{ inspired#20 . Birmingham . Artists . & . Creatives }

. inspired#20 .

Be immersed in her diversity without effort

celebrate the many who give in principle

to follow forward

52° North

. Roi Kwabena .

clockwise from centre

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5

Being my home city, I've always had a fondness for Birmingham, even through the years when it's reputation wasn't the best. When I was little a trip to Birmingham was a small adventure, with best coats being worn, and the train journey making it seem that it was a far and distant place. It was the place where we were treated to fancy cakes at Druckers, visits to Father Christmas at either Lewis's or Rackhams. Later trips into town were with friends on a Saturday morning, spending pocket money, or money earned babysitting in Boots, Chelsea Girl, and at the original Oasis.

Like many cities it's changed hugely since those early trips to see Santa. The Bullring is no longer  the place to hunt down a bargain at the markets, now home to the infamous silver disc clad Selfridges. New Street Station has been transformed from dark, and slightly seedy, to the shiny and bright Grand Central. Birmingham can also hold it's own as a city encouraging creatives, designers and makers. Alongside the more established art galleries and museums, there is a thriving street art community in Digbeth, with the Custard Factory playing host to many independent traders, and supporting the ever growing foodie community.

And we also have our fair share of pop-ups, craft and artisan markets, which is how I'll be spending my next few Saturdays.

 . PaperDoll Handmade . The Custard Factory . 25th November .

This Saturday sees the PaperDolls return to The Custard Factory as part of the Digmas celebrations, hosting a vast array of super talented makers and designers. Entry is free, and they'll be a Santa's Grotto, a host of street food vendors, story telling and cookie & cake decorating for the little Ones, and a mulled wine and cider bar for all the bigger Ones.

. Winter Seasonal Market . The Bond . 2nd December .

Now in it's fourth year, the Seasonal Markets have become a regular feature on my calendar, none so more than the Winter one, which always feels like the start to the Festive season. A slightly smaller craft market than PaperDolls, but with a courtyard packed full of street food, cocktail and gin caravans and much more, it's definitely as much fun. Entry is £2 on the door, and if the weather is dry it can get super super busy, though somehow that just adds to the cosiness of it all.

. Etsy . Made Local . The Custard Factory . 1st/2nd December .

Also taking place on that first weekend in December is the Birmingham Etsy Made Local, hosted by IDEAS Birmingham. Returning to The Custard Factory for the third time, it's part of the Etsy pop up markets being held up and down the country that weekend. Playing host to over 50 Etsy sellers over two days, including the super talented Brumhaus, featured in today's inspired board. Entry is free and with different sellers each day take a look at their blog posts here and here for the lineup on each day.

{ have a happy day }