Middle-earth Weekend 2011

Deputy Lord Mayor's Blog 40

One of the events that Vivienne and I always enjoy attending either in a civic or private capacity - and take an active part in each year - is Birmingham's unique Middle-earth Weekend.

Indeed Vivienne, the Deputy Lady Mayoress, chairs the 'MEWE' Organising Committee, writes the scripts for the playlets, raises money and is the 'buck stops here' organiser - as you can see!

This year's event, as ever, has a traditional family format and celebrates the work and cultural legacy of J.R.R. Tolkien, his many close connections with Birmingham and how the local landscape influenced his vision of Middle-earth. There has been a big international response to the photography competition and the winning entries will go into a downloadable calendar to be released later in the year.

Once again the organisation of the weekend is volunteer led, but as with many organisations these days we could do with more. If you or a family member or friend have even a couple of hours to spare on either day and would like to help, please email Viv as VWi8327963@aol.com - a task can be found to suit your interests and availability and you'd find it fun! In a rather timely manner given recent controversies, this year there is a theme of trees, woodlands and wild areas - of which Tolkien was particularly fond.

The Middle-earth Weekend 2011 will be a truly family occasion (with no charge for admission) and has an old-fashioned air that many people find refreshing. It is held in and around Sarehole Mill on Saturday the 21st and Sunday the 22nd of May. Further details of this very special event can be found on the Middle-earth Weekend website at: 

 http://www.middleeathweekend.org.uk

We hope to see you there!