From Grammy winners to Wallace and Gromit – flagship music charity promises something for everyone

Birmingham music charity B:Music has announced its Summer 2026 season, with a wide-ranging programme of live music, comedy, dance, spoken word and family entertainment at the city’s Symphony Hall and Town Hall.

Headlining the season is Grammy-winning singer and composer Arooj Aftab, who will perform with the London Contemporary Orchestra at Symphony Hall on June 16. Known for her distinctive fusion of jazz, minimalism and South Asian classical music, Aftab’s concert will feature orchestral reimaginings of her acclaimed back catalogue.

A season of big names

Electronic artist Max Cooper brings his latest album Feeling Is Structure to Symphony Hall on 18 May in one of only a handful of UK appearances, while Elvis Costello and The Imposters take to the same stage on June 13 with a set drawing on their celebrated mid-period albums. 

The season also features Ray LaMontagne performing his debut album Trouble in full, and the final concert of Series 4 of Channel 4’s The Piano, hosted by Claudia Winkleman and featuring performances from Mika.

Fun for all the family

Families are well served by a celebration of 50 years of Aardman, with Aardman in Concert on May 1 bringing Wallace and Gromit and friends to the big screen accompanied by a live orchestra. A brand-new stage production of Fireman Sam: The Lost Pirate Treasure heads to Town Hall on June 20.

Comedy fans can choose from a strong line-up including James Acaster, Jarlath Regan and improvised comedy night Shoot from the Hip, while Strictly the Professionals returns to Symphony Hall on May 15 and 16.

Tickets and the full programme are available at bmusic.co.uk