Birmingham is getting ready to Go for Gold as new plans are revealed for Champions Square, the official city-centre fan zone for the Birmingham 2026 European Athletics Championships.
Taking over Centenary Square from 13-16 August, Champions Square will bring the excitement of the Championships into the heart of Birmingham. Visitors will be able to watch the exciting sporting action live on a giant screen alongside four days of FREE family-friendly performances, workshops and more - allowing visitors to jump right into the action. A daily Silent Disco will bring each day to a close on a runner’s high, giving Birmingham the chance to celebrate its newest champions together.
Champions Square will be open Thursday and Friday from 10am-10pm and on Saturday and Sunday from 7am-10pm for four days of live sport broadcast from Alexander Stadium, entertainment and culture.
Produced by Outdoor Places Unusual Spaces (OPUS), the cultural programme will celebrate the creativity and diversity of Birmingham, platforming artists and communities from across the city.
Go For Gold: Silent Disco (7.30pm-9pm Daily)
Each evening’s golden hour is all about celebrating the champions. With finals shown each night on the big screen, the Silent Disco will be a chance to cut loose and celebrate, ending the day on a high with some playful competition. The silent disco host will be ready to join visitors in a dance, challenging them to athletics-inspired dance floor games and light hearted competitions, with golden rosettes up for grabs. Join Autin Dance Theatre’s Silent Disco Street Games for an active twist on a classic silent disco (Thursday), Kaylee Golding’s ‘Go for Gold’ promises the music of Champions (Friday), DJ Soriah bringing the best of House (Saturday) and Sampad South Asian Arts and Heritage presents with DJ Palak and India Island (Sunday).
Race along Finish Line by Megan Reddi (Throughout)
Lace up those running shoes - a striking new visual arts commission is coming to Centenary Square. Working in partnership with IKON Gallery, the fountain will be transformed into a playful running track, designed by Stirchley-based Artist Megan Reddi. Finish Line allows the energy of Alexander Stadium to spill over into the city centre with an open invitation to challenge friends, family or fellow fans to a race.
Jump for Joy! (Daily)
Open to everyone, the Jump for Joy! workshops will invite visitors to get moving, learn some new skills and warm up ahead of the evening’s big screen sporting action. No previous experience – or athletic ability – required: join in with Sofunk Dance Fitness with Sharon and DJ Miss Maxine (Thursday and Saturday), be energised with lunchtime Zumba with the Fitzelles (Thurs) and get your steps in line dancing to the best soul classics with West Midlands Sisterhood Soul Stepperz (Friday). Leave feeling ready for anything!
On Saturday, get ready to move your feet and turn up the heat, with a vibrant Cuban Salsa community party. Celebrate the Latin rhythms, passion and spirit of salsa while connecting through dance.
Following the last runner crossing the line in the community Unity Races on Sunday, an extra fun Jump for Joy session will be run by Birmingham based Drum n Bounce Fitness, the perfect mix of high energy tunes and aerobic exercise finish the weekend.
Music & Dance (Daily)
A stellar line-up of local musicians and singers from across West Midlands are programmed daily, including: Live Vibe Music in Motion Takeover (Thurs, 6pm) which will showcase independent musicians and artists; Track By Track, from Ashley Allen & Friends in collaboration with B:Music (Friday 6pm); and for the youngest participants, Ready, Steady, Sing! an interactive concert for 0-5 year olds by B'Opera (Saturday 1:30pm) will get young visitors stretching, balancing, jumping and hopping to the music.
Expect thrilling dance performances of UNBOXED from Linden Dance (Friday, 1:40pm and 5pm); graceful demonstrations by Wan Sheung (Saturday, 2:55pm and 4:30pm) representing the city’s Chinese community; watch vibrant performances from Afrocave Dance (Saturday, 4:45pm) celebrating African-inspired movement, creativity and confidence; and be wowed by athletic circus performances from Rogue Play (Saturday 2:40pm and 5:15pm).
Bab the Bull Appearances (3-3:15pm, Thurs-Sat)
If that's not all - keep your eyes peeled for Championship mascot, Bab the Bull will be storming into the Fan Zone. Whether you're looking for a victory high-five, a legendary selfie, or showing off your best champion pose, Bab is brimming with energy and ready to charge into action. Don't miss your chance to meet the bigger-than-life star of Birmingham 2026.
Cherry Alexander, Championship Director for Birmingham 2026, said: “Having a fan zone in the city centre provides a chance for even more people to join in the celebrations and programme of the European Athletics Championships, with four days of live sport, entertainment and culture taking place at Centenary Square.
"We can't wait to welcome spectators at both the stadium, and Champions Square from Thursday to Sunday."
Rebecca Phillips, Senior Producer at OPUS, said: “Champions Square is all about celebrating the vibrant spirit of Birmingham by uniting world-class sport with our city’s rich cultural scene - whether you’re cheering on top European athletes on the big screen or discovering brilliant local artists. Come for the action, stay for the atmosphere and join in with the party.”
Champions Square is free to attend, with no booking required. Sporting action will be shown live each day, and the competition schedule can be found online. The live programme will be BSL interpreted each day, and alongside all the live action, a selection of street food will be available for visitors to enjoy throughout the day.