With the countdown to our 18th Birthday officially on, we take a look back on some of our key events and highlights over the years so far.
This week we are looking back at a festive celebration in 2004 and the opening of a unique attraction in 2005.
Hosting the Birmingham Christmas Lights Switch-On in 2004 proved that we had fully arrived in the eyes of Brummies across the city. Festive Switch-Ons are some of the biggest events in the calendar of any town or city and have a unique way of bringing the community together.
As a venue, our commitment to STEM has been at the backbone of all of our activity. Our offer to the city of Birmingham was boosted in 2005 with the introduction of the Planetarium at our tenants ThinkTank.
2004: Christmas Lights Switch-On
The 2004 Christmas Lights Switch-On took place on Sunday, November 21st 2004. Families from across the city came to Millennium Point for the festivities, which included a funfair and BRMB ‘Party at the Point’ concert (and that was just the warm-up!)
The then Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Mike Nangle, was given the responsibility of getting Christmas underway with the switch on of the evening as crowds gathered.
After the big-switch-on, synchronised images of the lights around the city were beamed onto giant screens at Millennium Point, while revellers stuck around to celebrate.
2005: Planetarium opens at ThinkTank
Birmingham’s first Planetarium – and the UK’s first digital planetarium – opened to the public on Saturday December 17th 2005 as the new centrepiece of a £2 million upgrade for the award-winning Thinktank science museum at Millennium Point.
With seating for up to 70 visitors per show, the new Planetarium boasted a projection dome measuring 10 metres in diameter and gave Brummies a chance to find out all about the Universe from their doorstep.
At the time of opening the Chief Executive of Millennium Point and Thinktank Dr Nick Winterbotham said local people had been waiting for this kind of initiative since the world’s first Planetarium opened in 1923.
The attraction has continued to be at the cutting edge of technology throughout the years, and the new 4K planetarium system has brighter and sharper images than ever before, as well as crystal clear surround-sound. It remains the only one of its kind in the West Midlands.
Special events held at the planetarium over the years have included evening astronomy talks, solar observing and even theatrical productions.
Find more interesting content from Millennium Point over at our news section, or follow us for daily updates on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn with @MillenniumPoint.
Millennium Point is a landmark public building and multi-award-winning events venue in the Eastside of Birmingham City centre. Profits from our commercial activity are invested by the Millennium Point Charitable Trust into projects, events and initiatives which support the growth of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) and education in the West Midlands.
Disclaimer: The content of these photos in this blog were taken in May 2019, for further information on our response to Covid-19 please see here.
Whether you’re a scruffy-looking nerf herder from Tatooine or emperor of a fascist galactic government, it’s important to know how to organise a (Star)killer of an event. To celebrate Star Wars Day, here are five ways you can use Millennium Point’s award-winning venue as demonstrated by the good, the bad and the bantha fodder of a galaxy far, far away.
But first, a quick tip for a warm, welcoming reception
In cooking, they say the first bite is with the eye, and in the events and hospitality business that’s no different. Your event begins the moment your first delegate steps over that threshold so it’s important to make sure you impress them with the first “bite”. Having someone at the door to greet guests is a great way to make them feel welcome right from the off. Speak to one of our events team for more advice on this and check out our numerous packages for receptions.
It also means you can sniff out any rebel scum who may be trying to enter without registering to blow up your superweapons.
Workshops, Training and Away Days
When you’re running a fascist dictatorship that spans an entire galaxy, it’s important to keep your staff engaged and motivated. Their wellbeing is key to a strong galactic empire, lose them and you might find them breaking out a TIE fighter and escaping with fugitives to join your rivals.
At Millennium Point we have several spaces perfect for workshops, training days and away days but our client favourite must be Connect on level 2 of our landmark venue. Connect has four interconnected spaces so can be opened or segmented to suit the needs of the day.
Connect 1 and 2 can be opened into a spacious boardroom for up to 24 delegates, perfect for a motivational workshop. This space comes with slick projection facilities that will make you feel on the cutting edge of workshop delivery.
Event space is the largest room in Connect and has ample space for more activity-based training and development. Whether it’s conducting pivotal competitor analysis…
…or refining the accuracy of your Stormtroopers in the hope that one day they might shoot something.
Concourse is a great break out space for secret plotting
Concourse, also on level 2, is great breakout space for when you’re having a break. It sits in a high footfall area and overlooks the future site of Curzon Street station opposite, the first international terminus to be built in the UK since the 19th century!
Party it up in Platform
Platform is our large open plan event space on level 1 of the building which sits underneath our giant auditorium. It’s a great versatile space that can cater for almost any event, from exhibitions to conferences, performances, quizzes and of course, parties!
Platform features multiple screens, optional staging and AV as well as a fully licenced bar which means an ideal setting if you’re missing those cantina vibes on Tatooine.
Sit back and watch the silver screen in Auditorium
Our 354-seat auditorium is equipped with dazzling AV and a giant 24m x 12m screen ideal for keynotes, presentations and big announcements.
It’s also a great space to treat your subordinates to a bit of downtown with a film featuring your best bits, a video game tournament or interactive games and performances.
Atrium makes the best backdrop for a photo
If there’s one thing the Galactic Empire can teach us, it’s the importance of looking good. Even when their plans are being consistently thwarted by a bunch of teenagers in a rust bucket, you can’t deny they look good failing.
Our Atrium on level 0 of our award-winning venue is not just a popular space for public exhibitions, galas and expos but also as a backdrop for the silver screen, the smaller screen and for photoshoots.
Acting as the central hive of activity in our landmark public building, Atrium has a fascinating open-air aesthetic that must be seen to be experienced.
…and that concludes our list of five ways you can use Millennium Point’s event spaces! For more information on our 17 versatile venue spaces available head over to the venue section of the website.
Special thanks to Central Legion who joined us in 2019 to take these photos and delighted our visitors to the building on a very hot afternoon.
Stay safe, stay connected and May the 4th be With You.
Note: This blog was written as a light-hearted article to commemorate Star Wars Day. Millennium Point does not condone the actions of the Galactic Empire nor has any affiliation with either side of the Galactic Civil War.
Find more interesting content from Millennium Point over at our news section, or follow us for daily updates on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn with @MillenniumPoint.
Millennium Point is a landmark public building and multi-award-winning events venue in the Eastside of Birmingham City centre. Profits from our commercial activity are invested by the Millennium Point Charitable Trust into projects, events and initiatives which support the growth of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) and education in the West Midlands.
Give your colleagues something to look forward with a Christmas party at Millennium Point. We have three packages available for up to 354 guests*, from exquisite fine dining to the private cinematic experience, there’s so much our award-winning venue can offer this festive season from as little as £35 per person!
Your party will come with your own private, fully licenced bar a dedicated events manager and welcoming staff to take care of things and keep the good vibes going while you sit back and enjoy.
Our Platform space on level 1 of our landmark venue is the stage for your winter wonderland, now all that’s left is you!
Get the VIP treatment with our Christmas Banquet package from £39.50 pp + VAT
Celebrate in style when you choose our Christmas Banquet package. Give your guests the VIP treatment with a red-carpet reception with a complimentary glass of fizz. You’ll then be seated ready to dine on an exquisite three-course banquet on tables adorned with centrepieces and novelties to keep you entertained. Round off your perfect evening with your own private DJ and dancefloor.
Get the Party vibes flowing with our Christmas Party package from £35.00 pp + VAT
Choose our Christmas Party package and amp up the feel-good festive vibes. You and your guests will again be treated to the VIP experience with a red-carpet reception and complimentary glass of fizz on arrival. You will then be treated to a succulent hot fork buffet while you mingle before we turn up the party vibes with your own private DJ and dancefloor.
Get Festive Cinematic Experience with our Festive Film Package from £37.50pp + VAT
Ditch the traditional Christmas crackers and paper hats and go for a festive party experience with a twist with our Festive Film and Food package exclusive to Millennium Point. Choose one of several festive favourites or bring your own for you and your guests to enjoy an exclusive cinematic experience on our giant screen. You and your guests will be treated to a glass of fizz on arrival and succulent bowl food served by our welcoming staff before heading up to our impressive auditorium.
Convenience and flexibility
Our multi-award-winning venue is conveniently located on the Eastside of Birmingham City centre and just a short walk from the most popular hotels, bars and clubs in the city.
All our packages are flexible to suit your needs. Our catering packages are suitable for any dietary requirements. Our award-winning events team have over 40 years’ experience in the business, which means a no-fuss, enjoyable event experience for you and your guests.
That’s not all, by booking your Christmas party with Millennium Point you are also widening your CSR by giving back to the local communities. A percentage of your booking will go towards the Millennium Point Charitable Trust who contribute over £5 million annually to the growth of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) in the West Midlands.
Get in touch with our events team today for your no-strings quick quote today. Go on, give yourself something to look forward to!
Find more interesting content from Millennium Point over at our news section, or follow us for daily updates on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn with @MillenniumPoint.
Millennium Point is a landmark public building and multi-award-winning events venue in the Eastside of Birmingham City centre. Profits from our commercial activity are invested by the Millennium Point Charitable Trust into projects, events and initiatives which support the growth of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) and education in the West Midlands.
What is thought to be the world’s oldest railway roundhouse has been unearthed by HS2 Ltd at the construction site of its Birmingham Curzon Street station, opposite Millennium Point.
What was found?
The discovery was made during archaeological investigations ahead of the construction of the station as part of HS2’s initial programme of trial trenching at Curzon Street. What was revealed was the remains of the station’s roundhouse, exposed toward the south-eastern corner of the site.
The surviving remains include evidence of the base of the central turntable, the exterior wall and the 3ft deep radial inspection pits which surrounded the turntable.
Further details on what was unearthed can be found here.
What’s a roundhouse?
The roundhouse, and specifically the turntable, was used to turn around the engines so locomotives could return down the line. Engines were also stored and serviced in these facilities. The railway’s 1847 roundhouse at the southern end of the line is now better known as the world-renowned Roundhouse music venue in London’s Camden.
A little history…
Built to a design by the 19th-century engineer Robert Stephenson, operational on 12 November 1837 –It was situated adjacent to the old Curzon Street station, which was the first railway terminus serving the centre of Birmingham and built during a period of great significance and growth for the city.
The 19th-century station at Curzon Street is among the very earliest examples of mainline railway termini. Initially providing passenger services, Curzon Street originally consisted of two station termini, servicing the London and Birmingham Railway (L&BR) and the Grand Junction Railway (GJR); before being converted to a single goods station (following the opening of Birmingham New Street Station in 1854), and which operated until the 1960s.
Beginning at Curzon Street Station, Birmingham, and finishing at Euston Station in London, the 112-mile long L&BR took 20,000 men nearly five years to build. It has been estimated that to build the railway, construction workers shifted more material than the ancient Egyptians did when they constructed the pyramids.
The L&BR terminus opened to passengers in 1838 and was fronted by the grand ‘Principal Building’ which survives in situ (as do elements of the GJR neo-classical screen wall). This Grade I listed building represents the world’s oldest surviving piece of monumental railway architecture. Various structures were demolished from 1860 to 1870 to allow for the expansion of the goods station, including the engine roundhouse.
What happens next?
The archaeology undertaken ahead of the construction of the new Curzon Street station will record the historical significance for the site and determine whether the remains can be preserved in situ.
Archaeological excavations are due to take place on the site between mid-February and mid-March, uncovering the roundhouse and other historic railway structures for the first time, including the remains of the Grand Junction Railway terminus.
Jon Millward, Historic Environment Advisor, HS2 Ltd, said: “HS2 is offering us the opportunity to unearth 1,000’s of years of British history along the route and learn about our past.”
“The discovery of what could be the world’s oldest railway roundhouse on the site of the new HS2 station in Birmingham City Centre is extraordinary and fitting as we build the next generation of Britain’s railways.”
HS2 will see the site become home to a new intercity terminus station, located directly opposite our landmark public building and conference venue – which too was the catalyst for regeneration in Eastside back in late 1998 – and will be the first built in Britain since the 19th century.
Birmingham Curzon Street station will be at the heart of the country’s new high-speed railway network, providing seven platforms, a new public space, and be integrated with an extended tram network.
For regular updates on project please visit the HS2 website here.
Millennium Point is a landmark public building and multi-award-winning events venue in the Eastside of Birmingham City centre. Profits from our commercial activity are invested by the Millennium Point Charitable Trust into projects, events and initiatives which support the growth of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) and education in the West Midlands.
Singing sensations G4 are set to bring the festive spirit to Millennium Point with a free-to-attend set of Christmas classics.
Our first ever Christmas celebrations are being taken up a notch with the announcement that G4 will be giving a free performance at Millennium Point in Birmingham city centre.
The operatic four-piece, who rose to fame on the original series of X Factor, will perform in the ground floor atrium of our landmark public building under our 39-ft Christmas tree between midday and 2 pm on December 10th.
The group will take to the stage at Birmingham Town Hall for a highly anticipated show the same evening, with fans able to get a sneak preview as part of Millennium Point’s Christmas events schedule.
Fans of the group and lovers of all things Christmas are welcome to join us for an early afternoon treat, where they are sure to hear incredible renditions of festive classics.
Rebecca Delmore, Commercial Director for Millennium Point says “Our beautiful tree and decorations will add to the atmosphere for what should be a special event at Millennium Point.”
G4 reunited in 2014 after disbanding in 2007, with the release of their first post-reunion album ‘G4 Christmas’ followed by a Christmas tour, a tradition which has continued and grown in the years since.
The latest tour, including the Birmingham Town Hall show, takes in 28 shows across the country in the run-up to Christmas.
The multi-platinum selling group will be showcasing a new line-up at Millennium Point consisting of Jonathan Ansell, Mike Christie, Lewis Raines and new bass singer Duncan Sandilands.
Mike Christie, baritone singer, said: “It’s always wonderful to return to Birmingham, as the audiences are incredible.
“We can’t wait to join in with the celebrations at Millennium Point before heading to our Christmas show at the iconic Town Hall.”
Reserve your free ticket now by visiting this page, you can check out our full Christmas programme on our dedicated page. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram @millenniumpoint and share your Christmas photos at Millennium Point with #mpchristmas for a chance to win £50 in Amazon vouchers.
Millennium Point is an award-winning venue and landmark public building with commercial profits being invested back into the Millennium Point Charitable Trust which supports science, tech, engineering and maths (STEM) and education in the West Midlands.
The Millennium Point Trust and MPPL Annual General Meeting will take place on the 16th December from 1pm, in Connect on Level 2.
Download the signed MPPL AGM Notice
Download the signed MPT AGM Notice
The first-ever Christmas celebrations at landmark Birmingham venue Millennium Point are officially underway.
BBC Radio 2 Zoe Ball Breakfast show co-host Richie Anderson and BBC Midlands Today presenter Rebecca Wood were joined by Santa and staff at the Curzon Street site for a light switch-on event signalling the start of festivities.
The trio pushed the button to illuminate a 39-foot tall tree covered by 23,000 LED lights set up in the venue’s atrium.
Richie Anderson, who had been at Millennium Point rehearsing for his appearance on BBC Children in Need tonight, said: “Millennium Point is one of my favourite venues in Birmingham, the staff are all so wonderful and I hope they have a fantastic Christmas. The tree they have installed is beautiful and the whole building looks spectacular so I am very pleased to have been invited along for the switch-on event.”
A time-lapse video created by Millennium Point shows how the inside of the building has been transformed by the festive spectacle, installed by Birmingham based company The Christmas Decorators.
The process took more than twelve hours to complete and the tree will now form the backdrop for a range of upcoming Christmas events, all free to attend, including Santa family days and musical performances.
The outside of the Millennium Point building has also been illuminated by The Christmas Decorators, offering up a festive treat for visitors approaching Grand Central station.
Millennium Point has invested in a new renewable energy commitment ahead of the installation, to ensure the power usage while the tree is installed is as low as possible.
Abigail Vlahakis, Interim CEO at Millennium Point, said: “Having Richie, Rebecca and Santa join us for the switch-on event was a real pleasure and I am delighted with how everything looks. We are looking forward to welcoming families from across the city throughout Christmas. Celebrating Christmas in this way is something new for us and we are pleased to have got things underway with staff all getting together.”
Watch below as our Christmas lights were officially switched on.
A time-lapse video below shows the installation of Millennium Point’s tree.
Each week we’ll be giving away £50 Amazon vouchers for your best snaps and selfies at Millennium Point. Share your photos on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram tagging in @millenniumpoint with #MPChristmas for a chance to win!
Families in Birmingham can meet Santa for free as part of the first-ever Christmas celebrations at Millennium Point.
Three Santa Family Day events will be held in our atrium across the festive season under a 39-foot artificial tree, which is one of the biggest in the city and will be brought to life by more than 23,000 LED lights.
Each child will get to meet Santa, receive a gift and the opportunity to have their photo taken, as well as enjoying children’s entertainment provided for each of the days.
The family days form part of a series of events and activities to mark Christmas at Millennium Point, which will be more visible than usual for visitors approaching Grand Central station thanks to a major lighting project set to illuminate the side of the building.
Rebecca Delmore, Commercial Director at Millennium Point, said: “As this is the first time we have used our fantastic building to properly celebrate Christmas, we want families in Birmingham to come and see what we are all about.
“Aside from being a major venue in the city, we are also a charitable trust and are constantly working with our community to give back.
“Christmas is the perfect time to reach out to more people than ever before, we are inviting families to come along and meet Santa for free, have a photo taken and receive a gift.
“We have brought in one of the biggest trees in the city and will be lighting up the side of our building, we want to make this first Christmas celebration special and use it as a building block for future years.”
The Family Day events will take place on December 8th, 13th and 19th, with various musical, craft and festive events to be announced over the coming weeks.
To book a meet and greet with Santa, and see what else is happening, at Millennium Point, visit: www.millenniumpoint.org.uk/christmas but be quick as there are limited spaces available for each day. Tickets are timed and there will be a small queue during your slot allocation.
Millennium Point has been named as one of the most innovative businesses in the Midlands.
Our ‘unique offering’ and ability to ‘make a real difference in the community’ has been recognised in the latest Mills & Reeve Innovation 50 campaign, which lists some of the most forward-thinking businesses across the region.
The law firm’s report highlights innovative success stories from across the region and features 50 businesses across five categories.
Millennium Point’s focus piece in the report read: “What makes Millennium Point truly unique and innovative is its business model.
“The building is owned by a charity, the Millennium Point Charitable Trust, with all commercial activity in the building feeding back into the trust.
“Millennium Point is making a real difference in the community with a unique offering, using its resources to great effect.”
As an organisation, we strive to support the growth and evolution of STEM across the Midlands, so we place a great emphasis on the importance of innovation.
Abbigail Vlahakis, Interim CEO for Millennium Point, said: “We are proud to take our place on the Innovation 50 and would like to thank Mills & Reeve for recognising the work we do.
“Ours is a unique business model which enables us to make the most of our successful commercial activities for the wider benefit of the community.
“Last year we donated, invested and facilitated more than £4.8m to STEM-related organisations, projects and initiatives in the West Midlands, which is solid proof that we have found a way of making both sides of our operation work to their greatest potential.”
Millennium Point is an award-winning conference & events venue, charitable trust and landmark building in Birmingham City centre. Commercial profits from our venue, which includes a 350-seat auditorium and the city’s largest screen, and as a landlord are invested in projects through the Millennium Point Charitable Trust to support the growth of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) and education within the West Midlands.
Applications are now open for our life-changing scholarship at Birmingham City University.
Each year, the Millennium Point Charitable Trust fully fund an undergraduate degree at Birmingham City University’s Faculty of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment, which covers over 20 different courses ranging from civil engineering to video game design and film production.
Now in its sixth year, the Millennium Point Trust Scholarship has funded four young people through their degrees at Birmingham City University, with the fifth winner, Laura starting her course in Film Production Technology this month.
Who can apply?
Applications are only being accepted from students living in the West Midlands region, who cannot already have or currently be studying an undergraduate degree.
Why should they apply?
All finalists will benefit from the programme with opportunities that can kick start their career in science, technology, engineering or maths (STEM).
One person will get a fully funded degree – which means they won’t pay their undergraduate tuition fees. They’ll also have several opportunities to develop through networking, events and industry links provided through Millennium Point.
All finalists receive skills development and training to build their confidence before the live final. Following the competition, they can become an alumnus of the programme and benefit from a range of opportunities such as mentoring, work placements and networking.
How can they apply?
The application process is broken down into two stages, with those who proceed to stage two getting to present their story to a live audience comprised of key stakeholders and industry experts.
The first stage is quick and easy, they just need to fill out an application and submit it to our online form with any supporting materials before 11:59pm 31st January 2020. We’ll then select up to 6 finalists to compete in the live final in March.
Get started
If you or someone you know is interested, head over to millenniumpoint.org.uk/scholarship/apply and start the application.
Millennium Point is a multi-award-winning venue, charity and landmark public building in the east side of Birmingham City centre. Profits from its commercial activity is invested through the Millennium Point Charitable Trust into projects, events and initiatives which support the growth and development of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) and education in the West Midlands region. For more information, visit our about page.
