“From Grove’s queer swagger to Circle’s ecological visions and Divide and Dissolve’s call for decolonisation, this thrilling underground fest has radical utopianism at its heart”

– The Guardian ★★★★★

Supersonic 2023: Line-up Announcement & Useful Information

Supersonic Festival is returning in 2023 on the weekend of September 1 – 3, celebrating 20 years since the first Supersonic with an ambitious programme of mind bending music, sense shifting art and life altering experiences.Nowhere else will you find a festival experience quite like Supersonic’s – since 2003, we have been hosting superior weekends for the adventurous audience, taking care to present only the most artistically relevant and irreverent acts from the UK and across the globe, while simultaneously making sure to fill every moment with the opportunities to let loose and party, or sit down at engaging talks, discussions and workshops, or take in exclusive screenings and exhibitions.

 

“Supersonic reasserts itself as the best European festival for new music” – The Quietus

 

Weekend & Day tickets are now on sale here.

 

Ahead of the festival please find some useful information below.

If you have any specific enquires related to Supersonic 2023 that haven’t been answered below in our FAQs, please email info[at]capsule.org.uk and we will get back to you asap.

FESTIVAL ADDRESS

Box Office The Mill, 29 Lower Trinity St, Deritend, Birmingham B9 4AG

 

DOOR & CURFEW TIMES

Friday – Box Office opens 18:00 // First act 19:00 // Curfew 02:00

Saturday – Box Office opens 16:00 // First act 16:30 // Curfew 02:00

Sunday – Box Office opens 15:00 // First act 15:30 // Curfew 00:30

Full timetable will be published closer to the festival. Workshops and other extra-curricular activities may occur outside of these times – more details to follow.

 

 

BY TRAIN – !! strikes taking place on Fri 1 Sept & Sat 2 Sept !!

We stand in solidarity with the rail workers who are striking due to proposed job cuts, pay freezes and attacks on terms, working conditions and practices.

RMT train workers will strike for 24 hours across 14 train operating companies in the UK – this will either mean no service or a very limited service. You can find out all the details on the National Rail information page. There, you will also find an overview of all connections and the respective restrictions. Of course, you can always contact your train operator directly for more information.

For journeys on Saturday 2 September you can check your journey from Friday 25 August via https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/status-and-disruptions/

Alternative travel options:

• Coach travel https://www.nationalexpress.com/en (Digbeth coach station is just 5 mins walk from the festival site).
• Megabus https://uk.megabus.com/
• Car share – take a look at Liftshare to find someone else who might be driving or to offer a fellow festival goer a lift. Festival Liftshare community – part of the Liftshare network

 

 

ON FOOT

Digbeth is located just a 12 – minute walk from the Bullring. Approx 18 minutes to New Street and 14 minutes to Moor Street Station. Also, about 10 minutes from Birmingham Coach Station. It is possible to get buses from the city centre along Digbeth High Street. Please be aware extensive roadworks are still taking place down Digbeth High Street. For ease of access, we strongly advise our audience walking from the city centre down the high street to remain on the left-hand side as the right-hand side (with the coach station) appears to be least straightforward route. We will monitor this and update as / when.
 

 

BY CAR

Nearby parking options – but not all have available / obvious disabled spaces:

• Trinity Street Car Park, Heathmill Lane, Birmingham B9 4AL 
• Coventry Street Car Park, Meriden Street, B5 5LY 
• Allison Street Car Park (next to Pirlo’s Desserts) 

 

TAXI OPTIONS

To ensure roads remain as clear as possible during our event, we will proactively encourage audience members without any additional access needs to use an UBER pin away from the venues. We will advertise this on our website / festival brochure and live, during the event, via social media. We will also ensure stewards remain on hand to direct audiences requiring other kinds of taxis to the nearby Coach Station where there is an ample taxi rank. However, it is entirely possible to get taxis to meet you at the entrance of our venues too.
 

 

CYCLE

Currently there is nowhere secure on site, suitable for storage, but there are several options on the nearby Custard Factory estate.

Have a read over our FAQs to help you plan for the festival weekend…

If you have any specific enquires to anything related to Supersonic 2023 that hasn’t been answered please email [email protected] and we will get back to you asap.

 

I can’t find my e-ticket?

Once you have purchased, you should have received your e-tickets with an attached QR code via an email from [email protected].

If you cannot find this email, or never received it you can also download your tickets from our website: https://supersonicfestival.com/my-account/fooevents-tickets/

Please have your QR codes ready to scan on entry to the festival to enable us a speedy start!

If you purchased your ticket via Tickettech please contact them via [email protected]

 

Where can I exchange my eTicket for a wristband?

Information about Box Office location and opening times will be announced nearer the time.

 

Can children come on site?

This is an 18+ festival, but for those who need to bring children with them; our children on site policy is that under 18’s must be off site by 9pm – please check in at box office so we can take contact details. We also recommend you bringing your own ear-defenders, we do not provide these.

 

Will there be a Supersonic Kids Gig this year?

Yes! Supersonic Kids Gigs are perfect events for children and their families. More information will be published nearer the time.

 

Are there any access restrictions at the venues?

Whilst our site is largely accessible, there are some areas of The Mill that are currently only accessible via steps. For more information, please read here. And for specific enquiries please contact [email protected]

 

Do you provide PA tickets?

Yes. Complimentary Personal Assistant tickets for a companion or carer to accompany anyone wishing to attend one of our events. In order to obtain a PA ticket, please write to us via [email protected] with ‘Personal Assistant Ticket Required: Event Name’ in the subject line, once you have purchased your ticket, add the Event Name and the name of the PA (if possible), and the purchased ticket reference number. We will then get back to you and confirm the allocation of a PA ticket.

 

Can I bring my own alcohol?

Only alcohol purchased on site may be consumed on site. Random bag searches will be in operation throughout the entire weekend and bringing alcohol on to our site will not be permitted.

 

What is Challenge 25?

Our bars will stock a fine selection of vegan-friendly ales, wine, spirts and soft drinks. In addition we have a very well stocked tea room that sells hot drinks, cakes and cocktails. We are required to operate Challenge 25, and anyone we think looks younger than 25 years will be asked to provide photographic ID. If you think you look younger than 25 years old please make sure you have sufficient ID with you.

 

Do you serve food on site?

Yes, there will be a variety of traders selling food, plus a tea room on site. We will ensure there are vegetarian and vegan options. A full roster will be announced nearer the time.

 

Can I apply to Volunteer?

Yes! Volunteer Applications for Supersonic 2023 are now open, there’s more information on how to apply here. If you would like to contact us in advance please write to [email protected] with any specific enquiries, or to help out at our year-round events.

 

Cash on site

We will continue to accept cash on site at our Box Office and bars, however there are only a few ATM machines in Digbeth, so you might want to take out money prior to arriving at the festival site. 

There are two free cash machines located near-by at:

• Nisa | Digbeth High Street | B5 5NR open until midnight daily.
• Birmingham Coach Station which is open 24hrs.

 

Smoking

Normal smoking rules apply: you can smoke in any outdoor area on site, you cannot smoke inside any enclosed public buildings.

 

Parking

The majority of Digbeth street parking is now for permit holders only but there are car parks on Digbeth High Street and Heath Mill Lane. We will share some recommendations nearer the time.

Here’s the bit you’ve all been waiting for… the Supersonic 2023 timetable! Grab a pen and get circling, cause you won’t want to miss any of the mind-blowing music, workshops, films and talks we have in store for you!

| VIEW TIMETABLE |

* please note timetable may be subject to change * 

We have the following recommended accommodation options for you, please direct any enquiries about this directly to the accommodation providers themselves… 

 

Staying Cool

Rotunda, 150 New Street, Birmingham, B2 4PA

Boutique Serviced Apartments in Birmingham – Staying Cool

Staying Cool is a design-led boutique serviced apartment operator in Birmingham. It opened atop the Rotunda (a Grade II listed building) in Birmingham in 2008. The 35 apartments are stylishly designed and range from studios to 2-bed penthouses. The collections larger apartments represent the only 5* (Visit England assessed) accommodation in the city a decade after opening. The business has a strong ethical streak with a focus on working with other local independent companies.

Each apartment has a fully equipped kitchen, dining area and lounge area as well as the bedroom which is separated from the living areas by a low divider. The bathroom has a rainfall shower. Fluffy towels and bathrobes come as standard. You’ll find complimentary oranges for the juicer and Fairtrade teas as well as locally ground coffee.

You can access a special 10% discount for festival bookings. Secure your booking by contacting [email protected] or by calling +44 (0)121 285 1250

 

IBIS Budget Birmingham Centre

1 Great Colmore Street, B15 2AP

Ibis Budget Birmingham Centre | Hotel in Birmingham – ALL (accor.com)

This city centre hotel is a 23 minute walk / 8 minute taxi ride from our festival hub and a short hop from New Street Station. Promising comfort and convenience in abundance, this hotel is close to city attractions, shopping, and transport links. There is free fibre Wi-Fi, on-site drinks, take away continental breakfast and a 24hr Reception. Limited parking is available on site, otherwise there is an NCP 4 minutes walk away.

We have a special fixed, limited rate for Supersonic Festival attendees of just £67 room only. To book please call +44 121 622 7575 or email: [email protected] and quote #484614

 

Bloc Birmingham

77 Caroline Street, B3 1UG

Bloc Birmingham

The hotel is a short taxi ride from our festival hub, New Street Station & Snow Hill. You can catch a Tram from nearby St. Paul’s Station down to Moor Street Station and then make a short walk to the festival hub.

You can access a Supersonic special 20% discount of the best available rate. All bookings online. 

+44 121 212 1223

 

Birmingham Backpackers

61-65v Coventry Street, B5 5NJ

Birmingham Backpackers

An 8 min walk from our festival hub and 10 mins from New Street / Moor Street Station, this is a great place to book if you’re on a budget and / or or travelling alone.

+44 121 643 0033

 

Aparthotel Adagio

131 Digbeth High Street B5 6DR

Aparthotel Adagio

A 10 min walk from our festival hub and 10 min walk from New Street / Moor Street Station, these apartments are the ideal base for your time at Supersonic. No parking on site but 24hr parking available nearby. Double, twin and 4 bed apartments available.

A 10% discount for all festival attendees is available. Bookings can be made either via email (quoting ‘CAPSULE’ in the subject line), [email protected] OR by calling the Hotel on +44 121 399 0500

 

StayCity Newhall Street

88 Charlotte St, Birmingham B3 1PW

Staycity Aparthotels

Featuring free WiFi, Staycity Aparthotels Newhall Square is located an 11-minute walk from Birmingham New Street Train Station and a 30 minute walk to our Festival site. The spacious and stylish apartments include a fully equipped kitchen, a private bathroom, a flat-screen TV, as well as fresh towels and bed linen and are in a great city centre location.

Enjoy a festival special 15% discount rate off the best online flexible rate for audience members. All discounts are subject to room availability, and are at Staycity Aparthotels, Birmingham Newhall Square. To place bookings email [email protected], quoting ‘Supersonic’.

We’ve had a fantastic response to all that applied to join the Volunteer Team at Supersonic 2023, thank you!

Applications are now closed, but if you still want to get involved, drop an email to info[at]capsule.org.uk and let us know.

We will continue to monitor the national and international situation regarding Covid over the coming months and will share anything we think will be of use to our audiences.

As we know all restrictions are now lifted, however we are aware that some of our audiences and artists will want to take extra precautions whilst they are with us on site, and so we ask that we are all respectful of anyone wishing to social distance and wear masks.

Whilst we understand that there are no mandatory requirements to do so, we would also ask that anyone who is able to, please take a lateral flow test ahead of coming on site and only proceed on site if you receive a negative result.

Updated March 2023

We want you to enjoy your experience of being part of our Supersonic family. Please read about the ways in which we will work to ensure our events are safe and inclusive spaces for all. By choosing to engage with our work, whether digitally or at a live event, you agree to act by this code of conduct:

 

Respect Each Other / Mind Your Language

Be kind, polite and respectful to others. We will challenge you if you use abusive, racist, sexist, misogynist, ableist, classist, sizeist, ageist, homophobic or transphobic language.

This an anti-racist space. Discrimination on the basis of race, gender, sexuality, religion, class, age, dis/ability or language is wrong and we will not be tolerated.

Personal Boundaries – Don’t assume

Unless invited, don’t invade other people’s personal or emotional space. Don’t assume that others have the same physical and emotional boundaries as you.

Be Active

This is a space of exchange. Become part of the space, start a dialogue, respond, contribute and help shape it.

Be Kind

Look after one another. We’re all in this space together. Be considerate and treat one another with kindness and respect.

Consent

Always seek consent and if someone says ‘no’, or asks you to stop something, then stop.

Pronouns

Respect the use of pronouns and avoid making assumptions. Ask people how they want to be addressed.

Ask Permission to Photograph

Ask if people are ok with being photographed in advance. We photograph and film during our events for our archive and we will let you know when this is happening so that you can opt out.

* with thanks to Wysing Arts Centre for creating a great code of conduct that we learnt from.

Our work is dominated by the desire to explore and champion the outer edges of new and experimental cultural practice, particularly experimental music. This desire however has been equalled by our aspiration to bring such work to as diverse and large an audience as it merits. Rather than simply pursue experimentation as an esoteric adventure, we see this work as something that can surprise, delight and touch people.  

Please see our access statement for more in-depth information on our venues and getting to and from the festival site.

Access statement for Supersonic Festival 2023

 

 

 

Capsule is committed to ensuring digital accessibility. We are continually improving the user experience for everyone applying relevant accessibility standards. For more detailed information download our policy which we will review periodically.

Website Accessibility Statement

Thank you for your interest in covering Supersonic Festival 2023. 

Please note that there are a limited number of press / media tickets. If you wish to submit a proposal for accreditation, then please contact [email protected] with the subject ‘Supersonic Festival 2023 – Press Accreditation request’.

Supersonic Festival gratefully acknowledges support from PRS for Music Foundation.

Supported by Arts Council England.

 

 

Nightlife Outreach at 7SVN

The charity was founded with the aim of improving the mental health and wellbeing of individuals across the UK, with particular focus on those who are vulnerable and disadvantaged. Through the 7SVN performing arts centre – one of the host venues of Supersonic Festival – the organisation works to challenge stigma and stop discrimination towards those with mental health issues. Their services include workshops, training, a drop-in Crisis Café and counselling. More information visit their Charity Press Pack 2023.

www.nightlifeoutreach.co.uk

 

Substance Awareness & Education  

By promoting drug awareness through educational leaflets at art events, the charity works to help create a safer and more supportive environment for individuals in the art scene. This includes educating individuals about the risks and consequences of substance use, as well as providing resources and support for individuals who may be struggling with addiction. Nightlife Outreach adopts a multi-faceted approach that not only includes education and prevention efforts but also campaigns broader social and economic policies. 

 

No Angels

No Angels (Nightlife Outreach Angels) is one of the flagship projects of the Nightlife Outreach charity, set up to bring support and advice when people are at their most vulnerable. NO Angels is a voluntary service that supports LGBTQAI+, POC and the night-time economy community, bringing targeted information to these groups to better support and safeguard. Personnel are trained in drug awareness, first aid and mental health first aid, and are part of a mentoring programme to support and the support of others. 

Team Supersonic are delighted to be working with the venue again this year and to support and higlight the work of Nightlife Outreach / 7SVN to our audiences and peers alike.