Birmingham will transform Centenary Square into a vibrant celebration of sport and culture this August as the European Athletics Championships launches its official fan zone, Champions Square, from the 13th –16th August 2026.
With less than four weeks until the Championships begin, organisers have unveiled plans for four days of free live sport, entertainment and cultural performances in the heart of the city. Visitors will be able to watch Europe’s top athletes compete live from Alexander Stadium on big screens while enjoying live music, dance, circus acts, street theatre and interactive activities.
The fan zone builds on the success of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games festival sites and will be curated by Outdoor Places Unusual Spaces (OPUS), which has also launched an open call inviting artists, performers and cultural organisations to take part in the programme. Applications close at 11.59pm on 20th July.
More information:- https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSflUe-UPy6J_R4kUSE5kgn1ro4uVnP42yd9sqjc8wEITLVphQ/viewform
Photo Credit:- The Czech & Slovak Club UK CIC, performing in Centenary Square at Birmingham Festival 23. Photo by Lensi Photography.
Caroline Davis, Managing Director of OPUS, said:
“Birmingham showed the world during the Commonwealth Games that culture doesn’t sit alongside sport – it helps define the experience. It creates moments of joy, surprise and connection that people remember long after the competition has finished. We’re excited to build on that legacy by creating another programme that belongs to the city and shines a light on Birmingham’s incredible creative community.”
Championship Director Cherry Alexander said:
“We’re delighted to confirm the fan zone at Centenary Square, giving even more spectators the chance to be part of the European Athletics Championships this August.
With just one month to go, fans can make their plans to be a part of the UK’s first ever staging of a European Athletics Championships, whether buying tickets to see the best in Europe competing in Birmingham, picking a spot to view the elite race walks and marathon events in the city centre, signing up to run the mass participation Unity Challenge for their own medal moment, or joining in the celebrations and programme at Champions Square fan zone at Centenary Square.”
Councillor Deborah Harries, Cabinet Member for Culture at Birmingham City Council, said: “The European Athletics Championships is the cornerstone of an exciting summer of sport in Birmingham. As we have seen previously at events such as the Commonwealth Games, major events like this not only underline Birmingham’s credentials as a world class city of sport but also provide an opportunity to showcase our wider cultural offer to residents and visitors alike.
The Championships will run from 10–16 August, bringing more than 1,600 athletes from 48 nations to Birmingham. Alongside the action at Alexander Stadium, Champions Square is set to place the city itself at the heart of the event, showcasing Birmingham’s cultural talent, welcoming thousands of visitors into the city centre and reinforcing its reputation as one of Europe’s leading destinations for major sporting events.
More information:- https://tickets.birmingham26.com/
