Soho Loop walk on the BCN Old Mainline

I was going to get onto the Soho Loop at Winson Green Junction, but on the BCN Mainline near Winson Green Road, towpath was closed, so walked down and got on at Rotton Park Junction. Then a minor diversion at the Soho Wharf development before rejoining at Spring Hill. Stayed on the Soho Loop until the Asylum Bridge (although would have gone further). But exited to Norman Street Park.

The Soho Loop opened in 1772, and was part of the Birmingham Canal Navigations Old Mainline and developed by James Brindley. It became a loop when the straighter Birmingham Canal Navigations Mainline, developed by Thomas Telford, opened in 1827. This created two junctions: Rotton Park Junction with the Soho Loop, Icknield Port Loop and the BCN Mainline and Winson Green Junction.

 

This walk was on Sunday 23rd July 2023.

 

Rotton Park Junction

Having caught the 11C bus to Summerfield Park, Winson Green, my plans changed when I found the towpath closed at the Winson Green Bridge, so couldn't walk to Winson Green Junction, so instead walked down the BCN Mainline and crossed the Rotton Park Towpath Bridge a Rotton Park Junction to get onto the Soho Loop. Here the skyline has changed, with The Mercian, The Bank towers 1 & 2 and the Cortland Square development on Broad Street. Icknield Port Loop to the right.

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Rotton Park Railway Bridge

View from the new Soho Wharf Footbridge, is the Rotton Park Railway Bridge at Rotton Park Junction. It carries the Birmingham to Wolverhampton railway line. This photo would have been impossible until the new footbridge had been built.

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Soho Wharf Footbridge

Most of the new Soho Wharf development on the left is now open. Also a new footbridge has opened to Spring Hill Wharf. I did walk a bit beyond, but found the towpath to be closed to Spring Hill, so had to double back, and divert off the Soho Loop and Soho Wharf to Dudley Road and Spring Hill.

dndimg alt="Soho Wharf" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Soho%20Wharf%20Soho%20Loop%2023072023%20(1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Soho Wharf to Spring Hill

While I did walk a bit of the towpath here, found it to be closed at the Spring Hill Bridge, so had to leave the canal at Soho Wharf over the new footbridge. Street art on the walls to the right.

dndimg alt="Soho Wharf" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Soho%20Wharf%20Soho%20Loop%2023072023%20(11).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Spring Hill Bridge

A look at the Spring Hill Bridge and Soho Wharf. The towpath on this side was closed. Hopefully it wont be too long before they reopen it to the public.

dndimg alt="Soho Loop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Spring%20Hill%20Soho%20Loop%2023072023%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Spring Hill Pipe Bridge 

Rejoining the Soho Loop at Spring Hill, to walk towards the Black British History is British History sculpture, this was the first bridge back on the canal.

dndimg alt="Soho Loop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Spring%20Hill%20Soho%20Loop%2023072023%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Towards Crabtree Lane

The Soho Loop from Spring Hill to Crabtree Lane. Passed several cyclists around here. Some parkland on the right.

dndimg alt="Soho Loop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Hockley%20Soho%20Loop%2023072023%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Western Road Bridge

The Western Road Bridge carries Crabtree Lane.

dndimg alt="Soho Loop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Hockley%20Soho%20Loop%2023072023%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Towards Hockley Port Junction

This long straight section towards Hockley Port Junction. Lots of trees here, feels very rural.

dndimg alt="Soho Loop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Hockley%20Soho%20Loop%2023072023%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Soho Branch at Hockley Port Junction

The next bridge crosses over at Hockley Port Junction which leads to the Soho Branch and Hockley Port. Private, the gate looked locked, but could see narrowboats down there.

dndimg alt="Soho Loop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Hockley%20Soho%20Loop%2023072023%20(4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Curving round City Hospital

A curved section, City Hospital is on the left (behind the trees). Then had to walk past lots of fishermen!

dndimg alt="Soho Loop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Hockley%20Soho%20Loop%2023072023%20(7).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The Wildlife Trusts Birmingham & Black Country

Still passing the fishermen, on the left was The Wildlife Trusts Birmingham & Black Country, part of the Centre of the Earth. Was a boat moored called 'London Poly Roger'.

dndimg alt="Soho Loop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Poly%20Soho%20Loop%2023072023%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Black British History is British History

The reason for this Soho Loop walk was to find this steel sculpture by Luke Perry called 'Black British History is British History'. It was unveiled in 2023. Was also designed by artist Canaan Brown.

dndimg alt="Soho Loop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Black%20BH%20is%20BH%20Soho%20Loop%2023072023%20(1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Asylum Bridge

A look at the Asylum Bridge. Originally I would have walked past it, but I went up onto it to see if it was open (Google Maps said it was closed, I later tried to get Google Maps to change it). Anyway I ended up exiting the Soho Loop here into Norman Street Park.

dndimg alt="Soho Loop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Asylum%20Soho%20Loop%2023072023%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Winson Green Bridge

The view from the Asylum Bridge to the Winson Green Bridge. Was so close to the end of the Soho Loop. That bridge ahead carries another section of Winson Green Road. So will need to go back in future to complete the section to Winson Green Junction.

dndimg alt="Soho Loop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Asylum%20Soho%20Loop%2023072023%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Norman Street Park

There was an Asylum Bridge steel sculpture near the bridge in Norman Street Park. Also this gateway, and a street art wall. Ended up leaving here for the 11A bus stop on Aberdeen Street (not far from City Hospital).

dndimg alt="Soho Loop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Norman%20St%20park%2023072023%20(4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Nearby bus routes include the 11A, 11C, 82 and 87.

Appears to be in walking distance of Jewellery Quarter Station (trains) or Winson Green Outer Circle Tram Stop or Soho Benson Road Tram Stop (trams).

 

Photos by Elliott Brown

Beach at Smithfield Birmingham from Danter Attractions

For the third summer in a row, Danter Attractions (the family group behind Ice Skate Birmingham and Digbeth Fun Fair) is opening a fun fair in Birmingham. This time at the Smithfield Festival Site. The entrance will be from Pershore Street in Southside. It runs from 14th July until 28th August 2023. Mostly the same rides as in previous years, Wild Mouse, Star Flyer, Air, Dodgems and so on.

Beach @ Smithfield Birmingham. AKA Digbeth Fun Fair and Birmingham Beach, is once again being run by the family team at Danter Attractions (who annually hold Ice Skate Birmingham in Centenary Square).

Entrance: Pershore Street, Birmingham, B5 4RW

 

Dates: 14th July to 28th August 2023.

Postponed to 16th July due to the rain forecast. Or to a later date depending on the weather.

 

 

In 2021, Digbeth Fun Fair was located at Charles Henry Street (Warner Fields), while in 2022 it moved to land at High Street Bordesley (Lunar Rise). For 2023 it is at the corner of Smithfield near Pershore Street and Barford Street (Smithfield Birmingham). While these brownfield sites are not being used, Danter have been putting fun fairs on them each summer.

Smithfield was previously used in summer 2022 for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games (Beach Volleyball and 3x3 Basketball).

 

Gallery of 25 photos below taken by Elliott Brown

 

Initial views taken from the no 6 bus on Moat Lane.

Air and Wild Mouse

dndimg alt="Beach at Smithfield" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Beach%20Smithfield%2013072023%20(1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Beach at Smithfield" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Beach%20Smithfield%2013072023%20(2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Got off the bus at the Bullring (Park Street), and next walked to the Upper Dean Street view.

Runaway Train

dndimg alt="Beach at Smithfield" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Beach%20Smithfield%2013072023%20(3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

General view of the fun fair from Upper Dean Street towards the new developments in Southside.

dndimg alt="Beach at Smithfield" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Beach%20Smithfield%2013072023%20(4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Beach at Smithfield" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Beach%20Smithfield%2013072023%20(5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Dodgem and Wild Mouse

dndimg alt="Beach at Smithfield" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Beach%20Smithfield%2013072023%20(6).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

From Dean Street.

Air and Star Flyer

dndimg alt="Beach at Smithfield" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Beach%20Smithfield%2013072023%20(7).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Onto Pershore Street near the entrance to Beach @ Smithfield Birmingham.

WELCOME TO THE BEACH

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dndimg alt="Beach at Smithfield" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Beach%20Smithfield%2013072023%20(11).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Giant Circus Slides

dndimg alt="Beach at Smithfield" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Beach%20Smithfield%2013072023%20(12).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Top Spin

dndimg alt="Beach at Smithfield" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Beach%20Smithfield%2013072023%20(13).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Selfridges and Wild Mouse

dndimg alt="Beach at Smithfield" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Beach%20Smithfield%2013072023%20(14).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Beach at Smithfield" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Beach%20Smithfield%2013072023%20(15).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Onto the Pershore Street corner with Barford Street near Sherlock Street.

Air, Wild Spin and Star Flyer

dndimg alt="Beach at Smithfield" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Beach%20Smithfield%2013072023%20(16).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Beach at Smithfield" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Beach%20Smithfield%2013072023%20(17).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Beach at Smithfield" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Beach%20Smithfield%2013072023%20(18).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Wild Mouse

dndimg alt="Beach at Smithfield" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Beach%20Smithfield%2013072023%20(19).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The views from Moat Lane through the fence.

dndimg alt="Beach at Smithfield" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Beach%20Smithfield%2013072023%20(20).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Wild Mouse and Snow Storm

dndimg alt="Beach at Smithfield" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Beach%20Smithfield%2013072023%20(21).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Dodgems

dndimg alt="Beach at Smithfield" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Beach%20Smithfield%2013072023%20(22).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

General view from Moor Street Car Park, level 8 (over from the Parametric Bridge connected to Selfridges).

dndimg alt="Beach at Smithfield" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Beach%20Smithfield%2013072023%20(23).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

View from the no 35 bus on Pershore Street

Wild Mouse

dndimg alt="Beach at Smithfield" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Beach%20Smithfield%2013072023%20(24).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Before getting off the no 35 bus in Kings Heath on Vicarage Road, spotted this banner for Beach @ Smithfield Birmingham on the High Street near Institute Road.

dndimg alt="Beach at Smithfield" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Beach%20Smithfield%2013072023%20(25).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Go to their Facebook page Birmingham Beach (Digbeth Fun Fair). For more close up photos of the beach and rides, than we have been able to get from walking around Upper Dean Street, Pershore Street, Barford Street and Moat Lane.

The 6888 US Army African American women's postal unit at King Edward's School in 1945

Did you know that in 1945 at King Edward's School in Edgbaston, Birmingham, that The U.S. Women's Army Corps 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion was based at King Edward's School to sort the backlog of post, in the last year of the Second World War? This little known story is being turned into a Netflix film. It was also featured on BBC Midlands Today.

The fascinating story about the Six Triple Eight was featured on BBC Midlands Today on Wednesday 5th July 2023. Descendants of the African American US Army members of the 6888 unit, recently journeyed to Birmingham, and visited King Edward's School. More information at the link below from BBC Midlands Today.

Six Triple Eight: The battalion of black women erased from history

 

The blue plaque was unveiled to the side of the gates on the Bristol Road entrance near Vince House in 2019, near The Andrew Brode Sports Centre. Members of the 6888 division was based at King Edward's School during 1945.

dndimg alt="King Edward's School" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/6888%20KES%20(Sep%202020)%20(1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="King Edward's School" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/6888%20KES%20(Sep%202020)%20(2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="King Edward's School" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/6888%20KES%20(Sep%202020)%20(3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="King Edward's School" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/6888%20KES%20(Sep%202020)%20(4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="King Edward's School" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/6888%20KES%20(Sep%202020)%20(5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Photos taken on the Bristol Road in Edgbaston at King Edward's School during September 2020 by Elliott Brown.

Luminate at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens

Another lights trail at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, on Westbourne Road in Edgbaston. During the Christmas 2022 season. Tickets need to be bought in advance. I went with a group on Tuesday 6th December 2022 between 7pm and 8pm in the evening. The trail was a bit different to the Magical Lantern Festival I'd previously seen here. At least it wasn't raining. But it was cold.

LUMINATE, BIRMINGHAM BOTANICAL GARDENS, CHRISTMAS LIGHTS TRAIL 2022

 

Arriving at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens on Westbourne Road in Edgbaston. We didn't park here, so we had a bit of a walk from Frederick Road via Calthorpe Road.

The main entrance of the Botanical Gardens, with Christmas trees, where we waited for other members of our group to arrive.

dndimg alt="Luminate" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Luminate%20BBG%2006122022%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

There was several Christmas trees in the foyer, these ones, near the exit to the shop.

dndimg alt="Luminate" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Luminate%20BBG%2006122022%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Later on near the end of the visit was the #BBG hashtag in the foyer and one of the Christmas trees. These are more to do with the Botanical Gardens than Luminate.

dndimg alt="Luminate" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Luminate%20BBG%2006122022%20(17).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

After the group tickets were shown, one of the first things you see is this Luminate sign.

dndimg alt="Luminate" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Luminate%20BBG%2006122022%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

On the main lawn was these lights that kept changing colours.

dndimg alt="Luminate" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Luminate%20BBG%2006122022%20(4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

There was a full moon that evening over the Botanical Gardens. The Cold Moon apparently. It was still full two nights later.

dndimg alt="Luminate" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Luminate%20BBG%2006122022%20(5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The rainbow ribbon suspension bridge.

dndimg alt="Luminate" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Luminate%20BBG%2006122022%20(6).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The enchanted fairyland.

dndimg alt="Luminate" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Luminate%20BBG%2006122022%20(7).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The Glitterball Solar System.

dndimg alt="Luminate" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Luminate%20BBG%2006122022%20(8).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The rainbow light path.

dndimg alt="Luminate" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Luminate%20BBG%2006122022%20(9).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The Square light tunnel.

dndimg alt="Luminate" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Luminate%20BBG%2006122022%20(10).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Spotlights from the Viewpoint near the Refreshments area.

dndimg alt="Luminate" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Luminate%20BBG%2006122022%20(11).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The Globe lights canopy above a path.

dndimg alt="Luminate" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Luminate%20BBG%2006122022%20(12).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Bright white reindeer trail.

dndimg alt="Luminate" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Luminate%20BBG%2006122022%20(13).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The warped light tunnel. This was popular.

dndimg alt="Luminate" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Luminate%20BBG%2006122022%20(14).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The light bulb beads, you had to walk through these.

dndimg alt="Luminate" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Luminate%20BBG%2006122022%20(15).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Near the end. The Alpine Yard with lit up greenhouses.

dndimg alt="Luminate" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Luminate%20BBG%2006122022%20(16).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Photography by Elliott Brown

The Ribbons: Birmingham AIDS & HIV Memorial in Hippodrome Square

Until now, there has been no memorial sculpture to those people who lost their lives to AIDs & HIV. Garry Jones came up with it after watching It's a Sin on Channel 4, and his design was sculpted by Luke Perry. It was unveiled in Hippodrome Square on Hurst Street in Southside, outside Genting Casino on the 1st December 2022. It is two interlaced red ribbons.

For more on The Ribbons go to the Birmingham AIDS & HIV Memorial website.

The community and city of passionate individuals worked tirelessly over 18 months to deliver a lasting and symbolic memorial in the centre of the UK, in our hometown of Birmingham. It was unveiled on World AIDS Day on the 1st December 2022.

The Red Ribbons sculpture was created by Garry Jones, and was sculpted by Luke Perry. Also involved was co-founders Phil Oldershaw and Andrew Bentley-King.

 

The plinth, October 2022

In the last couple of weeks of October 2022, work took place to install the plinth in Hippodrome Square on Hurst Street, Southside in front of the Chinese Quarter shops: Sohair, Ying Wah, Happy Lemon and Mr Egg.

dndimg alt="BAHM" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BAH%20Memorial%2029102022.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />Photography by Elliott Brown

 

The Ribbons sculpture arrives wrapped, November 2022

With less than two weeks to go, The Ribbons: Birmingham AIDS & HIV Memorial is installed on the plinth, but will remain under wraps until the evening of the 1st December 2022.

dndimg alt="BAHM" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BAHM%20Hurst%20St%2020112022%20(1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="BAHM" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BAHM%20Hurst%20St%2020112022%20(2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Unveiling of The Ribbons, 1st December 2022

While Birmingham We Are's regular contributor Elliott Brown, was unable to attend the event that evening, Daniel Sturley and Jack Babington were able to attend.

dndimg alt="BAHM" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/IMG_0392b_HIVM.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="BAHM" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/IMG_0726b_HIVM.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="BAHM" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/IMG_0736b_HIVM.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="BAHM" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/IMG_0751b_HIVM.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />Photography by Daniel Sturley

 

The Ribbons, a few days after unveiling, December 2022

Elliott had always planned to return a couple of days after the unveiling to get The Ribbons: Birmingham AIDS & HIV Memorial in the daylight, and without anyone in the way. It is quite inspiring to see, and had flowers on the plinth below.

dndimg alt="BAHM" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BAHM%20Ribbons%2004122022%20(1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="BAHM" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BAHM%20Ribbons%2004122022%20(2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="BAHM" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BAHM%20Ribbons%2004122022%20(4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="BAHM" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BAHM%20Ribbons%2004122022%20(5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />Photography by Elliott Brown