Birmingham Contemporary Music Group (BCMG) and Midlands Arts Centre (MAC) have announced a unique classical music event where audiences travel between pop-up performances by bicycle. The event, named Cycle the Score, will take place on September 20, 2026, from 3pm to 6.30pm, starting and finishing at Cannon Hill Park.
Route and performances
A group of 111 cyclists will follow a scenic, guided route along the River Rea, stopping for short classical performances from professional musicians in local green spaces. The route passes the historic Highbury Hall in Moseley, where antique bikes and a repair shop will be displayed. Riders can also pause for refreshments at the Birmingham Brewing Company in Stirchley before returning to the main arts centre.
The journey concludes with an interactive finale where all 111 riders use their own bike bells, horns, and whistles to join in the music. Ticketholders will have the opportunity to attend a group rehearsal session ahead of the main event to practice the interactive finale piece.
Eco-friendly festival
The mobile concert forms part of a wider eco-friendly weekend festival celebrating sustainable travel, creativity, and local green spaces. Participants must bring their own bicycles, with route options of 9km or 12km flat distances.
Stephan Meier, artistic director of Birmingham Contemporary Music Group, said: “BCMG is always looking for creative ways to perform and Cycle the Score fits the bill exactly! This promises to be an inviting afternoon of some of the world’s greatest contemporary music with the added bonus of fresh air, beautiful green spaces and of course the chance for our audiences to actively perform music with their bike bells and horns!”
Partnership and booking
Jo Carr, performance programmer at Midlands Arts Centre, added: "We're excited to be partnering with our friends at Birmingham Contemporary Music Group for this unique, joyous musical experience. As an eco-conscious arts centre and charity, our home in Cannon Hill Park is central to our identity - so we couldn't miss the chance to partner with BCMG for these pop-up cycle concerts, that perfectly combine our environmental values with exceptionally creative works of music."
Tickets for Cycle the Score cost £20. To book and find out more details, visit macbirmingham.co.uk/events/bcmg-cycle-the-score. The event is set to offer a distinctive blend of contemporary music and outdoor activity, highlighting Birmingham's green spaces and cultural venues.
