Camversation Explore: Birmingham August 2026

About the event:

A relaxed day of photography and friendship in the heart of Birmingham. I am really pleased to announce our next Camversation Explore in the city this August.

Our good friend Jan Wilson is leading the way. Jan is a superb photographer and has been part of Camversation for years. She ran our Birmingham evening walk earlier this year and we had such a good time that we decided to make a full day of it.

Jan has planned a route that takes in the best of the city, and we walk it the clever way round so the steepest part is downhill. We start by the bronze Bull at New Street, then drop down to Gas Street Basin and the canals, all narrowboats and old brickwork, past The Cube and through the Mailbox, with the Black Sabbath bridge mural close by. From there we climb up to the grand civic squares: the Library of Birmingham with its ring-pattern facade, the Rep and Symphony Hall, and Chamberlain Square, which Jan reckons is one of the best spots anywhere for reflections. There is a free Ozzy Osbourne exhibition just off Victoria Square too, if you fancy a look.

After a rest by the markets, the route carries on into Digbeth for the street art. This is the heart of it: the Custard Factory, the ever-changing murals and painted shutters, and the Peaky Blinders piece that always draws a crowd. If you would rather keep things shorter, there is a lovely alternative that doubles back through Pigeon Park to St Philip's Cathedral, with the Old Joint Stock, Hotel du Vin and some grand buildings to photograph.

What to expect on the day

• A full day: we start at 10:00 and finish in the late afternoon. Most of our meet-ups run three to four hours, but we have made this one longer so we can really enjoy the city and have time to eat and socialise together.

• Relaxed and informal: these are not photographic marches or formal workshops. Think of it as a gentle wander with like-minded people, at your own pace.

• A supportive community: there is no one to one tuition, but you will find everyone happy to share a tip or a bit of advice over their shoulder.

• Come and go as you please: we will have an itinerary and share our location on the day, so you can dip in and out, or linger at a spot you love.

• The social side: I will organise an evening meal for anyone who would like to stay on. It is often the best part of the day.

Who can come?

Anyone. If you have joined us for an online session before it will be lovely to put a face to a name at last, and if you have never been to anything of ours, this is an easy first one. Nobody arrives knowing everybody.

The full route is a few miles, walked slowly with plenty of stops, and Jan has planned it so the steepest part is downhill. If you would rather keep things shorter, the alternative through Pigeon Park to St Philip's Cathedral doubles back before the climb into Digbeth.

A note on costs

To keep these days accessible, the ticket covers the coordination and the planned route. Food, transport and personal expenses are not included.