Previous Names:

Carling Academy Birmingham (Changed after 2008)

Seating Capacity: 2700

Venue Type : Unknown

Longest Performance:
05.13.06 - Crush (6:24)

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The Carling Academy Birmingham is a music venue in Dale End, Birmingham, England that is run by the Academy Music Group.

In the 1980s and early 1990s, it was known as the 'Hummingbird,' and occupies the site of the former Rank Ballroom. The venue was reopened as the Birmingham Academy (in the same group of venues including the Brixton Acedemy) in late 2000, early gigs including Richard Ashcroft and locals Ocean Colour Scene.

It should not be confused with the Academy at the NIA, which is the name given to the nearby NIA when it hosts music events.

The venue features two performance areas. The main section is a larger venue for established acts and holds around 2700 people. It is below street level and surrounded by a mezzanine style balcony level. Upstairs, there is a smaller room known as the 'Academy 2,' which hosts smaller bands playing to audiences of around 400. Both rooms are standing only. The building contains a number of bars, and on certain nights of the week plays host to alternative music based club nights including the renowned "Ramshackle." There is also a monthly record and CD fair that takes place in the venue. The premises immediately next door to the Carling Academy were bought by the Acedemy Music Group in 2001 and opened as 'Bar Academy,' a small bar on two floors, with a stage upstairs for live music. It is also regularly used for after show parties following gigs in the main Carling Academy. It also has it's own regular club nights, including "Cold Rice."

Ajoining the venue is the Priory Square shopping centre, the most notable part of which is the Oasis indoor market, home to a number of independent alternative clothing, jewellery and general paraphenalia sellers. The entire complex (including the Academy) is scheduled for demolition and redevelopment in the near future. Whether the Carling Academy is to be part of these plans remains to be seen.