Free Jazz in Birmingham at the Symphony Hall

Friday evening after she had returned from a free classical guitar concert at the Museum, Jill persuaded me to go to the Friday Rush-hour concert at the Symphony Hall.

Carol Brewster and her Band

The theme was Jazz, Jill had said if it got too heavy we could leave, but there was no need for that. We had front row seats and the entertainment was superb. I couldn't understand Jill's infatuation with the Sax player!

Bit o' culture in Birmingham

It rather looks as if we could be over wintering in Birmingham whether we like it or not. We expected to stay for about 5 days, but we all know what happened next. With G away at an RAF helicopter reunion in London, I took myself off to the Symphony Hall for a Classic Rock Concert by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra - it was sensational and I bounded back to continue rocking around MR high on adrenalin (there was no one around to bother, only the boys and Daisy and they are used to a lunatic mum). 

Flushed with joy at a reunion with live music, I booked myself into the Town Hall for a lunchtime organ recital on Monday.

A magnificent beast. Unfortunately, due to G returning from London with man flu, I was very tired and had a tendency to nod off. That's my excuse, but it was a little too highbrow for me if I'm honest. So I've gone back to basics and booked last night of the proms and a carol service-bit more suited to an unedumacated me.

Birmingham now starting to look quite festive - this is Brindley Place.

Stalactite hanging under the bridge as we walked home. I can do culture!!

Birmingham's Pantomime Horse Races

The Birmingham Pantomime Horse race took place last Sunday, Jill, Lesley and I decided we needed a bit of an cheery uplift, as we are stuck hard here on the BCN. The crowds were out in their thousands at the German Market and a few spilled over into Broad Street to watch this hilarious event.

Horses and riders lining up to enter the Parade Ring

Competitors pay the event organisers £50 to hire the costume and then are able to raise money for their chosen charity

The Ladies Race was a stylish affair, but as the race went on we saw who were the fillies and who were the mares.

The men's race was a little more hectic, not so much studs more like thugs, sorry lads.

Mens race on the final run in down hill to the finish.

Ah and here comes 'Viagra' a little 'Hard' to control 

And 'Viagra' again with his trews down around his ankles, the pill must have worn off!

We didn't have any money on the outcome, but a good time was had by all. Now off to the Pub for a little warming ales.