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.

They’re looking for designer makers to join the current rundown of activities and attractions lined up for the day, including choirs, face painters, storytellers and reindeer. Stallholders will be given an opportunity to sell their goods at no charge to themselves, in a perfect location to catch festive shoppers.

To take advantage of the Christmas Spectacular, contact Chris Bishop on 07919 887 122