and the striking Jordan painting — inspired by a soldier lost at the Battle of Loos.
Browse the local history collection, early editions of the Black Country Bugle and The Blackcountryman, and see evocative old photographs that bring the past into focus.
Many visitors enjoy sharing their own memories and stories — and leave with new ones. Past comments include:
“Wonderful to see inside this refurbished building – so special and interesting.”
“…so many memories – Saturday mornings at the children’s library were a weekly ritual.”
“Very emotional to see it again after all these years. It deserves a new chapter.”
A short walk from other events including St Michael’s Church, St Mary’s, and the Graves at Night walk.

Heritage Open Day: Peaky Blinders at Brierley Hill Market
2025-09-20 09:00 - 15:30 | Brierley Hill Market, High Street, Brierley Hill, West Midlands, DY5, United Kingdom
Brierley Hill Market once again channels its inner 1920s swagger with a full-throttle Peaky Blinders-themed day, blending heritage with entertainment, fashion, and fun. It’s a highlight of the town’s Heritage Open Day — and always draws a lively crowd.
Visitors are encouraged to come in costume and soak up the atmosphere with live performances from Gatsby dancers, vintage singer Vanessa Lee, and a guest appearance by the dapper Sadlers Peaky Blinders.
The market’s heritage roots run deep, and this event celebrates its past as a community and trading hub with a fresh twist.
Wander the stalls for the local bargains it is famous for. Meet traders and discover how markets like this shaped the working lives and social fabric of Brierley Hill for over a century.
With its central location, the market is a perfect starting point before visiting nearby venues like St Michael’s church, St Mary’s Church, and Dudley College’s Inspired Campus.
Costumes optional, but smiles guaranteed.

Heritage Open Day: Free BBQ, Family Fun, Exhibition at Albion Street Church
2025-09-20 10:00 - 14:00 | West Midlands
Join us at Albion Street Church for a joyful mix of heritage, hospitality, and hands-on family fun. This welcoming venue opens its doors with a free BBQ, children’s activities, and a chance to learn more about the church’s role in Brierley Hill’s spiritual and social life.
The church will be hosting the activities and BBQ in their community building The Storehouse, and the event features badge making, face painting, bouncy castle, and creative play — perfect for children and families. Last year, over 400 people attended and described the day as “full of life and community spirit.”
Inside, you’ll find a display of the church’s longstanding local history, documenting its mission, architectural features, and connections with generations of residents. Volunteers are on hand to guide visitors and share stories.
This vibrant stop is part of the wider Heritage Open Day programme. Combine your visit with nearby venues like Harry’s Café with its crafts and food, or Brierley Hill Market’s Peaky Blinders day, both just a short walk away. Round off your day with the Graves at Night walk or a reflective moment at St Mary’s Church.
Whether you’re here for the sausages, the stories, or the smiles — Albion Street offers a little something for everyone.

Heritage Open Day: Crafts at Harry's
2025-09-20 10:00 - 14:00 | Harry’s, 65a High Street, Brierley Hill, West Midlands, DY5 3AE, United Kingdom
Back by popular demand, Harry’s Café and Top Church Training return to Brierley Hill Heritage Open Day with a lively and welcoming programme of creative workshops, heritage crafts, and local food.
Explore the past through hands-on activities and accessible and enjoyable workshops appeal to all ages and encourage visitors to reflect on the people and stories that have shaped Brierley Hill.
Food will be available throughout the day, highlighting local produce and flavours — adding a culinary twist to your journey through the town’s history.
This space is more than just a café — it’s a hub for learning, socialising, and celebrating the power of community. Past events have seen children and adults alike leave with something made by hand and a new appreciation for local life.
Harry’s is just a few steps away from other great venues like Albion Street Church, the Peaky Blinders-themed Market, and the exhibitions at Brierley Hill Library. Make a day of it by ending with a sunset Graves at Night walk or a peaceful visit to St Mary’s Church.
If you love a bit of art, a bite to eat, and a warm welcome — this is the spot for you.

Heritage Open Day: St Mary's Church
2025-09-20 10:00 - 14:30 | St Mary’s RC Church, 26 High Street, Brierley Hill, West Midlands, DY5 3AE, United Kingdom
Step inside one of Brierley Hill’s finest architectural treasures: St Mary’s Church, designed by celebrated Gothic Revival architect E. W. Pugin. This 19th-century masterpiece opens for special guided tours, offering insights into its unique design, heritage, and spiritual history.
Admire intricate wall paintings and stained glass, and enjoy a live organ recital in the church’s serene setting. Learn about the influence of Pugin’s vision and how it helped shape Victorian religious architecture across the country.
In the absence of our dear Helen Barley, with her harps, this year, organist Richard James has kindly agreed to hold two organ “demonstrations” between 10.30-11am and 11.30-12noon.

Visitors are encouraged to join him in the choir loft, during these sessions. Children to be accompanied by an adult, due to the steep steps to the loft.
The church’s friendly community offers light refreshments and a warm welcome.
The popular Mouse Trail will be back this year, along with stained glass effect colouring activities for visitors and refreshments will be available throughout.
This event forms part of the wider Brierley Hill Heritage Open Day. Visitors are encouraged to explore nearby venues such as St Michael’s Church with its wartime tributes, Brierley Hill Library’s historic artefacts, and the bustling market with its themed performances.
One past visitor shared: “Visitors appreciated the organ and harp performances – some even received impromptu harp lessons.” Another said, “A very enjoyable and worthwhile event.”

Heritage Open Day: St Michael's Church
2025-09-20 10:00 - 15:00 | St Michael’s Church, Bell Street South, Brierley Hill, West Midlands, DY5 3EX, United Kingdom
St Michael’s Church invites you to experience a rich tapestry of local history, architecture, and wartime remembrance. Explore the early 19th-century building through guided tours, revealing how the Oxford Movement influenced its spiritual and architectural development.
Try your hand at ringing the 150-year-old Whitechapel handbells, or climb up to the ringing chamber for a rare look behind the scenes. Children and adults alike are welcome to take part in interactive activities, including colouring and crafts.
The acclaimed WWII exhibition returns with compelling local content: Luftwaffe maps showing Brierley Hill as a target, documentation on civil defence, the story of the “Brierley Hill Spitfire,” and tributes to local war casualties. This moving tribute captures the town’s resilience and sacrifice.
Visitors last year praised the “uplifting” church atmosphere, “excellent exhibitions,” and “amazing stories about local heroes.” One person wrote: “Being in the church is uplifting. The amazing glass windows and the Brierley Hill Crystal.” Another said, “We had a lovely blessing celebrating our 60th wedding anniversary. We were married in this church in 1959.”
Part of the wider town celebration, it’s a short walk to Brierley Hill Library, St Mary’s Church, and the “Graves at Night” walk.

Heritage Open Day: Heritage Meets Innovation - Dudley College Inspired Campus
2025-09-20 10:00 - 15:00 | Dudley College – Inspired – Brierley Hill, Venture Way, Brierley Hill, West Midlands, DY5 1RG, United Kingdom
For the first time ever, Dudley College’s Inspired Campus on Venture Way opens its doors for Heritage Open Day, offering a rare glimpse inside one of the town’s most modern learning environments. This is a unique opportunity to explore how heritage can be interpreted through innovation.
Tour the campus — including its TV studio, creative spaces, and digital workshops — and learn how today’s students engage with the past using the tools of tomorrow. Expect a fresh and exciting take on heritage, with activities, displays, and possibly live demonstrations (programme to be confirmed closer to the day).
As a key part of Brierley Hill’s ongoing regeneration, the Inspired Campus offers a different kind of heritage story — one rooted in learning, aspiration, and community transformation.
Just a short walk from Harry’s Café, Albion Street Church, and the bustling Market, the campus adds a new dimension to your Heritage Open Day route. After soaking in the high-tech spaces, why not contrast your experience with the historic architecture of St Michael’s or St Mary’s Church, or take in the storytelling magic of the Graves at Nightwalk?
It’s the perfect stop for those curious about the future as well as the past.

Back In Time For Tea
2025-09-26 17:30 - 19:00 | Housing Hub, Yeovil Court, Hill Street, Brierley Hill, West Midlands, DY5 2SD, United Kingdom
An evening of poems and songs with Black Country Radio’s Gary James. Join Gary on a journey back to the Chapel Street Estate of the 60s and 70s.
Friday 26th September 5:30pm. Limited spaces so reserve your space now! Email culture@brierleyhill.net

🎵 Dan Whitehouse – Dreamland - A Horizontal Concert 🎵
2025-10-17 19:00 - 21:00 | Dreamland Bedding, 23 Mill Street, Brierley Hill, West Midlands, DY5 1RU, United Kingdom
Join us for an extraordinary evening with singer-songwriter Dan Whitehouse, performing a magical one-off concert inside a bed shop.In this unique setting, the audience will experience the entire show lying down – horizontal, comfortable, and immersed in the music.
The set list is specially curated by Dan to showcase his catalogue of work, including songs written here in Brierley Hill, alongside his acclaimed hit “Dreamland.”
Following the concert there will be an after party with free food and refreshments (included in your ticket) or treat yourself to a glass of wine at nearby Marina’s Italian Restaurant from 8pm to 9pm.
📅 Friday 17 October 2025🕖 Doors 6:40pm – Start 7:00pm prompt📍 Dreamland Bedding, 23 Mill St, Brierley Hill DY5 1RU🎟 Tickets FREE – Reservation required
👉 Please RSVP below to secure your place. Numbers are limited – reserve a bed only if you can definitely attend.
