The programme for Artsfest 2011 is now online (in addition to the PDF brochure that came out a few days back).

As ever, there’s an unfeasibly huge amount happening. I’ve not had time to have a proper browse, but here’s what I’ve spotted after a swift glance through the listings:

• 2 for 1 entry to the Home of Metal exhibition at BMAG all weekend
• Birmingham Young Poet Laureate, The Library Theatre, Saturday at 2pm – performances by the shortlisted poets
• Birmingham Royal Ballet, Centenary Square, Saturday at 6.30pm – doing excerpts from their autumn season
• Classical Fantasia, Centenary Square, Saturday at 8.15pm – the CBSO, Birmingham Opera Company and fireworks
• BE Festival presents Move Me, Broad Street Stage, Sunday at 2.30pm and 5.30pm – an interactive contemporary dance event hosted by Barbara Nice.
• Best of Birmingham from Kerrang & Q Radio, Centenary Square, Sunday from 5pm – with The Guillemots headlining
• In Conversation With… is a whole strand of interviews with the likes of Tindal Street Press, Michael Seal, Ian Emes, Paul Kaynes, Keri Davies, David Massingham and Rosie Kay
• The film strand at the Crescent Theatre is usually good too.

I’ll be spending Saturday in the Dancing for the Games-sponsored Dance Marquee before nipping off to the (not Artsfest-affiliated) The Boat That OxJamBrum Rocked, returning to catch the end of Classical Fantasia.

Looking at that list it’s mainly the bigger names that have stood out, which means there’s probably loads of decent stuff I’ve missed – let me know if you’ve got any recommendations.