Birmingham’s iconic O2 Academy complex is delivering another packed week of live music across its three distinct performance spaces, with a diverse lineup spanning indie rock, alternative pop and punk nostalgia. From rising international acts to beloved homegrown talent, here is your complete guide to what’s happening at the venue between 16 and 22 February 2026.
Black Honey Brings Their Cinematic Indie to Academy2
Brighton-based quartet Black Honey makes their return to Birmingham on Wednesday 18 February, bringing their signature blend of indie rock with cinematic flourishes to the intimate setting of O2 Academy2 . The band, led by frontwoman Izzy Phillips, has built a devoted following through their self-titled debut album and 2021’s critically acclaimed Written & Directed, which showcased their evolution from lo-fi grit to polished, hook-laden alternative rock.
Doors open at 7pm for this 8+ event, with under-14s requiring accompaniment by an adult. The Academy2 room, with its 600-person capacity, offers fans a rare opportunity to experience the band in a genuinely intimate environment before they inevitably progress to larger venues . Tickets remain available through official outlets, though early purchase is recommended given the band’s growing popularity.
The Brighton outfit has consistently delivered visually striking live performances that mirror the cinematic quality of their recordings. Fans can expect setlist highlights spanning their entire discography, including fan favourites Charlie, Believe the Hype and material from their most recent work. The Academy’s Bristol Street location makes it easily accessible for those travelling from across the West Midlands and beyond.
The Aces Return to Birmingham on Thursday
Utah-based indie pop quartet The Aces grace the same Academy2 stage on Thursday 19 February, continuing their UK tour in support of recent material . The all-female band—comprising sisters Cristal and Alisa Ramirez alongside Katie Henderson and McKenna Petty—has carved out a distinctive niche with their shimmering guitar pop and crystalline harmonies.
Tickets are priced at £27.54, with DICE emphasising their fan-protection policy that guards against ticket touting . The 7pm start time allows concertgoers to enjoy a full evening’s entertainment while still catching last trains from Birmingham New Street, located just a ten-minute walk from the venue.
The Aces have built their reputation on tight, energetic live performances that translate their studio polish to the stage with impressive fidelity. Their 2023 album I’ve Loved You For So Long demonstrated significant artistic growth, tackling more personal themes while maintaining the infectious pop sensibilities that first brought them attention. Thursday’s show represents an opportunity to witness a band hitting their creative stride.
Girl Group and The Entitled Sons Round Out the Week
The venue’s commitment to showcasing emerging talent continues with Girl Group appearing at O2 Academy2 on Wednesday 18 February, sharing the same evening as Black Honey in a separate performance slot . This concurrent programming across the Academy’s multiple rooms demonstrates why the venue remains central to Birmingham’s live music ecosystem.
Saturday 21 February brings a double-header of rock entertainment, with Punk Rock Factory headlining the main O2 Academy Birmingham room . The South Wales-based quartet has built a cult following through their punk-infused covers of Disney songs and pop favourites, alongside original material that captures the spirit of 90s pop-punk. Their live shows have become legendary for their energy and unexpected musical twists.
Simultaneously, The Entitled Sons perform in the more intimate Academy2 space, offering fans of alternative rock a contrasting but equally compelling option . This flexibility—three venues operating under one roof—means concertgoers can often find multiple appealing options on a single evening, though simultaneous start times require some difficult choices.
Venue Guide: Making the Most of Your Visit
Location and Transport
The O2 Academy Birmingham stands at 16-18 Horsefair, Bristol Street, Birmingham, B1 1DB, occupying a purpose-built entertainment complex that has hosted countless memorable performances since its establishment . The venue is distinct from the O2 Institute on Horsefair, so concertgoers should verify their ticket details carefully before travelling.
Birmingham New Street station represents the primary rail access point, with both Snow Hill and Moor Street stations also within comfortable walking distance . The venue’s central location means extensive bus connections serve the immediate area, with all city centre routes stopping within a few minutes’ walk.
For drivers, advance warning is essential: street parking in Birmingham city centre remains severely limited . The venue strongly recommends using the city’s park and ride facilities or pre-booking spaces in nearby multi-storey car parks. Approaching from the M6, visitors should leave at junction 6, following signs for Birmingham Central to join the A38(M). Those arriving via the M42 should join the M6 northbound from junction 8, while M5 travellers exit at junction 4 to join the A38 .
Bag Policy and Security
Following industry-wide security enhancements, the Academy enforces strict bag restrictions. Only one small bag per person is permitted, with dimensions not exceeding 29.7cm in height, 21cm in width and 15cm in depth—roughly A4 size . Large bags, including rucksacks of any kind, are prohibited, and no luggage storage facilities exist on site. Concertgoers travelling from work or from out of town should plan accordingly.
Security personnel conduct bag checks on arrival, a measure that inevitably creates queues before doors open. Arriving promptly when doors open at 7pm generally means shorter waiting times than arriving immediately before the main act.
Accessibility Provisions
The venue maintains comprehensive accessibility provisions across all three performance spaces. The main Academy room features a designated static area on the balcony level, suitable for six registered disabled patrons and their carers, accessible via lift . For stalls-only events, a static raised area accommodates six persons and their carers.
Academy2 includes space for four registered disabled patrons and their carers in a static designated area, while Academy3 can make provisions upon request despite lacking a permanent static platform . Low-level counters throughout the venue improve accessibility, and disabled toilets operate with radar key access.
The venue encourages patrons with access requirements to contact the box office directly via email at access@o2academybirmingham.co.uk or by telephone on 0121 622 8250 to ensure appropriate arrangements . Spaces may be limited and sell on a first-come, first-served basis, with booking required directly through the venue to guarantee access.
Age Restrictions and Essential Information
General gigs admit patrons aged eight and above, though under-14s must remain accompanied by a responsible adult throughout the event . Club nights and 18+ events carry stricter age verification requirements, with photographic ID potentially required.
The stalls area operates as general admission standing only, creating an energetic atmosphere near the stage but requiring physical stamina for those hoping to secure front-row positions. The balcony offers 486 unreserved seats alongside standing room for approximately 113 patrons . Given seating is unreserved, those desiring a seat should arrive early—a consideration particularly relevant for patrons with mobility concerns or those simply preferring a more relaxed viewing experience.
Patrons seated on the balcony are asked to remain seated throughout performances, with standing permitted only in the designated area behind the seating section . This arrangement ensures clear sightlines for all while maintaining safety standards.
The venue operates a strict no-cameras policy for professional recording equipment, though mobile phone photography for personal use is generally permitted unless specified otherwise by particular artists . Outside food, beverages and alcohol are prohibited, and the venue enforces a comprehensive no-smoking policy throughout the building.
Looking Ahead: Coming Soon to O2 Academy Birmingham
Beyond this week’s offerings, the venue maintains an impressive forthcoming schedule worth highlighting for regular concertgoers. Less Than Jake brings their Winter Circus tour on Saturday 28 February, offering ska-punk enthusiasts an evening of high-energy nostalgia . The Florida veterans consistently deliver entertaining performances blending humour, musicianship and audience participation.
Country fans should note Jordan Davis appearing on Sunday 1 March and Monday 2 March, with the American singer-songwriter bringing his ‘Ain’t Enough Road Tour’ to the UK . Both shows currently show low availability, indicating strong demand for the Grammy-nominated artist.
March continues strongly with Franz Ferdinand on Friday 6 March and The Vaccines on Saturday 7 March, representing two generations of acclaimed British indie rock . Both bands have maintained dedicated followings through consistent touring and critically received studio albums.
The main Academy room’s 3,800-person capacity places it firmly in the mid-sized venue category—large enough to attract international touring acts, yet intimate enough to preserve connection between performer and audience . This sweet spot explains the venue’s enduring popularity with both artists and concertgoers.
Making a Night of It in Birmingham
The O2 Academy’s central location places concertgoers within easy reach of Birmingham’s extensive hospitality offerings. The surrounding area features everything from quick-service dining for those racing from work to the venue, through to more substantial pre-concert dining experiences.
Bristol Street itself offers several options, while the nearby Chinese Quarter and Arcadian Centre provide diverse culinary choices within comfortable walking distance. Concertgoers with more time might consider Digbeth’s emerging food scene, though this requires additional travel time and should be factored into evening planning.
Post-gig options abound for those not dashing for last trains. The venue’s bar remains open following performances, while nearby pubs and late-night venues cater to the post-concert crowd. Those attending Friday or Saturday shows will find Birmingham’s nightlife particularly welcoming, with options extending well into the early hours.
For visitors travelling from outside Birmingham, the city offers accommodation ranging from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels. The venue’s central location means most city centre hotels fall within reasonable walking distance or a short taxi ride. February’s average temperatures hover around 7°C, with occasional rainfall, so appropriate clothing and perhaps an umbrella merit consideration .
This week at O2 Academy Birmingham demonstrates exactly why the venue remains central to the West Midlands’ cultural landscape. From Black Honey’s cinematic indie rock to The Aces’ polished pop and Punk Rock Factory’s irreverent punk covers, the programme offers genuine variety across three distinct performance spaces.
The practical considerations—transport access, bag policies, accessibility provisions—reflect a venue that has refined its operations through decades of live music presentation. While the strict bag policy may inconvenience some, it represents necessary security measures that keep concertgoers safe.
For those attending any of this week’s performances, the key advice remains consistent: check your ticket for the correct room, arrive with appropriate identification if required, travel light and prepare for an evening of live music in one of Britain’s most reliable venues. The O2 Academy Birmingham continues delivering what concertgoers want—access to great music in a setting designed for exactly that purpose.
