BCMG: Cycle the Score

Presented by Birmingham Contemporary Music Group and Midlands Arts Centre

Experience Birmingham in motion with this unique musical journey on two wheels. Starting and finishing at Midlands Arts Centre in Cannon Hill Park, this guided bicycle concert invites audiences to travel together through the city, stopping at a series of green spaces for live performances of contemporary music. Participants will visit locations across Birmingham, where short, pop-up concerts unfold in the open air.

At each stop, musicians from BCMG perform an eclectic programme of works by leading composers – from John Cage and Karlheinz Stockhausen to Carola Bauckholt and Harrison Birtwistle – transforming familiar surroundings into unexpected stages.

The event culminates back at MAC with a joyful and participatory finale: A Breeze by Mauricio Kagel. In this playful and thought-provoking work, cyclists ring bells, sound horns, sing and whistle, become performers in a collective reflection on how we use space, time and air.

Part of MAC’s Great Big Green Weekender, this family-friendly event celebrates creativity, sustainable travel and Birmingham’s green spaces. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or a casual rider, this is a chance to experience music in a completely different way.

Bring your bike. Bring your curiosity. And be part of the performance.

Key information

• To support your encouragement of this event, we strongly recommend that you attend the open rehearsal on Sun 6 Sep at 6pm at MAC. Please gather in Cannon Hill Park, near MAC’s Outdoor Theatre. We will rehearse your participation in the unique finale performance (see above) where cyclists will ring bells, sound horns, sing and whistle.
• On the day, all participants will be split into three guided group and cycle to different start points. We cannot guarantee you'll be in the same group as your friends/family so we advise that you arrive early to ensure you are together.
• By booking your place you are confirming that you are fit and well to participate and that you have proficient bike handling skills. Please note you will need your own bike to take part in this ride.