After careful inspection of Birmingham’s venues, which definitely weren’t just pub crawls, we’ve found places that offer good drinking with proper space for dancing. Birmingham city centre provides the mix of historic pubs and performance spaces that DERT needs.

Old Library in Digbeth

Zellig, Gibb Street, Digbeth, B9 4AT / What 3 Words: ///blues.bulb.oils

The Old Library in Digbeth hosts both the Friday night social and registration. Digbeth is Birmingham’s creative quarter, full of independent venues and street art. The Old Library fits the area, a historic building repurposed for events and performances. It’s about ten minutes walk from New Street or Moor Street Stations.

Registration from 7:00pm.
Socialising until midnight. 

Convenient Food Venues & Other Pubs

There is a vibrant food scene in Birmingham. Very close to our Friday Night venue in Digbeth is the latest food hall in Digbeth – Alfred Works. There are a wide variety of options in this lively place. The front entrance is in the Custard Factory on Gibb Street. There is a rear entrance to Alfred Works (What 3 Words: ///bolts.oven.chefs) food hall, which is on Floodgate Street.

The Ruin on Floodgate Street B5 5SR (What 3 Words: ///adding.games.keen) – is where Birmingham Rapper rehearse. It’s a great bar and does lovely food. If you are here on Sunday after the dancing fun has terminated, we recommend their Sunday Lunches.

The Old Crown – B12 0LD (What 3 Words : ///light.cost.rash), is also very close to our Friday night registration venue [right next door to be fair]. Some teams may want to see about performing there as an “off-piste” venue (see below for more). They serve food and traditional ale. This is Birmingham’s oldest public house.

Birmingham Museum

Chamberlain Square, B3 3DH / What 3 Words: ///scope.deaf.grab

Birmingham Museum hosts the Spotlight competition. This is the one-off performance where teams dance as if on stage rather than in a pub. The museum setting gives teams maximum space and a different kind of audience experience.

The museum’s architecture provides a backdrop that standard pubs can’t match. Teams can use the space to create something more spectacular than their pub dances.

Spotlight Judges: Edwin Dyson & Sally Smith

Old Library in Digbeth

Zellig, Gibb Street, Digbeth, B9 4AT / What 3 Words: ///blues.bulb.oils

The Old Library in Digbeth hosts DERTy. Digbeth is Birmingham’s creative quarter, full of independent venues and street art. The Old Library fits the area, a historic building repurposed for events and performances. It provides the space and atmosphere that works for both the Friday night gathering and a youth competition.

DERTy Judges: Damien Barber & Niq Rushton

The Royal Birmingham Conservatoire

200 Jennens Road, B4 7XR / What 3 Words: ///rats.puff.rust

The evening showcase and Traditional competition will be at The Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, with plenty of seating for tired legs after a long day of dancing and a good bar with plenty of beer, gin and cider as well as soft drinks.

The Conservatoire houses five performance venues, including the 500-seat Bradshaw Hall, which is our Showcase venue. The concert hall was designed with acoustic excellence in mind and features a graduated slope that guarantees optimal viewing angles for every audience member, so you’ll be able to see the dances from wherever you’re sitting.

The building sits in Birmingham’s Eastside, close to major transport links, and there’s an NCP car park immediately next door for those driving.

Image credit: The Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, Hufton Crow

Traditional Judges: Phil Heaton & David Ledsam