Yesterday I spent a surprising amount of time on the Facebook Page for the Birmingham Ballroom – the new name for the venue that was the Hummingbird and then the Academy in Dale End.

The End, the smallest of the three rooms (and presumably the old Bar Academy) is due to open next month with the two larger rooms (Birmingham Ballroom and The Other Room) slated for October. No dates confirmed yet but they’ve announced that The Catapult Club will be putting on gigs there.

In the meantime, they’re posting stuff some great behind the scenes stuff to Facebook – doors covered with AAA passes, the stage’s redevelopment and the 8cm dip in the floor from people bouncing up and down.

There’s a chance to see how the redevelopment’s going on 13 August at their Wall of Fame Open Day.

Also on at The Square Shopping Centre (just behind the Oasis market) that day, will be Kerrang’s K’Boot Vintage Market:

The event will be packed with more than 40 independent retailers, stocking everything from vintage to vinyl, to beads to burlesque. Complementing the visiting stall holders with kitsch will be some of Birmingham’s most iconic independent retailers.

Speaking of The Square (these links are seamless) there’s a new bar opening tonight. Well, The Bitter End is the new basement bar from the folks who own the local Hairy Lemon chain – metal fans will know the place as the old Costermongers. FAKE Magazine have more info and here’s a flyer.

On 26 March, Home of Metal are hosting their forth and final open day at The Public, “Think Antiques Roadshow for metal fans”.

Metal fans of all ages are being invited to share their memorabilia and stories with the digital archive , further cementing West Midlands as the birthplace of Metal.

Home of Metal celebrates the music that was created in the West Midlands, its legacy and influence across the world and how the social history of the region was a fundamental ingredient in providing the backdrop against which Heavy Metal was created, defined and reshaped over the past decades.

They’ll have activities going on throughout the day, hosted by Kerrang! Radio DJ Johnny Doom who’ll be talking to former ‘Raw Power’ presenter, Ozzfest compere and all round Metal expert Krusher (he’s the jolly looking chap below).

Artist duo Juneau Project, will also be on hand with family activities including creating your own D.I.Y guitar, plus rock photographer Steve Gerrard will be dishing out advice during his photography masterclass.

The masterclass is limited to 15 places – to guarantee a spot on the day, call The Public on 0121 533 7161.

From 6.30pm on Tuesday 16th December, we’re invited to partake of festive parlour games hosted by one of Kerrang’s presenters and suitably stylish entertainment. However, for any scrooges, humbuggers or serious networkers amongst us there’ll be space for those who want to escape the organised frivolity

More info is on the Creative Republic website, including details of how to sign up to that Charter (if, indeed, you think it appropriate). At the time of blogging I can’t see the info for RSVP-ing but it’ll be there soon, I’m sure.