The Drum

The Drum Birmingham: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Site Guide

Date: 03/07/2025

Introduction: The Drum’s Legacy and Cultural Importance

At the intersection of Birmingham’s historic heritage and modern urban innovation sits The Drum—a renowned destination for exploring Black, Asian, and minority ethnic (BAME) arts, history, and community empowerment. Originally opened in the mid-1990s as The Drum Arts Centre, it quickly became the UK’s flagship for Black British and British Asian arts, distinguished by its theatrical productions, spoken word events, exhibitions, and festivals. Occupying the former site of the Aston Hippodrome—a stage once graced by icons like Charlie Chaplin and Judy Garland—The Drum has long been a cultural landmark (Birmingham Mail).

Today, this legacy continues as the Legacy Centre of Excellence, a vibrant arts and business hub in Birmingham’s Newtown district, adjacent to Grand Central and Birmingham New Street Station. The site blends heritage conservation with contemporary, sustainable architecture, featuring a striking five-storey atrium, flexible workspaces, and community-focused facilities (Make Architects). Whether attending performances, workshops, or exhibitions—or simply exploring the rich cultural environment—visitors benefit from excellent transport links, full accessibility, and a setting that celebrates cultural pride and innovation (Visit Birmingham, Theatres Trust).

Welcome to The Drum and Legacy Centre of Excellence
History: From Aston Hippodrome to The Drum
The Drum Arts Centre: Foundation and Growth
Visiting The Drum: Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility
Getting There: Transport and Travel Tips
Facilities, Amenities, and Attractions
Events, Tours, and Photography
Cultural Legacy and Community Impact
Architectural Features and Sustainability
Community Engagement and Economic Empowerment
Practical Visitor Information
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Plan Your Visit and Stay Connected

Welcome to The Drum and Legacy Centre of Excellence

As Birmingham’s premier intercultural arts centre, The Drum—now the Legacy Centre of Excellence—offers a dynamic blend of heritage, contemporary arts, and business innovation. It’s a must-visit for anyone interested in multicultural arts, creative industries, or the city’s evolving community landscape.

History: From Aston Hippodrome to The Drum

The Drum’s roots trace to the legendary Aston Hippodrome (1908–1960), a variety theatre that hosted stars including Charlie Chaplin and Judy Garland (Birmingham Mail). After years of inactivity, the site was transformed in the 1990s to meet Birmingham’s cultural needs.

The Drum Arts Centre: Foundation and Growth

Launched officially in 1999, The Drum Arts Centre became a national beacon for Black and Asian arts, featuring a 350-seat main auditorium, the Andy Hamilton Studio, and the sunken foyer café known as The Pit (Theatres Trust). Its programming spanned theatre, music, spoken word, and visual arts, nurturing diverse talent and fostering community pride.

Visiting The Drum: Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility

Visiting Hours

Legacy Centre of Excellence: Generally open Monday to Saturday, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM, with extended hours for evening performances.
Grand Central/Workspace Venue: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM–8:00 PM; Saturdays, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM. Some amenities open earlier or close later—verify on the official website for event-specific times.

Tickets

Many events are free; others (workshops, exhibitions, special performances) require tickets, available online or at the venue box office.
For workspace bookings, advance reservation is recommended.

Accessibility

Fully wheelchair accessible: step-free entrances, ramps, lifts, accessible toilets, and hearing loops.
Assistance services available upon request.

Getting There: Transport and Travel Tips

Location: Holford Drive, Newtown, or Potters Lane, Aston (Legacy Centre). Also, at Grand Central above Birmingham New Street Station for the workspace venue.
By Bus: Multiple routes (e.g., 11, 11A, 50) from the city centre.
By Train: Direct access via Birmingham New Street Station, with taxi and bus links.
Parking: Limited on-site and nearby public parking; public transport recommended for convenience and sustainability (Toxigon).

Facilities, Amenities, and Attractions

Spaces: Main auditorium, studio theatre, gallery, café, business suites, event spaces, and multimedia production areas.
Dining: Food market, restaurants, café, and supermarket (at Grand Central venue).
Wellness: Gym and wellness programs.
Nearby Attractions: Aston Hall, Villa Park, Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, Jewellery Quarter, and the city’s historic canal network.

Events, Tours, and Photography

Events: Theatre, spoken word, music, art exhibitions, business networking, festivals, and community workshops.
Guided Tours: Available by request—contact the centre for arrangements.
Photography: Architectural features, community events, and panoramic views provide excellent opportunities for photographers.

Cultural Legacy and Community Impact

From its origins as a hub for political theatre and the arts, The Drum has continually championed inclusion, dialogue, and the celebration of multicultural identity (Time Out). Through the Legacy Centre of Excellence, this mission endures with a focus on community empowerment, entrepreneurship, and artistic excellence.

Architectural Features and Sustainability

Adaptive Reuse and Heritage Integration

Conversion of historic sites and department stores into cultural and business hubs preserves heritage while meeting modern needs (Make Architects).

Atrium and Communal Spaces

Five-storey atrium brings abundant natural light and vibrant communal areas for up to 2,000 people.

Workspace and Flexibility

Approx. 200,000 sq ft of flexible workspace designed for collaboration and wellbeing.

Connectivity and Accessibility

Direct links to major public transport; step-free and fully inclusive access.

Sustainability Highlights

BREEAM ‘Excellent’, EPC A, WELL Gold, WiredScore Platinum certifications (Make Architects).
Efficient HVAC, LED lighting, renewable energy, water-saving fixtures, and recycled materials (Toxigon).
Comprehensive waste management and urban greening initiatives.

Community Engagement and Economic Empowerment

The Drum and Legacy Centre foster engagement through partnerships with local artists, social enterprises, and community groups. By supporting entrepreneurship, affordable workspace, and cultural programming, they empower underrepresented groups and drive economic inclusion (Birmingham City Council).

Practical Visitor Information

Travel: Use public transport where possible; cycle parking and EV charging available.
Booking: Reserve workspace and tickets for events in advance.
Accessibility: Full facilities for disabled visitors.
Stay Connected: Download the Audiala app for updates, digital tickets, and exclusive content.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are The Drum’s opening hours?
A: Generally Monday to Saturday, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM (Legacy Centre) or 8:00 AM–8:00 PM (workspace venue). Check the official website for precise times.

Q: Are tickets required?
A: Many events are free; some require tickets. Advance booking is recommended for popular events.

Q: Is The Drum accessible to disabled visitors?
A: Yes, with step-free access, lifts, accessible restrooms, and hearing loops.

Q: What is the best way to get there?
A: Public transport via Birmingham New Street Station or local buses is ideal; limited parking is available.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes—contact the venue to arrange a tour.

Q: What sustainability features does The Drum have?
A: The Drum is certified for energy efficiency, wellbeing, digital connectivity, and environmental responsibility.

Plan Your Visit and Stay Connected

Experience The Drum’s unique blend of history, arts, and innovation. For the latest on visiting hours, events, and ticketing, consult the official website. Download the Audiala app for real-time updates and special offers.

Follow The Drum and Audiala on social media for news, behind-the-scenes stories, and community highlights.

Visual Recommendations

Include high-quality images of The Drum’s exterior, performance spaces, and community events. Suggested alt tags: “The Drum Birmingham arts centre exterior,” “Legacy Centre of Excellence auditorium interior,” “Birmingham cultural hub.” Interactive maps and virtual tours are available on official platforms.