Birmingham Hippodrome put emerging talent in the spotlight with two new live-streamed events this Spring

Birmingham Hippodrome have announced two new events that will take place later this month: TEDxYouth@Brum and Unislam. In a first for the venue, they will be livestreamed (in partnership with DRPG Studios) as part of their ongoing pledge to support exposure for emerging young talent in the city and beyond.

Beginning life in 2013 as a one-off event, Unislam is now held annually and is a staple in the calendar celebrating spoken word. The UK’s largest team poetry slam tournament will see the country’s Top 8 teams slowly whittled down to four ahead of the Grand Final where all have their eyes on the Champions trophy and prize package. Both the Semi- Final and the Grand Final will be broadcast, on 20 and 27 March respectively.

Alongside the exciting talent of the competing teams, audiences can also expect to hear from a wealth of talented poets from across the UK, as well as esteemed judges including Inua Ellams, Mona Arshi, Paul Tran and Deanna Rodger.

TEDxYouth@Brum returns on 30 March 30 after a wildly successful sold-out conference in 2019. This year’s event will focus on the continued presence of innovation in the city and celebrate how young people are using their power for change in the face of all the odds, remaining dedicated to pursuing the futures they want. The event will be hosted by Birmingham’s own Yshee Black, and feature Rakeem Omar, Cassandra Nelson and Casey Bailey among its guest speakers. Lady Sany, Darcey Holmes and Xhosa Cole will be performing.

Director of Artistic Programme at Birmingham Hippodrome, Chris Sudworth, said; “We’re delighted to be partnering with TEDxYouth@Brum and UniSlam for a third year. We are so proud that these online streams, the first events streamed directly by Birmingham Hippodrome, will amplify the voices, creativity and ideas of our city’s young people”.

Tickets for all events go on sale from 11am on 4 March, and can be booked here.