1st - 15th August 2026

We're Back – Bigger Than Ever!

The UK thrives on its diversity, and at its heart are over 1.6 million British Pakistanis, forming the nation's second-largest ethnic minority. This vibrant community enriches every aspect of British life, yet their profound contributions in arts, culture, heritage and sport often remain unsung on a national stage.

 

After an unforgettable first year, Spirit of Pakistan is back with more events, more partners and more venues across Birmingham than ever before

15
Exciting Day
A groundbreaking celebration

Spirit of Pakistan

Following an incredible first year, Spirit of Pakistan returns bigger, bolder, and more exciting than ever.

 

This year, we're celebrating the stories, achievements, and creativity of British Pakistanis through an even bigger programme of events across Birmingham. With more partners, more venues, and more communities involved than ever before, the festival is growing into a true city-wide celebration that welcomes everyone.

When

From Saturday 1st August until Saturday 15th August

Where

At various locations around Birmingham

Who

John Cooper Founder / Author

From art, music and literature to comedy, film, sport, food, and tourism, Spirit of Pakistan showcases the many ways British Pakistanis continue to shape Birmingham, enrich British culture, and strengthen connections with Pakistan. Alongside inspiring performances and exhibitions, the festival creates spaces for conversation, discovery and shared experiences.

 

Taking place in venues across the city, Spirit of Pakistan brings together people from Birmingham's wonderfully diverse communities to celebrate culture, heritage and identity. Whether you're discovering something new, reconnecting with your roots, or simply enjoying a great day out with family and friends, there's something for everyone.

 

More than a festival, Spirit of Pakistan is a celebration of belonging, pride and partnership. It's about building bridges, creating opportunities, and bringing people together through the universal languages of culture, creativity and community. As we celebrate our second year, we're proud to see the festival continue to grow reflecting the confidence, ambition and contribution of British Pakistanis while creating unforgettable experiences for the whole city.

27
Cultural Events
2nd
Year

Sufi Souls: Sanam Marvi

As the Spirit of Pakistan Festival draws to a close, join us for a spectacular evening celebrating Pakistan’s rich Sufi and folk music traditions at Birmingham Town Hall, presented in partnership with B:Music. Internationally acclaimed Sufi vocalist Sanam Marvi headlines the concert with her powerful interpretations of timeless devotional poetry.

 

Opening the evening, Arieb Azhar is joined by legendary dhol master Ustaad Jaan Ali Khan, percussionist Amir Khan and an exceptional ensemble of musicians. Specially curated by Mukhtar Dar, this inspiring finale blends spirituality, culture and musical excellence, offering a memorable celebration of Pakistan’s heritage and the universal power of music.

15
Exciting Days
A groundbreaking celebration

Spirit of Pakistan

Following an incredible first year, Spirit of Pakistan returns bigger, bolder, and more exciting than ever.

 

This year, we're celebrating the stories, achievements, and creativity of British Pakistanis through an even bigger programme of events across Birmingham. With more partners, more venues, and more communities involved than ever before, the festival is growing into a true city-wide celebration that welcomes everyone.

When

From Saturday 1st August until Saturday 15th August

Where

At various locations around Birmingham

Who

John Cooper Founder / Author

27
Cultural Events

From art, music and literature to comedy, film, sport, food, and tourism, Spirit of Pakistan showcases the many ways British Pakistanis continue to shape Birmingham, enrich British culture, and strengthen connections with Pakistan. Alongside inspiring performances and exhibitions, the festival creates spaces for conversation, discovery and shared experiences.

 

Taking place in venues across the city, Spirit of Pakistan brings together people from Birmingham's wonderfully diverse communities to celebrate culture, heritage and identity. Whether you're discovering something new, reconnecting with your roots, or simply enjoying a great day out with family and friends, there's something for everyone.

 

More than a festival, Spirit of Pakistan is a celebration of belonging, pride and partnership. It's about building bridges, creating opportunities, and bringing people together through the universal languages of culture, creativity and community. As we celebrate our second year, we're proud to see the festival continue to grow reflecting the confidence, ambition and contribution of British Pakistanis while creating unforgettable experiences for the whole city.

2nd
Year

Sufi Souls: Sanam Marvi

As the Spirit of Pakistan Festival draws to a close, join us for a spectacular evening celebrating Pakistan’s rich Sufi and folk music traditions at Birmingham Town Hall, presented in partnership with B:Music. Internationally acclaimed Sufi vocalist Sanam Marvi headlines the concert with her powerful interpretations of timeless devotional poetry.

 

Opening the evening, Arieb Azhar is joined by legendary dhol master Ustaad Jaan Ali Khan, percussionist Amir Khan and an exceptional ensemble of musicians. Specially curated by Mukhtar Dar, this inspiring finale blends spirituality, culture and musical excellence, offering a memorable celebration of Pakistan’s heritage and the universal power of music.

Events

Events

Pakistan Tourism & Hospitality Summit

9AM–5PM

QUAID-E-AZAM GRAND BALLROOM: Montague Street, Birmingham B4 7XH

 

Spirit Unveiled: The Opening Chapter

7PM–9.30PM

SOUL CITY ARTS: Port Hope Warehouse • Unit 1 Port Hope Road • Sparkbrook • Birmingham B11 1JS

 

Women & Girls Cricket Festival

10AM

PICKWICK CRICKET CLUB: Windermere Rd, Birmingham B13 9JS

Moving Canvases: The Art of Pakistani Trucks

3PM

BRIG WAREHOUSE CAFÉ: The Warehouse • 54–57 Allison Street • Birmingham B5 5TH

In Conversation with Nahid Siddiqui

7PM

MIDLANDS ARTS CENTRE (MAC): Cannon Hill Park • Birmingham B12 9QH

 

Visit Pakistan Showcase

12PM – 4PM

BIRMINGHAM COUNCIL HOUSE: Banqueting Suite • Victoria Square • Birmingham B1

 

The Legend of Maula Jatt (Cert 18)

7PM – 9.30PM

CHAII GARDEN: Poets Corner • Golden Hillock Road (top end of Anderton Road) • Sparkbrook • Birmingham B11 2PN

 

Women’s Cricket Showcase

12NOON

LYNDWORTH CRICKET CLUB: Lyndworth Road • Birmingham B30 2UG

Under the Stars: Qawwali in the Park

7PM – 10PM

MIDLANDS ARTS CENTRE (MAC): Cannon Hill Park • Birmingham B12 9QH

Pakistanis in the House

7PM – 10PM

MIDLANDS ARTS CENTRE (MAC): Cannon Hill Park • Birmingham B12 9QH

 

Creative Printmaking Workshop

11AM

INDUSTRIAL GALLERY: Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, Chamberlain Sq, Birmingham B3 3DH

Family Arts Workshops

2PM – 5PM

MIDLANDS ARTS CENTRE (MAC): MAC Outdoor Terrace • Cannon Hill Park • Birmingham B12 9QH

Sunset Sufi Sounds

7PM – 10PM

MIDLANDS ARTS CENTRE (MAC): MAC Outdoor Terrace • Cannon Hill Park • Birmingham B12 9QH

 

Family Arts Workshop Calligraphy & Truck Art

2PM – 5PM

MIDLANDS ARTS CENTRE (MAC): MAC Outdoor Terrace • Cannon Hill Park • Birmingham B12 9QH

Diaspora Diaries – The Pakistan Connection

4PM – 5PM

MIDLANDS ARTS CENTRE (MAC): MAC Outdoor Terrace • Cannon Hill Park • Birmingham B12 9QH

SAMPAD presents Guftagu – Chai & Chat

5PM – 6.30PM

MIDLANDS ARTS CENTRE (MAC): MAC Outdoor Terrace • Cannon Hill Park • Birmingham B12 9QH

Shehrbano Ka Ranjha

7PM – 10PM

MIDLANDS ARTS CENTRE (MAC): MAC Outdoor Terrace • Cannon Hill Park • Birmingham B12 9QH

 

Soho Road Mango Festival

1PM 

HANDSWORTH LIBRARY:  Soho Road, Birmingham B21 9DP

 

Spirit of Pakistan T10 & women’s softball festival

4PM

PICKWICK CRICKET CLUB: Windermere Rd, Birmingham B13 9JS

Indus Blues (18)

7PM

MIDLANDS ARTS CENTRE (MAC): Cannon Hill Park • Birmingham B12 9QH

Songs, Stories & Sufi Wisdom

9PM – 10PM

MIDLANDS ARTS CENTRE (MAC): Cannon Hill Park • Birmingham B12 9QH

 

Here to Stay

7PM

MIDLANDS ARTS CENTRE (MAC): Cannon Hill Park • Birmingham B12 9QH

 

Sufi Souls: Sanam Marvi

7PM – 10pm

BIRMINGHAM TOWN HALL: Victoria Square • Birmingham B3 3DQ

 

Pakistan Independence Day Flag Raising Ceremony

10.30AM

COUNCIL HOUSE: Victoria Square • Birmingham B1 1BB

11AM

CONSULATE GENERAL OF PAKISTAN: 10A The Wharf · Bridge Street · B1 2JS

 

Creative Printmaking Workshop

11AM

INDUSTRIAL GALLERY: Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, Chamberlain Sq, Birmingham B3 3DH