Jewellery Quarter's festival debut set to sparkle

Jul 3 2009 by William Oliphant, Birmingham Mail

THE Jewellery Quarter will play host to a festival for the first time tomorrow to celebrate its heritage and the continuing legacy of Matthew Boulton.

It has been organised by the Jewellery Quarter Regeneration Partnership and will also feature the first farmers’ market to be held in the city centre district.

There will also be a treasure hunt to find specially minted Matthew Bouton coins with a prize of £1,000 for the winner.

A special guest appearance will also be made by “Matthew Boulton” in St Paul’s Square and there will be classical music and choral performance.

The Royal Birmingham Society of Artists will host a coin making workshop and the Pen Museum in Frederick Street will be running a writing competition. Acme Whistles, in St Paul’s Square will be holding the “Acme Whistle Quiz” with the opportunity to win a solid silver Acme Thunderer whistle.

The Musuem of the Jewellery Quarter will also be giving a demonstration of silversmithing while other attractions will include jazz performances and vintage bus rides.

A farmers’ market will be held at the Chamberlain clock tower and will be officially opened by Councillor Kath Hartley.

Andy Munro, operations director for the Jewellery Quarter Regeneration Partnership, said: “It should be a really enjoyable day and celebrates the Quarter’s long history of jewellery making. Attractions like the treasure hunt, the jazz music and farmers’ market ensures that there is something for everyone.”