Handsworth Park is a beautiful, scenic, well-kept park, perfect for a family picnic or just a Sunday afternoon stroll. But there’s a lot more you can do there, including weekly organised runs, attending the Roots & Reggae themed ‘Simmer Down’ festival and sampling great free food at the annual Vaisakhi celebration. Here are a few suggestions to get you on your way:
Go For A Run, Try Some Archery Or A Bit Of Zumba!
The Active Parks Central Team meet every Sunday for a wide range of healthy outdoor activities from bike riding to a good old fashioned ramble. A great excuse for Mums & Dads to get off the sofa and take the kids out for a free day of fun. Follow the team on Facebook to stay in the loop: https://www.facebook.com/activeparkscentral
The Handsworth Park Arts Trail
The park is also home to fine artwork. Since 2017, Handsworth Creative have showcased local talent through the ‘Handsworth Park Arts Trail.’ Each year, 6 pieces of art are commissioned and displayed in prominent places around the park. The trail takes place each October and is open to all. For more details and pictures of previous work, see: https://www.facebook.com/Handsworth.Park.Arts.Trail
Vaisakhi In Handsworth Park
Vaisakhi is the holiest day in the Sikh religious calendar. To celebrate, a large open-air, non-profit festival takes place every April in Handsworth Park. Make sure you come hungry as there will be free food everywhere! The kids will love the fairground rides, horse rides and face painting. all in all, a great, inclusive family day out for all. More info here: https://vaisakhibirmingham.co.uk
The Simmer Down Festival
Reggae music is synonymous with the city of Birmingham and Handsworth plays a big part in that cultural heritage. It’s only right that the town that gave the world Steel Pulse hosts ‘Simmer Down’, a free to attend family arts/music festival with fun activities for the kids, fresh West Indian food and live music from some of Reggae’s biggest legends. This year’s ‘Simmer Down’ takes place on Sunday, 21st July. Check the official event Facebook page for more updates: https://www.facebook.com/simmerdownfestival
Try Seafood At The Boathouse Cafe
A short distance from Handsworth Park, situated between the Handsworth cemetery and The Hawthornes is the Boathouse cafe. The cafe is open nearly all year round and offers a menu of tasty seafood in a peaceful, family-friendly atmosphere. A nice stop off to relax after a good walk through the park. Get the details here: https://www.facebook.com/Boathouse-cafe-1668866506674197/
