Online event celebrating the Jewellery Quarter’s independent businesses

Jewellery Quarter Business Improvement District (JQBID) organises one-day online event celebrating the Quarter’s independent businesses

On Saturday June 13, viewers can enjoy an exciting day filled with online entertainment within the safety of their own four walls. JQ at Home is a celebration of the artistry, creativity and history of this unique Quarter of Birmingham - an area of the city which has been hit especially hard during the Coronavirus crisis.

With a large proportion of businesses in the Jewellery Quarter being part of the hospitality, retail and arts sectors, many businesses were forced to cease trading from as early as March. However, testament to the spirit and determination of the Quarter’s independent businesses, many found ways to continue. Since lockdown began, many developed online stores, operated new delivery models, and ventured into the world of online streaming.

Organised by the JQBID and supported by Birmingham Museums Trust, JQ at Home offers lovers of the Jewellery Quarter - and also those who have not yet visited - the chance to experience a wide variety of the JQ’s independents. Through a jam-packed schedule running from 9am through to 10pm, local businesses will take to their Social Media channels to give viewers live workshops, performances and tutorials.

Luke Crane, Executive Director of the JQBID commented:

“There is a real stubbornness in the community that is testament to the strength of the Jewellery Quarter. It would be wrong of me to say that coronavirus hasn’t had a detrimental effect on business but the spirit that our SMEs and micro-businesses have shown during this time is nothing short of incredible”.

“JQ at Home is an online event that enables the public to meet the amazing characters of the Quarter from the safety of their own homes”.

The morning of the event will consist of fitness and mindfulness classes, hair and beauty tutorials, and a morning coffee with local favourite Saint Kitchen. Viewers will then get the chance to get crafty with a whole host of practical workshops and talks to inspire creativity during lockdown. Activities include stitching, sewing and tin embossing - as well as a number of tours and talks from some of the quirkiest of the Quarter's independents.

Viewers will also have the chance to take part in an online history lesson from famous local historian Carl Chinn, who gives a virtual walk down one of the Jewellery Quarter’s most historic streets. There will also be live acoustic music from St Paul’s Church, live theatre from the Coffin Works, and two unseen films from the Museum of the Jewellery Quarter.

For the foodie lovers, there is an opportunity to put their making and baking skills to the test with tutorials on creating soda bread and chocolate treats. This will be followed by a cocktail masterclass from the Birmingham Whisky Club who will show us all how to make an 'Old Fashioned'.

The day will draw to a close with an online quiz hosted by Speed Quizzer Stoo Pittaway, where participants will have their general (and Jewellery Quarter) knowledge put to the test. The quiz will be £5 to enter, with all proceeds being donated to charity.

The full schedule for the event can be viewed on the Jewellery Quarter BID’s website: www.jewelleryquarter.net/jq-at-home. All events throughout the day, apart from the quiz, are free to attend, but some may require signing up to.