University News Last updated 21 July 2023
Alumna and Mezzo-Soprano Samantha Oxborough will perform at the opening event of Birmingham Festival 23, a free, 10-day event celebrating 12 months since the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
The opening event, ‘One City, a Thousand Memories’, will take place in Centenary Square on Friday 28 July, from 7 - 10pm. You can find the full programme here.
During the festival, Team England will lead a parade of Birmingham 2022 medal-winning athletes. This will be followed by a performance from Samantha, who performed the National Anthem at the 2022 Opening Ceremony.
Samantha will share the stage with The Choir with No Name and will be supported by community BSL choir Music in Motion – who came through the festival’s Made in Brum open call.
B2022 Mascot Perry will also be making a special appearance with Bhangra group the Dhol Blasters to fire up the audience and get people moving.
‘One City, a Thousand Memories’ will be hosted by BBC presenters Ayo Akinwolere and Kaylee Golding, who will introduce speeches and interview guests.
The final part of the opening event will take place in the fountain area of Centenary Square in front of the festival’s stage, with a live music finale from Birmingham Music Archive.
Samantha said: “I am so honoured to be part of such an incredible festival to mark a year since the Commonwealth Games, an event that completely changed my life. Since the Commonwealth Games, my career has soared and I am so thankful to everyone who made it happen for me.
“I continue to work with the community in so many ways and I absolutely love my job.”