Spirit of Pakistan Festival 2026: Celebrating Culture, Community and Creativity

This August, Birmingham will once again become the stage for one of the UK's most ambitious celebrations of British Pakistani arts, culture and heritage as the Spirit of Pakistan Festival returns for its second year. Running from 1–15 August, the festival brings together world-class artists, emerging local talent and communities from across the city in a vibrant programme spanning music, theatre, film, visual arts, literature, comedy, heritage, workshops and family events.

Founded through the vision of the late Councillor Waseem Zaffar MBE, the festival was created to celebrate the achievements and contributions of British Pakistanis while building understanding, pride and connection between communities. Today, that vision continues to shape a festival that is as much about Birmingham as it is about Pakistan—celebrating shared stories, creativity and belonging.

Festival Chair Saima Suleman says the festival has become "an important part of Birmingham's cultural calendar," bringing people from all backgrounds together while celebrating the heritage, achievements and contributions of British Pakistanis. She adds that carrying forward Waseem Zaffar's vision is "a privilege," describing the festival as an opportunity to celebrate unity, opportunity and service while inspiring future generations.

Artistic Director Mukhtar Dar describes the festival as "an act of belief" in the power of culture to bring people together. Reflecting on his close friendship with Waseem Zaffar, he says the festival demonstrates how arts and culture can build bridges, strengthen communities and ensure that everyone can see themselves reflected with dignity, complexity and pride.

This year's programme embraces an impressive range of artforms and experiences, from classical music and Sufi performance to film, comedy, photography, literature, workshops, talks and community celebrations. Events take place across some of Birmingham's leading cultural venues, including Birmingham Town Hall, Midlands Arts Centre (MAC), Soul City Arts, BRIG Warehouse Café, parks and community spaces throughout the city, reflecting the festival's commitment to making culture accessible to everyone.

Among the highlights is a spectacular outdoor screening of The Legend of Maula Jatt, bringing Pakistan's record-breaking cinematic phenomenon to audiences under the summer sky. The festival also shines a spotlight on Birmingham's own creative community through exhibitions and performances by local artists, including Moving Canvases, Rizwan Ali Dar's striking photographic exploration of Pakistan's iconic truck art, alongside specially commissioned performances and new creative work from Brummie Pakistani artists.

Laughter also takes centre stage with Pakistanis in the House, an evening of stand-up comedy showcasing leading British Pakistani comedians. At the same time, workshops in calligraphy, printmaking and visual arts invite audiences of all ages to explore Pakistan's rich artistic traditions firsthand. Talks, storytelling events, community celebrations and heritage activities ensure there is something for every generation.

The festival reaches its climax with a fitting finale at Birmingham Town Hall, where internationally acclaimed Sufi singer Sanam Marvi performs an unforgettable evening celebrating Pakistan's rich musical heritage. The concert promises to provide a powerful conclusion to two weeks of artistic excellence, cultural exchange and community celebration.

Above all, Spirit of Pakistan is a tribute to the enduring legacy of Waseem Zaffar MBE. More than a festival founder, he believed culture could inspire young people, create opportunity, celebrate heritage and bring communities together. His vision lives on in a festival that continues to grow in scale and ambition, strengthening Birmingham's reputation as one of the UK's most diverse and culturally vibrant cities while ensuring that the spirit of inclusion, pride and community he championed continues to inspire future generations.

TO FIND OUT MORE, CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE BROCHURE.