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Elliott Brown Rivers, lakes & canals
20 Apr 2023 - Elliott Brown
Inspiration

Birmingham to Smethwick walk up the Birmingham Canal Navigations New Mainline with Jonathan

Enjoy this walk with Jonathan on a walk up the Birmingham Canal Navigations New Mainline, starting at Old Turn Junction near the Arena and finishing just beyond the Galton Bridge in Smethwick. You can walk or cycle there and back. Or get the train back from Smethwick Galton Bridge Station to Birmingham Snow Hill or New Street (your choice).

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Birmingham to Smethwick walk up the Birmingham Canal Navigations New Mainline with Jonathan





Enjoy this walk with Jonathan on a walk up the Birmingham Canal Navigations New Mainline, starting at Old Turn Junction near the Arena and finishing just beyond the Galton Bridge in Smethwick. You can walk or cycle there and back. Or get the train back from Smethwick Galton Bridge Station to Birmingham Snow Hill or New Street (your choice).


Start at Brindleyplace. Pass the National Sealife Centre, then cross over the footbridge, passing the Oozells Street Loop. 

At Old Turn Junction will be a view of The Malt House and the Library of Birmingham. The Birmingham & Fazeley Canal starts here, but it was the Newhall Branch of the Birmingham Canal Navigations as far as Farmers Bridge Locks / Cambrian Wharf.

Old Turn Junction and The Malt House

dndimg alt="BCN New Mainline" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/D983EF0A-6897-4083-A050-898D36CD622F.jpeg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Pass the Arena, and turn left past the Legoland Discovery Centre Birmingham, head down the towpath onto the Birmingham Canal Navigations New Mainline.

Utilita Arena Birmingham - Old Turn Junction

dndimg alt="BCN New Mainline" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/62889DEF-1C05-4A98-AC0A-D6B372E38022.jpeg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

At Old Turn Junction is also the start of the Oozells Street Loop at this bridge near Brindleyplace. Part of the Old Mainline.

Oozells Street Loop Junction Bridge - Old Turn Junction

dndimg alt="BCN New Mainline" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BCB30681-6E4E-4782-A0BD-2D8676680028.jpeg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Walk under the Sheepcote Street Bridge as you pass The Distillery and the Roundhouse.

Sheepcote Street Bridge

dndimg alt="BCN New Mainline" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/38978DFE-122E-4C61-8F12-E55BA8B7C740.jpeg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The Distillery

dndimg alt="BCN New Mainline" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/06CE760E-67D5-49F2-A305-F22E7F2FBB5C.jpeg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The Roundhouse

dndimg alt="BCN New Mainline" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/A1BE3658-9063-4A22-96BD-4AE1478E7ABE.jpeg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Before leaving the City Centre you pass Ladywood Junction, where the end of the Oozells Street Loop joins onto the BCN New Mainline.

Ladywood Junction Bridge - Oozells Street Loop

dndimg alt="BCN New Mainline" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/ED9D9DAB-07B2-442A-A1BB-8F8C8B477B69.jpeg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Head out of the City Centre under the St Vincent Street Bridge into Ladywood.

St Vincent Street Bridge

dndimg alt="BCN New Mainline" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/8E6672DF-CE05-4993-A1FB-614AF0F3FA21.jpeg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

After passing under Ladywood Middleway, at the Monument Road Bridge, you will pass the start of the Ickield Port Loop at Sandy Turn. There is also the Monument Road Basin Bridge, also called Monument Lane Basin, just before Ladywood Middleway.

Sandy Turn bridge - Icknield Port Loop

dndimg alt="BCN New Mainline" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/2F87B3F1-D7E0-4606-88DF-DB121D162F4C.jpeg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The new Port Loop development is between both ends of the Icknield Port Loop near Rotton Park Street.

Port Loop development

dndimg alt="BCN New Mainline" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/3BA4AE43-4B33-45BB-959E-5046D7775824.jpeg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The other end of the Icknield Port Loop is at Rotton Park Junction.

Rotton Park Junction Bridge - Icknield Port Loop

dndimg alt="BCN New Mainline" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/158C45A2-7DDD-4B16-A8C6-1EFD083BD132.jpeg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

You will pass over the Eyre Street Junction Bridge, which is at the start of the Soho Loop, near the Soho Wharf development. The other end of the Icknield Port Loop is opposite here, plus the railway bridge that carries the line from Birmingham New Street to Wolverhampton.

Eyre Street Junction Bridge - Soho Loop 

dndimg alt="BCN New Mainline" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/411F97E0-DA67-484C-B6C7-5AF0BCF4B68E.jpeg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Pass under the Rotton Park Towpath Bridge, continue past the Site of Harborne Branch Railway Bridge, until you get to the Lee Bridge.

Lee Bridge

dndimg alt="BCN New Mainline" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/1AD5C0B3-377A-4ADE-A96F-73C7D2ABFEFC.jpeg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Continue up to the Winson Green Bridge, which has Winson Green Road crossing overhead.

Winson Green Bridge

dndimg alt="BCN New Mainline" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/AEAED132-C15B-4FDC-894B-17006BC40A3E.jpeg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The other end of the Soho Loop is at Winson Green Junction. This is near the Soho EMU Depot, home of the Cross City Line's famous Class 323 Electric Multiple Units!

Winson Green Junction Bridge - Soho Loop

dndimg alt="BCN New Mainline" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/6057678A-E77E-4C4E-9969-84682F853ABE.jpeg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The Winson Green Gauging Island is next to the Winson Green Roving Bridge, as you pass the Soho EMU Depot (either side of the canal, there is a towpath on both sides here).

Winson Green Roving Bridge

dndimg alt="BCN New Mainline" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/66B79FC5-218A-4AEE-8CB9-2D532CED4AC0.jpeg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Continue walking up to the railway bridge, as you will soon cross into Smethwick in Sandwell.

Soho Railway Bridge

dndimg alt="BCN New Mainline" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/DCC83FB1-4CCD-43D3-ADAF-EB869AA88010.jpeg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Between here was the site of Soho Foundry Basin, and the site of Smethwick Gas Works Basin, and the French Walls Basin Bridge.

Rabone Lane Bridge

dndimg alt="BCN New Mainline" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/C9106B94-B902-43AF-8439-F7E6B0DDFB01.jpeg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Smethwick Junction on the BCN is where the New Line and Old Line splits. The New Mainline is to the left on the Birmingham Level, while the Old Mainline is to the right on the Wolverhampton Level.

Smethwick Main Line Turnover Bridge - Smethwick Junction

dndimg alt="BCN New Mainline" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/4619F0A4-36A9-4348-B1F9-F255DE2C91EF.jpeg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The Rolfe Bridge in Smethwick is at Bridge Street North. One of the towpaths is fenced off here.

Rolfe Bridge

dndimg alt="BCN New Mainline" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/F6B7ACF3-4813-4C78-8784-1969834F6984.jpeg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Passing the Rolfe Pipe Bridge and Smethwick Stop, and then pass under the Engine Arm Aqueduct.

Engine Arm Aqueduct

dndimg alt="BCN New Mainline" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/C2243D55-D83A-43D2-8178-8940B0B2D0D3.jpeg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The next bridge to walk under is the Brass House Bridge, which is on Brasshouse Lane in Smethwick.

Brass House Bridge

dndimg alt="BCN New Mainline" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/B4A1CF64-16A1-42D0-BEDF-6DE489414E18.jpeg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The Smethwick Pumping Station, also called the Galton Valley Canal Museum, or the New Smethwick Pumping Station. It was built in 1892. The lower level is on the New Mainline, while the upper level to the right is on the Old Mainline of the BCN.

Smethwick Pumping Station

dndimg alt="BCN New Mainline" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/A8D3A1EF-949C-4479-AD4D-696DC0525FFC.jpeg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Walking up to the Galton Tunnel from the southeastern portal, then walk through to the northwestern portal. It was built of concrete, and is below Telford Way.

Galton Tunnel

dndimg alt="BCN New Mainline" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/466CD1E7-9C08-475D-BAFB-35CA2ED83544.jpeg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Cross under the famous Galton Bridge. Opened in 1829 and designed by Thomas Telford. It has been pedestrianised since the 1970s. A Grade I listed structure.

Galton Bridge

dndimg alt="BCN New Mainline" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/DD55CD1E-E29F-4895-9719-78BE1443E673.jpeg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The next bridge is the Smethwick Railway Bridge. This was converted into Smethwick Galton Bridge Station in 1995, with the opening of the Jewellery Line, it carries the Snow Hill lines on the high level, while there is also a low level that carries the line from Birmingham New Street to Wolverhampton.

Smethwick Galton Bridge Station

dndimg alt="BCN New Mainline" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/8A7757F9-E149-4572-8565-1A8BD327439F.jpeg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The next bridge carries Spon Lane South, not far from the remains of the Chance Glassworks.

Spon Lane Station Bridge 

dndimg alt="BCN New Mainline" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/CB933BAF-1992-45C2-902F-8BF868D71D3F.jpeg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

This was where Jonathan ended his walk, and turned back towards Birmingham. Beyond here is a couple of bridges next to Chance Glassworks, and Spon Lane Junction, where the Old Mainline crossed the New Mainline on the Steward Aqueduct, followed by the M5 motorway.

 

You can either walk or cycle back, or leave at Spon Lane South, and walk to Smethwick Galton Bridge Station, to catch the train to either Birmingham Snow Hill or Birmingham New Street (your choice, remember to buy your train tickets before travelling). Also various nearby bus routes.

 

Post by Elliott Brown. Photos from Jonathan Bostock.

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80 passion points
Elliott Brown Rivers, lakes & canals
13 Apr 2023 - Elliott Brown
Gallery

Dudley Port to Sandwell & Dudley canal walk along the BCN New Mainline in Sandwell

Getting the train up from Birmingham New Street on Good Friday, 7th April 2023 to Dudley Port, near Tipton in Sandwell. The canal towpath access is nearby for the BCN New Mainline, which is high up. A long straight canal developed by Thomas Telford, there is several branches off the canal, and runs alongside the railway. Getting off at Oldbury Road, found the Wednesbury Old Canal as well.

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Dudley Port to Sandwell & Dudley canal walk along the BCN New Mainline in Sandwell





Getting the train up from Birmingham New Street on Good Friday, 7th April 2023 to Dudley Port, near Tipton in Sandwell. The canal towpath access is nearby for the BCN New Mainline, which is high up. A long straight canal developed by Thomas Telford, there is several branches off the canal, and runs alongside the railway. Getting off at Oldbury Road, found the Wednesbury Old Canal as well.


Birmingham Canal Navigations New Mainline

This was an afternoon walk from Dudley Port to Sandwell & Dudley via the BCN New Mainline, starting at Dudley Port, near the Ryland Aqueduct, down to the Albion Bridge at Oldbury Road. Could have stayed on to Bromford Road, but found the Wednesbury Old Canal from Albion Road, and walked around past some steel works.

 

Dudley Port

Getting the train on Good Friday, 7th April 2023 from Birmingham New Street to Dudley Port. The exit is via some steps and a small subway to a car park, and the Dudley Port road. Walking under the Dudley Port Station Bridge and the Ryland Aqueduct, found a towpath access path up to the Birmingham Canal Navigations New Mainline. With this view of Dudley Port Station. Trains are every half an hour in both directions, when I arrived on my train to Wolverhampton, was another train going to Walsall via Birmingham New Street. This is the ideal start for a canal walk on a sunny afternoon.

dndimg alt="Dudley Port" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Dudley%20Port%20Station%2007042023%20(13).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Ryland Aqueduct

The Ryland Aqueduct crosses the Dudley Port road, and is next to the Dudley Port Station Bridge. There is a view to Dudley in the distance up this road. The no 74 bus between Dudley and Birmingham passes under it.

dndimg alt="BCN New Mainline" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Dudley%20Port%20BCN%20NML%2007042023%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Rattlechain Bridge -  Site of Dixon's Basin

This bridge is just after the Ryland Aqueduct. It is cut off, so you can't walk over it, the towpath is to the right of it. The basin was probably behind where the fence is now.

dndimg alt="BCN New Mainline" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/RB%20SDB%20BCN%20NML%2007042023.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Dudley Port Junction

A short walk down from Dudley Port Station and the Ryland Aqueduct, gets you to Dudley Port Junction. Two bridges here, the Dudley Port Junction Bridge and the Dudley Port Roving Bridge, under which is the start of the Netherton Tunnel Branch

dndimg alt="BCN New Mainline" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Dudley%20Port%20BCN%20NML%2007042023%20(5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Netherton Tunnel Branch

The Netherton Tunnel Branch is part of the Birmingham Canal Navigations. Starting here at Dudley Port Junction with the BCN New Mainline, it goes towards Windmill End Junction, where it joins onto the BCN Old Mainline. It was built from 1855 and was opened in 1858. One of the last canals to open. The canal was repaired in 1983 and 2013.

dndimg alt="Netherton Tunnel Branch" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Netherton%20TB%2007042023%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Rattlechain Bridge and the site of the Rattlechain Brickworks Basin

Another bridge here, and a small pool of water next to the BCN Mainline. Not much to see here now, nature has reclaimed the land here.

dndimg alt="BCN New Mainline" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/RCB%20BCN%20NML%2007042023%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Dunkirk Toll Island

This is also called  the Dunkirk Stop Island. Narrowboats can go either side of it.

dndimg alt="BCN New Mainline" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/DTI%20BCN%20NML%2007042023%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Albion Junction

At Albion Junction is the Albion Junction Bridge. It is where you can find the Gower Branch of the Birmingham Canal Navigations.

dndimg alt="BCN New Mainline" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Albion%20Jctn%20BCN%20NML%2007042023%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Gower Branch

The Gower Branch Canal starts here at Albion Junction with the BCN New Mainline, and is another part of the Birmingham Canal Navigations. It was authorised in 1768, but was not completed until 1836. It goes towards Brades Hall Junction with the BCN Old Mainline. On the day of this visit, in April 2023, the towpath was closed. The canal lock beyond was probably closed for repairs.

dndimg alt="Gower Branch" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Albion%20Jctn%20BCN%20NML%2007042023%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Union Furnace Bridge

This bridge is on Union Road, but is cut off now by the railway. Nearby is William King Ltd. They are a steel stockholder and supplier in West Bromwich.

dndimg alt="BCN New Mainline" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Albion%20RB%20BCN%20NML%2007042023%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Albion Railway Bridge

This railway bridge is between Sandwell & Dudley and Dudley Port on the Stour Valley Line, it is at this point that the railway and the BCN New Mainline switch sides.

dndimg alt="BCN New Mainline" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Albion%20RB%20BCN%20NML%2007042023%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Albion Bridge

It was a long walk from Dudley Port, and I decided to get off at the Albion Bridge on Oldbury Road, for a walk to the nearest station of Sandwell & Dudley. I would have headed to the right, but headed to the left via Albion Road, and found the nearby Wednesbury Old Canal (see below).

dndimg alt="BCN New Mainline" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/AB%20BCN%20NML%2007042023%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

From the Albion Bridge

I exited at Oldbury Road, on the Albion Bridge, near Oldbury. This was the view from the other side of the bridge. Pudding Green Junction is on the left, and this is the start of the Wednesbury Old Canal (see below). This is the direction towards the Bromford Bridge.

dndimg alt="BCN New Mainline" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BCN%20NML%20Albion%20Br%2007042023.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

From the Bromford Bridge

The Bromford Bridge is on Bromford Road, close to Oldbury, and Bromford Lane in West Bromwich. This is the closest part of the canal to Sandwell & Dudley Station.

dndimg alt="BCN New Mainline" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BCN%20NML%20Bromford%20Rd%2007042023.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Wednesbury Old Canal

Saw a bit of the Wednesbury Old Canal from Albion Road, on the Izon Bridge. The canal was opened in 1769, but parts abandoned between 1955 and 1960. So only the section between Pudding Green Junction and Ryder's Green Junction is navigable now.

 

Pudding Green Junction Bridge

This bridge is at Pudding Green Junction, at the start of the Wednesbury Old Canal and the BCN New Mainline.

dndimg alt="Wednesbury Old Canal" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Wednesbury%20Old%20Canal%2007042023%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Trident Steel Works Conveyor Bridge

This bridge can be seen from the other side of the Izon Bridge on Albion Road in West Bromwich.

dndimg alt="Wednesbury Old Canal" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Wednesbury%20Old%20Canal%2007042023%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Photography by Elliott Brown

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60 passion points
Elliott Brown Sport & leisure
26 Dec 2022 - Elliott Brown
Gallery

Earlswood Lakes Sailing Club on the Windmill Pool, Boxing Day 2022.

A walk around the Windmill Pool, on Boxing Day 2022, when I saw the Earlswood Lakes Sailing Club out with their yachts on the lake. It was a cold morning in Earlswood. Plenty of people around walking around Earlswood Lakes here. Was nice to see the yachts out too.

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Earlswood Lakes Sailing Club on the Windmill Pool, Boxing Day 2022.





A walk around the Windmill Pool, on Boxing Day 2022, when I saw the Earlswood Lakes Sailing Club out with their yachts on the lake. It was a cold morning in Earlswood. Plenty of people around walking around Earlswood Lakes here. Was nice to see the yachts out too.


On the Bank Holiday Monday, 26th December 2022, Boxing Day, the Earlswood Lakes Sailing Club was out on the Windmill Pool at Earlswood Lakes.

Saw them before they headed out onto the lake in their wetsuits.

Walked through a very muddy and wet path, covered by trees, before getting to the far end of the lake.

By then the yachts were all coming out.

Which was nice to see as we walked up the other side of the lake (which wasn't as bad as the muddy section).

Also a blue sky and bright winter sunshine.

At least one boat capsized, but the safety boat came out to help him.

 

Gallery of 10 photos below. Enjoy!

dndimg alt="Earlswood Lakes Sailing Club" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/ELSC%20Windmill%20Pool%2026122022%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Earlswood Lakes Sailing Club" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/ELSC%20Windmill%20Pool%2026122022%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Earlswood Lakes Sailing Club" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/ELSC%20Windmill%20Pool%2026122022%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Earlswood Lakes Sailing Club" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/ELSC%20Windmill%20Pool%2026122022%20(4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Earlswood Lakes Sailing Club" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/ELSC%20Windmill%20Pool%2026122022%20(5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Earlswood Lakes Sailing Club" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/ELSC%20Windmill%20Pool%2026122022%20(6).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Earlswood Lakes Sailing Club" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/ELSC%20Windmill%20Pool%2026122022%20(7).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Earlswood Lakes Sailing Club" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/ELSC%20Windmill%20Pool%2026122022%20(8).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Earlswood Lakes Sailing Club" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/ELSC%20Windmill%20Pool%2026122022%20(9).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Earlswood Lakes Sailing Club" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/ELSC%20Windmill%20Pool%2026122022%20(10).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Photography by Elliott Brown

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30 passion points
Elliott Brown Art; Culture & creativity
14 Dec 2022 - Elliott Brown
Gallery

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.

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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

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80 passion points
Elliott Brown Squares and public spaces
17 Oct 2022 - Elliott Brown
Gallery

Cathedral Square from above: Views from 103 Colmore Row

Key to the City gave you the chance to see Cathedral Square from above, from the 18th floor balcony at 103 Colmore Row, between June and August 2022. From October 2022, you can go up to the 24th floor, at Orelle Restaurant for an even higher view! Best to go during the day, and not at night. Photography by Elliott Brown.

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Cathedral Square from above: Views from 103 Colmore Row





Key to the City gave you the chance to see Cathedral Square from above, from the 18th floor balcony at 103 Colmore Row, between June and August 2022. From October 2022, you can go up to the 24th floor, at Orelle Restaurant for an even higher view! Best to go during the day, and not at night. Photography by Elliott Brown.


Key to the City - June to August 2022

View from the 18th floor balcony at 103 Colmore Row

11th June 2022

The first opportunity to see Birmingham Cathedral (The Cathedral Church of St Philip) and Cathedral Square, along with the Colmore BID from this vantage point.

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16th July 2022

An attempt to zoom down to Cofton Nursery's floral piece for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, which won Gold at the Chelsea Flower Show.

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The House of Fraser and 43 Temple Row. Sadly, Lloyds Bank closed down in this building in September 2022. The nearby NatWest branch also closed down at the opposite corner. Horatio Nelson once stayed in a hotel on this site back in 1802, it is marked by a Birmingham Civic Society blue plaque on the former NatWest building (1 St Philip's Place).

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6th August 2022

The last weekend of Key to the City, so one last opportunity to see Cathedral Square from the 18th floor balcony of 103 Colmore Row. The grass was a bit dry at the time, due to the summer heatwave.

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Orelle Restaurant

Views from the 24th floor of 103 Colmore Row

8th October 2022

Much higher vantage point here, but as was inside of Orelle Restaurant, there was glass windows in the way, so sometimes a bit of glare from the lights inside and out. This is a month after the death of the late Queen Elizabeth II. And around a month befor the return of the Christmas Market here.

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Photography by Elliott Brown

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