They’ll be a delicious afternoon party menu along with moorish Cup Cakes, tea,  music and everything else that goes on with foodie festivities.

But what about the weather? Yes, we know it’s England, which is why we have lots of indoor areas to celebrate too.

YUMM Jubilee Party | 2nd June | Cusard Factory

The Art Series was commissioned as an attempt by the Organizing Committee to invite famous artists to express their ideas on the Munich Olympic Games and human movement.

The Sports Series posters were commissioned and used for advertising the Munich Olympic Games.  Extra large posters were used as an aesthetic way to direct the public to the various sports venues. The visual image of the sport became the international language to replace German, English and French language signs so that foreign visitors could easily find their way by following the colourful posters that were placed all over the city.

Munich Olympic Prints | Launched 1st July | The Framers | Custard Factory

BASS has always been about the impact of Black culture within the UK and nowhere is this more apparent today than in the powerful contribution of our Jamaican community.

Ammo Talwar, founder of BASS festival and owner of Punch Records, says, “It may be the impact of Dub in our club scene or the way that Dancehall is transforming Street fashion, but Brand Jamaica is touching everyone’s life in Britain today.”

The BASS 2012 Festival delves into all aspects of Jamaican culture in the UK. The launch night features the opening of an exhibition by Birmingham painter Mark Anthony Carrol at the Custard Factory and premieres new Jazz work from Black British musician, David Grey.

Musical highlights include Junior Murvin, whose massive hit “Police and Thieves” became the sound track for the Dread beat and Punk era. London’s hottest soundsystem, The Heatwave present “Showtime” featuring Durty Goodz, Rodney P, Lady Leshur and much more, The legends of the Dub scene Channel One play an intimate set for the lovers of Roots Reggae, whilst members of Musical youth and Steel Pulse debate reggae and its impact on the city of Birmingham from the 70’s onwards.

BASS is very proud to honour Birmingham stalwart photographer Vanley Burke with a special commission, “Respek Vanley”. Working with the local community and schools, musician Bobbie Gardner will produce new work which reflects his images.

Other festival highlights include “Same Difference” – a new spoken word theatre piece, and a celebration of Rasta culture with a Marcus Garvey Day of youth workshops and good vibes – Because Jamaican culture stays close to its roots there will be a whole series of pop-up exhibitions, concerts and dance performances around the city – watch this space!

For more information on BASS Festival and line-up announcements visit www.punch-records.co.uk

BASS Festival | June 19th – July 13th 2012 | Launch night June 19th @ Custard Factory

Other venues include: The Jamhouse, Mac, Library Theatre, PST, The Edge, The Drum, The Rainbow & Hare and Hounds.

Adam states “I’ve long had an interest in photography and only really of late, have I started to realise I’m not getting any younger and need to get on with it’… Well Adam, we’re glad you did!

These photos were taken during a trip to the Custard Factory with a photographic society Adam attends. See his brilliant photos of the Custard Factory at Adams blog here…

Urban Village were inundated with entrants from a bevy of Birmingham’s finest beauties. The task of choosing only two winners was extremely difficult but they managed to narrow it down to these lucky two; Emily Jones, of Streetly and Simon Lee, of Sutton Coldfield. These two new faces, who are both new to the modelling world, will front Urban Village’s cool Spring/Summer collection.

Urban Village are now organising the first photo shoot which will be taking place around Digbeth (when the weather picks up), including psychedelic mannequins on scooters – all shall be revealed soon so keep your eyes peeled.

The competition ran with numerous entrants coming forward with some of the most creative business ideas. With five amazing ideas from the finalists chosen, the award finally was presented to Mahabuba Begum, a student from City College. At only 19 years of age she shows great enthusiasm and inspiration with her ideas and work ethic.

Ideas 2 Business are currently offering business support to all the finalists and you will be hearing more about their business ventures very soon.

Steve Ogden, C&D Selected Awards Judge, 2012 said…

” Emily-Kriste Wilcox’s work presented a very different approach to clay using slabs as flat canvases, expressing images as though seen through mist. Her work demonstrated that unique quality craft materials have, their ability to allow the maker to cross reference techniques and approaches, reversing our traditional sequence of making, enabling the maker to decorate as a painter would a canvas, and then create a three dimensional form.”

The Selected Awards are organised and sponsored by Craft & Design Magazine
www.craftanddesign.net

Thanks to all of you who are avid supporters of Emily’s work! you all for your continued support,

 To contact Emily-Kriste about her work or any commisions contact her directly mailme@emily-kriste.co.uk or visit her website www.emily-kriste.co.uk

2012 marks the ten year anniversary of this dynamic, constantly challenging, experimental, multi-disciplinary arts festival, which identifies the otherwise indescribable connections between experimental music, art, performance and film.

This year will see performances from:

Lichens / Dylan Carlson / Zeni Geva / JK Flesh / Carlton Melton / Tim Hecker / Dope Body / Rangda / Flower-Corsano Duo / Six Organs of Admittance / Sir Richard Bishop / Goat and a Small but Hard label showcase featuring DJ Scotch Bonnet

Early bird tickets sold out in record time this year, but weekend tickets are still available here; a full line-up is available on the Supersonic Festival website.

Friday 19th to Sunday 21st October 2012 | Custard Factory

Don’t forget to enter their fab competition too! For a chance to WIN £50 to spend at The Birmingham Vintage Fair @ The Custard Factory plus hair & makeup styling and tea and cakes for two simply join our new Birmingham mailing list by clicking this link https://madmimi.com/signups/join/47929

The Vintage Fair | Saturday 12th May | 12pm – 5pm | The Custard Factory

Alex Morency writes…

INSA completed his mural in March 2012 in the English city of Birmingham. Commissioned by High Rise Murals, INSA’s mural covers a portion of the Custard Factory (host of “Graffiti Bastards” in ’82). It’s also important to note this colossal mural required SIXTY tins of paint. Wow.

See the full list of 10 Amazing Murals You Have to See here