Brierley Hill Community Forum

Heritage Open Day: Historic Artefacts and Local History Collection at Brierley Hill Library
2025-09-20 09:00 - 15:30 UTC | 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.
