The Neighbourhood Futures Festival
Birmingham Settlement's annual Neighbourhood Futures Festival merges creativity, learning, arts & participation to support urban wellbeing & tackle climate challenges at local level. The grassroots festival brings together 40+ community partners and over 2,200 residents to consider urban futures and take every day action for healthier, happier neighbourhoods.
2026 Neighbourhood Futures Festival sponsorship opportunities
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What is the Neighbourhood Futures Festival?
A three-day festival embracing nature, right in the heart of Birmingham!
Taking place 26th-28th June 2026 at our Nature & Wellbeing Centre next to Edgbaston Reservoir, the festival brings thought-provoking activity, conversation, action, art, culture and performance focused on community wellbeing and climate change, exploring how we can combat global issues within our own neighbourhoods.
What to Expect at the Neighbourhood Futures Festival
Exploring Neighbourhood Futures
Now in its fourth year, the Neighbourhood Futures Festival presents a vibrant blend of academic thought alongside real-world, lived community experience. This year, the festival spotlights localised action and urban green spaces, showing how collective community power is driving environmental justice, shaping healthier places and creating alternative futures.
Rooted in Ladywood and shaped by the people who live here, Neighbourhood Futures Festival 2026 is a space for ideas, creativity and action to meet.
Through intergenerational nature-based activities, hands-on exploration and the arts, the festival turns complex climate challenges into shared, local solutions, ensuring every voice is part of the climate conversation.
Power in Place
The festival opens on Friday 26 June with a deep-dive into place-based community action. We invite local organisations, urban green and growing spaces, community groups, residents and anyone passionate about their neighbourhood and environment to come together to develop practical ideas for resilient communities.
This day shines a light on the inspiring work already happening across Ladywood — from bold initiatives for greener streets to grassroots responses driven by micro-movements, practical experimentation and community-led practice.
From late afternoon, we welcome everyone to a community picnic —sharing food, play, hands-on activities and music to ease us into the weekend’s festivities.
It’s a space to share knowledge, learn from one another, build connections and grow mutual support.
Community Play & Discovery Days
On Saturday and Sunday, the community comes together to celebrate nature and togetherness with two joyful, family-friendly days full of creativity, play & exploration!
Bursting with outdoor theatre, live music, insightful workshops, wellbeing sessions, participatory activities as well as Forest School tasters, eco-demos, nature crafts and creative drop-ins, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Soak up the relaxed festival vibes, bring family and friends – unwind, meet neighbours, make new friends, connect with nature and discover!
Neighbourhood Futures Festival 2025 highlights
ExploreOur Festival Partners
It takes a village! The Neighbourhood Futures Festival emerged from our work with University of Birmingham Centre for Urban Wellbeing and works with over 40 other passionate, environmentally-conscious organisations, artists, educators, wellbeing providers and local residents.
We are seeking community partners for 2026 – if you are a group, artist, performer or local resident that would like to contribute, then let’s chat! For 2026 we’re keen to work with local people and support ideas from around the neighbourhood. Contact lizzie.forrester@bsettlement.org.uk
WHAT TO EXPECT AT NEIGHBOURHOOD FUTURES
Arts & Performances
Live music and participatory theatre, immersive site walkabouts, storytelling & creative workshops for all.
Workshops & Talks
Insight on every day climate action, re-imagining urban spaces, wellbeing & nature, climate justice.
Activities
Hands-on learning, practical action & workshops, wellbeing sessions, crafts, play, family fun & much more!
Birmingham Settlement Nature & Wellbeing Centre, Edgbaston Reservoir, 79 Selwyn Road, Ladywood, Birmingham, B16 0SL
Save the date! 2026 Festival 26-28 June 2026!
Want to Volunteer?
Take action on climate change, help the environment, and support community wellbeing. Volunteering is a great opportunity to build confidence, learn or apply skills, make new friends and create positive impact. Opportunities range from hands-on help with set up, to supporting activities, stewarding, serving in the Café, supporting social media and marketing, and research and evaluation. To register your interest in volunteering email volunteer@bsettlement.org.uk or click here.