Pride weekend at the Birmingham Back to Backs

What’s on during Birmingham Pride 2023?

Pride weekend exhibition preview

On Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 May get a sneak peek at the upcoming Kahn and Bell exhibition. ‘It’s Not Unusual’ features contemporary photography by Gary Lindsay-Moore inspired by the Kahn and Bell shop which was at 72 Hurst Street from 1976 to the mid-1980s. The shop was at the heart of the punk scene and their clothing designs were influential in the New Romantic movement, which blurred the lines between male and female clothing.

Gary’s photographs feature original Kahn and Bell garments, and he chose models that reflect the ‘spirit of Kahn and Bell’. Also included are models that have a direct connection to the shop such as local legend Twiggy who worked in the shop as a teenager. Alongside Gary’s photographs, we’ll be showing some of the original clothes and photographs from the time.

This exhibition sheds light on the incredible work of Patti Bell and Jane Kahn and the fascinating history of Southside, the local area, through the lens of Gary’s work.

The exhibition is free to enter, just head up the stairs from the bookshop at 61 Hurst Street.

More information here.

Back to Books X Back to Backs

Back to Books, a radical and representative bookspace for Birmingham, are hosting a mini queer reading festival in the second-hand bookshop on Sunday 28 May called the Brum Buzzcut. Learn more and book tickets here.

Have a look around the hidden courtyard

200 years ago Gay Village and Southside looked very different, step back in time by visiting our courtyard and three showhouses. On Saturday 27 May the Birmingham Back to Backs will be all decked out to celebrate Pride and will be open for free flow. If you’ve always wanted to visit this is a great opportunity to have a look around the courtyard and ground floor of the three houses.

You don't need to have a ticket for Birmingham Pride to visit.

Cost - £4 or free for National Trust members
Book online here or pay on the door.