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Dancing and smiling despite the weather

The centrepiece of Friday's launch night was the stunning Light Night event when more than 200 artworks from the city's collections were projected onto the Council House in Victoria Square.Ìý

The crowds were transfixed as the work of the Pre-Raphaelites and famous Old Masters turned the Council House into a vast canvas.ÌýÌýÌýÌý

As if we need more rain!

Painting the city with light

Rosetti’s flamed haired Proserpine stood 45 feet high before Bellini’sÌý Maddona and Child completely filled the front of the building.Ìý

The crowd laughed from beneath umbrellas as between classic art pieces, torrential rain was projected onto the building.

Memphis

A rainy reggae night

In Centenary Square revellers danced to the sounds of the Memphis, the Reggae Rockz concert featuring Gabbidon, formerly of famous local band Steel Pulse along with Yaz Alexander and the Stones of Ujima.ÌýÌý

Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery saw nearly 1,000 people through its doors to see surreal performances and sound installations.ÌýÌý

The candlelit dinners were a complete sell out as visitors dined in the elegant surroundings of the Edwardian Tea Room, whilst many just took in the artworks late into the evening.

The Archers receive their star

The Archers stars

Â鶹ԼÅÄ Radio 4’s The Archers received two prestigious plaques on the Broad Street Walk of Stars, one of which was for the actor Norman Painting who has played the role of Philip Archer since the show began in 1950.Ìý

Saturday highlights

The sun broke through and the crowds basked in late summer sunshine, enjoying the hundreds of free events.ÌýStreet dance and street art performances were a particular highlight and passers by were drawn to watch.

A little boy shows off his creation

It all took place across 36 venues from galleries to book shops and outdoor stages.Ìý

Saturday night saw a crowd of more than 25,000 for the Classical Fantasia. Birmingham's internationally acclaimed orchestra performed with Birmingham Royal Ballet to give a glimpse of their Autumn programme, the Nutcracker and the Dream.ÌýÌý

Birmingham Royal Ballet

Birmingham Opera Company performed excerpts from; Boheme, Carmen, Rigoletto and Samson and Delilah.ÌýThen the CBSO delighted the audience with excerpts from favourites such as Prokofiev's Romeo and Juliet and the Overture from Mozart's Marriage of Figaro.Ìý

The evening closed with a spectacular fireworks display, designed to co-ordinate with the final performances of the Star Wars Theme and the Ride of the Valkyries by Wagner.

Sunday

Following on from Saturday's success, there was a lot to entertain the crowds on Sunday. The arts and crafts were a great hit with the kids. And for those just a little bit older - Sunday night saw KerrangFest.

For more pictures of ArtsFest, see the Birmingham Flickr pages.