When: Saturday 26th May, 19:00 onwards
Where: The Spotted Dog, Warwick Street, Digbeth

Yes, we know Eurovision can be Eurotrash, but with friends and a sense of humour, it can actually be a bit of a laugh!

The Spotted Dog will be showing the contest in it’s full Eurotastic glory on Saturday, along with a DJ, BBQ and an opportunity to show Graham Norton how it should be done on the karaoke.

Free entry, fancy dress optional, but residents are advised to look out for:

• Over-elaborate performance/costume/stage design
• Performers singing a ballad sat on stools, and then standing up at the key change
• Streakers/stage invaders
• A sarcastic comment from Mr Norton
• “Wardrobe malfunctions”
• Other Eurovision cliches besides

See you there!

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When: Monday 28th May, 19:30 onwards
Where: The Spotted Dog, Warwick Street, Digbeth

The next Filum Night on Monday 28th May will be more of a Documentary Night… Featuring two Irish-themed docs:

Ireland in all her sins and graces
First up is a highly recommended documentary from 1992, written, narrated by and featuring J. P. Donleavy. Produced and directed by Katherine R.R. Carpenter for the Discovery Channel and RTÉ. Running time: 50 minutes.

Winner of the Worldfest Houston Gold Award 1992 and a Cine Golden Eagle award in 1993, J.P. Donleavy’s Ireland features the author reading passages from his book of the same title as well as from A Singular Country and The History of The Ginger Man while taking the viewer on a personal tour of “…the land that long knows how to tolerate suffering.” A lot on Ireland and on the author. One highlight is a peek into Donleavy’s study at Levington Park where he demonstrates how he revises his manuscripts – a manner quite unique.

Famine to Freedom
The second documentary is from the Discovery Channel’s “Moments in Time Series”. Running time: 50 minutes.

During Ireland’s potato famine in the 19th century, over a million people died of starvation and disease. Another 1.5 million emigrated to other countries. An excavation of one village reveals the lives of Irish farmers during these tragic times.

As per, tea and cream buns will be served free of charge. Enjoy!

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When: 28th May to 18th June
Where: Bay Leaf Cafe Bar, Custard Factory

The Bay Leaf is looking forward to welcoming Jamie McGrane’s photography exhibition later this month. Jamie has been a proud Mod since 1984, and will share this passion using his amazing photography.

This is set to be the coolest arts launch ever, so make sure to pop down to the Bay Leaf to check out his work!

This is part of Bay Leaf’s commitment to promote local artist with free exhibition space – get in touch if you would like to display your work.

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As part of the Still Walking festival in March, Matt and Pete ran a one-off walk through Digbeth. The intention was to show off their teaching skills but it quickly turned into a mix of a photo walk and a guided tour.

Due to its success, Matt and Pete will be running Photo Walks through Digbeth during the summer:

• The Digbeth North Walk covers the area around Fazeley Street to the left of Digbeth High Street.
• Digbeth South explores the roads to the right of the high street, and they hope to access a roof for some skyline shots.

Both walks cost £5 and end at the legendary Spotted Dog. For more information and to book your place, click here to visit the website.

If you like the idea of a photo walk, but don’t fancy joining a guided tour, Matt and Pete suggest using Birmingham Flickrmeets.

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When: Saturday 12th May, 13:00 onwards
Where: The Bay Leaf, Custard Factory

The Bay Leaf restaurant in Digbeth’s Custard Factory is hosting a live music event tomorrow, Saturday 12th May. The event is intended to take place outside, busker-style, in front of the restaurant. The Bay Leaf’s owner, Aftab Rahman, is a great supporter of Digbeth Residents Association, and has really engaged with local musicians through regular jazz and acoustic nights at his restaurant.

The music is being organised by local musician, Ronan Fitzgerald, from the band Nerve Centre. Ronan is no stranger to music events in Digbeth, having played a sold out gig at the HMV Institute with Nerve Centre, regularly hosting gigs at the Adam and Eve, and organising the music at last summer’s Digbeth Fun Day.

• Jimmy Eff: the solo acoustic alter-ego of Nerve Centre lead guitarist, James Foster.
• Kris Halpin: singer songwriter from Tamworth.
• Dennis: acoustic duo playing lively originals and covers.

The music starts at 1pm. If the weather doesn’t want to be nice, the music will be moved into the restaurant. With the Vintage Fair taking place in the Custard Factory at the time, it promises to be a fun and busy event.

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