Fantasy Worlds Weekend

Birmingham is not only the place where J. R. R. Tolkien spent his childhood; it is a prime location for inspiring and thinking about fantasy worlds across time and media. In honour of J.R.R. Tolkien, this one-off weekend is aimed at celebrating and developing Birmingham’s rich heritage of fantasy, inviting you to reconsider the city in relation to fantastic world building in the wake of Tolkien’s achievements.

What's On...

Friday 27 May, 19:00 

Annual Tolkien Lecture: "I hold the key": J. R. R. Tolkien through interviews and reminiscences (Dr Dimitra Fimi)

Elgar Concert Hall, Bramall Music Building, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT

Dr Dimitra Fimi, internationally recognised scholar and expert, will give the first annual lecture in honour of J. R. R. Tolkien at University of Birmingham. This lecture will meander through several interviews Tolkien gave during his lifetime, as well as reminiscences of people who knew him well (family, colleagues, publishers, friends). Though this material remains uncollected and scattered in various (often obscure) publications, it often reveals fascinating facets of Tolkien's inspirations, creative process, as well as the construction of a "biographical legend".

Book your seats for this lecture

Saturday 28 May, 09:00 - 20:30 

The Lord of the Rings Films: Trilogy Marathon

The Carroll Room, Muirhead Tower (R21), University of Birmingham,  Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT

Are you ready to settle in for a whole day in Middle-Earth? Watch all three films and lose yourself in this epic exploration of mythology and magic. If you’re a Lord of the Rings novice, or if you order your coffee in elvish, this is movie marathon not to be missed!

Book your seats for the film trilogy

Or, if you would prefer to just watch one or two films…

Fellowship of the Ring Film Screening, 09:00 – 12:00

Book your seats for the Fellowship of the Ring

The Two Towers Film Screening, 13:30 – 16:30

Book your seats for The Two Towers

Return of the King Film Screening, 17:30 – 21:00

Book your seats for The Return of the King

Sunday 29 May, 10:30 – 15:30 

Fantasy Worlds Festival

University Square and the Arts Building, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT

Drop-in to campus and have fun with fantasy-themed activities for all ages. Take part in interactive storytelling adventures, watch exciting re-enactments, add to a wondrous world map and create your own fantasy-themed character inspired by books and films with the University’s very own Middle-Earth Society.

No Booking Required