Heritage Alive: My First Duty as Bailiff at the Birmingham Oratory

This was the very first event I attended in my new role as Bailiff for the King Edward VI Foundation—a ceremonial duty that gave me the privilege of representing the Foundation at an evening dedicated to Birmingham’s past, present, and future.

Celebrating Birmingham’s Heritage at the Oratory

Last night, the Birmingham Oratory opened its doors to celebrate the city’s rich and diverse heritage, with a special gathering that brought together Old Edwardians, community volunteers, councillors, and heritage champions from across the city. It was an evening that not only honoured the past, but also looked boldly toward the future.

The event was hosted with warmth by the fathers and brothers of the Oratory, with even a “baby priest” lending his youthful enthusiasm to the proceedings. Guests were welcomed into the spectacular church, which later remained open—alongside the museum—for tours that allowed visitors to discover the cloisters, the plaques commemorating Oratorians who lived and died here, and the enduring spirit of a community “living in the bond of charity.”

Founded in the 1850s, and with the current building completed between 1903–1909, the Birmingham Oratory holds a special place in English history as the first Oratory in the English-speaking world. Its legacy, steeped in faith and learning, was the perfect backdrop for a festival that has grown to become one of Birmingham’s most significant cultural milestones.

A Festival of Heritage

This year marks an astonishing 240 heritage events across the city, a number that could grow even larger with more support from businesses, trusts, and local communities. From the arts collection in Druids Heath, to Theatrish in Digbeth, and the remarkable online tour of Moseley Road Baths—an initiative helping to preserve that iconic building—there is no shortage of creativity and dedication driving the movement.

The King Edward VI Handsworth building was also highlighted, with pride shown for the role of Old Edwardians who continue to champion heritage projects. Their presence at the Oratory event underscored the importance of connecting the city’s great educational traditions with its ongoing cultural preservation.

Special thanks were given to Irene de Boo and Emma Stokes, whose tireless teamwork has delivered so much for the festival. Together with volunteers from all walks of life, they are the heartbeat of this celebration of Birmingham’s past, present, and future.

Partnerships and Recognition

The festival has been recognised with prestigious accolades, including the World Craft City Award, which shines an international light on Birmingham’s talent and heritage. Support from the Cadbury Trust, Birmingham University Trust, local business districts, and many others has been crucial—not just financially, but also in raising awareness through social media, posters, and grassroots outreach.

Councillors attending the evening acknowledged how the festival has grown into a wide umbrella for heritage, arts, and community spirit. They stressed how much more could be achieved if this momentum is matched by greater collective backing.

A Shared Feast of Memory

The Oratory provided delicious food to round off the evening, giving space for guests to meet, talk, and share ideas. From heartfelt thanks offered to volunteers, to the unveiling of a new festival website, there was a sense of renewal and vision.

In a world that often moves too quickly, nights like this remind us of the importance of pausing, remembering, and celebrating. The Birmingham Oratory, with its monastic roots yet unique freedom, continues to embody a tradition that is both timeless and alive.

As one guest put it: “This is more than a heritage festival—it is a dream of Gorotiys, of roots, of people and places, and of a city that knows how to cherish its story.”

Standing in the Oratory for the first time in my ceremonial role, I was struck by how Birmingham’s heritage is not simply something to admire, but something to nurture. The question for all of us is: how do we ensure that this heritage continues to live and breathe for future generations, rather than fading into memory?