The rumour’s are true…. The Digbeth Institute, one of the UK’s landmark, all time great music venues formerly known as the “Sanctuary“ is reopening it’s doors at the end of September 2010. Following a complete overhaul to the tune of £4 million, the venue is now reborn as state of the art music and entertainment complex “ THE HMV INSTITUTE”.

HOW TO FIND US HMV Institute 78 Digbeth High Street, Birmingham, B5 6DY

BY CAR: Street parking is limited near the venue - the use of public transport is advised. BY RAIL: Nearest railway stations are Moor Street, New Street and Bordesley BY BUS: Numbers 2, 5, 6, 31, 37, 57, 57A, 60, 900

GENERAL INFORMATION No video cameras or recording devices allowed. No food or drink to be taken into the venue. Licensed bars on premises.

Strictly over 14s, under 16s with adult (photographic I.D. may be required to gain entry). Please see individual event details for specific age restrictions.

THE HISTORY The Digbeth Institute was originally built in 1908 as an institutional church, but was bought by the council in the 1950s for use as a civic hall. It later became a music venue when Duran Duran’s Roger Taylor bought the venue and adapted if for this purpose. For more than 50 years this venue has been an integral part of Birmingham’s musical culture. In the past the venue has been host to musical royalty including Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, The Cure, Deep Purple and Human League to name just a few. As from the end of September 2010 it will be reborn…. better than ever!

THE REFURB A £4 million project, HMV are proud to showcase the HMV Institute as a bona fide flagship music venue for the UK. Being a Grade 2 listed building, the original stunning classical features will remain intact as the venue is brought up to the current day tastefully combined with state of the art facilities, sound and lighting. It is currently being carefully restored to its former glory for the most significant development for Birmingham’s music scene in the last decade!

THE ROOMS MAIN ROOM - THE INSTITUTE (1,500 Capacity) The main auditorium is the central focal point of the building. A 1,200 capacity amphitheatre set on two stories with a grand and characterstic balcony; steeped in history and musical heritage.

ROOM 2 – THE LIBRARY (600 Capacity) The Library (Formerly the Barfly) will boast state of the art facilities with full stage and setup for live acts.

ROOM 3 – THE TEMPLE (300 Capacity) With original tall stained glass windows and other classical architectural features, this small but perfectly formed room is completely unique.

ROOM 4 – THE CONGREGATION (150 Capacity) Interactive multimedia room and cinema.

ACCESSIBILITY The HMV Institute takes the needs of disabled customers very seriously and actively encourages people of all abilities to attend the events scheduled at their venue. Though built at the turn of the 1900s, the building has been modernized to allow wheelchair access via front of house (please note there is no backstage disabled access). Due to Health and Safety Assessments, we regret the number of wheelchairs that we can admit to the building is limited.

In order to ensure that all disabled patrons to the HMV Institute are adequately catered for, we request that in advance of ticket purchase all disabled customers contact the venue to explain the nature of their disability. Please email info@hmvinstitute.com or call 020 7688 2673. The telephone line opens at 11am and closes at 5pm and operates Monday to Friday. Please note that no other query can be dealth with on this number.

On the evening of an event, we do advise disabled customers to arrive at the venue 15 minutes prior to doors, ideally accompanied by a companion over 18 years old who will be admitted free of charge. The free companion ticket is available to patrons who are registered disabled. Both the ticket to be paid for and the free companion ticket needs to be booked in advance. Please email info@hmvinstitute.com for specific requests, enquiries or comments regarding access/personal needs and a member of our team will endeavour to accommodate such requirements.