Birmingham Clubs Unite for Save Digbeth Block Party as Rail Plans Put Venues at Risk

08. October 2026

Birmingham’s independent music venues are joining forces this weekend for a major protest party aimed at raising awareness about the potential impact of a proposed railway project on Digbeth’s nightlife and cultural scene.

The Save Digbeth Block Party takes place on Sunday, October 11, with venues, DJs and nightlife campaigners coming together across Lower Trinity Street to oppose what they say could be the loss of important music and cultural spaces.

The event is being organised by the newly formed Digbeth Music Venues Alliance in partnership with Save Our Scene and KISS.

A protest through music

The event will run from 14:00, with the main daytime programme continuing until 21:00 before an afterparty.

Three stages are planned across the area, including a street stage and stages at XOYO Birmingham and Club Colette.

The lineup includes Silva Bumpa, Fleur Shore, Low Steppa, Monki, Fat Tony, Jess Bays, Illyus & Barrientos, TCTS, Beth and Act On, alongside several local DJs.

Tickets start at £15.

The organisers are presenting the event as both a party and a campaign to draw attention to the potential consequences of the proposed railway redevelopment.

Why are Digbeth venues concerned?

The campaign centres on plans connected to the Midlands Rail Hub, a proposed £1.75 billion railway infrastructure project intended to increase rail capacity into central Birmingham.

The project would involve significant changes around the Lower Trinity Street and Bordesley Viaduct areas of Digbeth.

According to the venues and campaign groups, more than 50 independent businesses could be demolished or displaced under the current proposals, including several music venues.

Businesses and venues named in connection with the campaign include XOYO Birmingham, Luna Springs, Club Colette, Mama Roux’s and The Night Owl.

The railway project is not being cancelled

The campaign is not simply opposing better rail connections.

The Digbeth Music Venues Alliance says its concern is that cultural venues could be lost without an adequate plan for their future.

The Midlands Rail Hub Alliance, meanwhile, says the project is intended to improve rail connectivity and increase the number of trains that can operate through Moor Street station.

It has also acknowledged the uncertainty facing businesses in the area and said it is considering feedback as plans are developed, with the aim of minimising the impact on Digbeth.

That distinction is important. The railway project remains at the planning stage, and the current proposals should not be described as a confirmed programme to demolish all of the venues involved.

A fight for Birmingham's independent music culture

For the venues and campaigners, the issue goes beyond individual buildings.

Digbeth has developed into one of Birmingham’s best-known areas for independent nightlife, live music and creative businesses, with clubs and cultural spaces operating from former industrial buildings and railway arches.

Low Steppa, whose career developed through Birmingham’s Digbeth scene, has spoken about the importance of the area's venues to local DJs, promoters and producers.

The campaigners argue that these spaces provide opportunities for emerging artists and have helped create a distinctive music community in the city.

Thousands have already backed the campaign

Save Our Scene says it has facilitated more than 4,000 emails from members of the public to Birmingham MP Shabana Mahmood calling for the plans to be reconsidered.

The organisation has also used a branded fire truck as part of its campaign, including an appearance outside Birmingham Council offices.

The vehicle is due to form one of the stages at Sunday's Block Party.

What happens next?

The railway plans are still moving through the development and consultation process.

The Midlands Rail Hub Alliance says the project is designed to increase capacity and improve connectivity into Birmingham, while campaigners are calling for greater protection and support for businesses that could be affected.

The debate therefore goes beyond Sunday's party. It raises a wider question about how Birmingham can expand its transport infrastructure while protecting the independent cultural spaces that have helped shape areas such as Digbeth.

Event Details

  • Event: Save Digbeth Block Party

  • Date: Sunday, October 11, 2026

  • Location: Lower Trinity Street and participating Digbeth venues, Birmingham

  • Main event: 14:00 to 21:00

  • Afterparty: 21:00 to 01:00

  • Venues/stages: Save Our Scene street stage, XOYO Birmingham and Club Colette

  • Artists include: Silva Bumpa, Fleur Shore, Low Steppa, Monki, Fat Tony, Jess Bays, Illyus & Barrientos, TCTS, Beth and Act On

  • Tickets: From £15

  • Campaign organisers: Digbeth Music Venues Alliance and Save Our Scene, with KISS

  • Issue: Potential impact of the proposed Midlands Rail Hub on Digbeth businesses and music venues

The Save Digbeth Block Party is turning a serious planning dispute into a day of music and collective action, giving Birmingham’s club community a platform to make its concerns heard before the city's plans for Digbeth move further forward.

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