Mostly Jazz: The sequel

Plus: Joe Lycett's sewage struggle

Dear Patchers — We’ve all made it into the latter part of the week. Welcome back.

Birmingham has been rather grey and rainy of late, so today’s briefing leads on a glorious, sun-filled summer event to remind us all that brighter days are just around the corner. Elsewhere, we have further updates on long-running stories: cars; HS2; and (sadly) more on the council cuts. Plus, more troublemaking from Joe Lycett.

We’ve also raced up to 400 subscribers which is fantastic news! Thank you all very much. It gives us great hope that so many of you are taking a punt on quality local journalism. If you haven’t considered doing so already, click below to join the growing horde. And look out for your extra member-only story tomorrow.

Be back with you soon. Dan.

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🧑‍🎤Mostly Jazz: In uplifting culture news, Mostly Jazz Funk & Soul has announced the second part of their July line-up. The legendary Kool & The Gang, rave pioneers Leftfield and fast-rising multi-BRIT Award-nominated Yussef Dayes will all take part in the three-day Moseley festival. They join James Lavell, Mr Scruff, Mungo’s Hi Fi, Craig Charles and leading Birmingham promoters Leftfoot. Full details at a click.

The full line up. Image by: Mostly Jazz Festival.

🚈£10bn HS2 boost: Data from a new HS2 report lays out that Birmingham has benefitted from an apparent £10bn boost as a result of the train line being built. The research details that planning applications by the line have increased by 66% since the project was given royal assent in 2017. There have also 484% increase in the number of homes planned in those areas, 14 times greater than elsewhere in our region. Jon Thompson, the executive chair of HS2, said: “This report gives definitive proof that investor appetite, regeneration activity and investment close to HS2’s regional assets has surged.” 

🔍Detective Lycett: For those who might’ve missed it, Joe Lycett took to television screens earlier this week to investigate the state of the country’s sewage network. Many in Birmingham will feel particularly close to this murky issue, especially in Bournville where regular sewage network floods are causing havoc. You can watch Joe reveal more online.

🎨Culture cuts: With so many of Birmingham’s vital services facing cuts, it can be difficult to track exactly who and what are facing funding shortfalls. The latest focus is Brum’s culture sector with grants to regularly funded arts organisations — including IKON Gallery, Birmingham Royal Ballet and Legacy Centre of Excellence — looking at 50% cuts this year and 100% the year after. As art writer Ruth Millington posted on X (formerly Twitter): “At the heart of any great city is its culture…protecting and promoting a creative economy is key for our city's recovery.” More info here.

🚗Car crime: It seems like not a day goes by without a story about cars in the West Midlands. Now it’s been revealed that seven of the top ten places for car thefts are in the Midlands with Walsall the second worst place in the country, followed by Solihull and Sandwell in 3rd and 4th. Coventry, Wolverhampton, Dudley and Birmingham also feature. Read more on the issue, here.

🎛️Create the Ting: A pirate radio stalwart, Elijah gained prominence in the grime scene in the early 2000s. 15 years on, the London native is now an artist manager, music consultant, writer and DJ. He tours giving lectures to aspiring writers, journalists and musicians about how to get started with creative endeavours. He’s speaking at Hockley Social this evening. Tickets are just £5 if you want to be inspired.