Birmingham’s third annual Zombie Walk is set to take place this month with an army of over a thousand of the ‘walking dead’ expected to descend on the city.
Following a successful march through the city last year in aid of the Birmingham Children’s Hospital, over two thousand people have already signed up to once again don Zombie make-up and attire before taking to the streets in “search of brains”.
Armed with a target to raise over £1,500 for the hospital this year, the increasingly popular event is the brainchild of Birmingham youngster and seasoned Flashmob organiser Jamie Chapman.
“I organise events voluntarily but it’s so rewarding to see everyone coming together to make a positive impact. Both the people that help volunteer with the event and those that come along really do make a huge difference,” explains the 21-year-old from Sutton Coldfield.
The event, which takes place on Saturday 23rd July, is set to begin in the public park behind the Birmingham Rep theatre with participants donating money to have professional ghoulish make-up applied before warming up with Shaun of the Dead style zombie exercises.
This will be followed by a mass Zombie Walk around the city centre – complete with eerie groans and slow walking – taking in Chamberlain and Cathedral Squares, the Oasis Market and New Street. The event will conclude with a zombie-themed after-party at alternative music venue Subside.
“It’s a family event and we will be having children, teenagers, adults and families all come along to join in on the day. Last year we had a family turn up all dressed as zombies including the baby in the pram, it was fantastic!” says organiser Jamie.
“This year is the third year of the zombie walk and it has grown bigger each year. There will be lots to do including a zombie raffle, best dressed zombie competition and Monster Energy will also becoming down to give out free cans of Monster to participating zombies.”
Christine Mills, of the Birmingham Children’s Hospital fundraising team, commended Jamie for setting up the event.
“We are delighted that the Zombie Walk is supporting BCH once again following its success over the past two years. It is great to see the local community coming together on the streets of Birmingham and in such a creative way.
“Jamie Chapman, the organiser, works incredibly hard to ensure the event is as successful and enjoyable as possible for all involved. We are so grateful for all of their support,” she said.
Also supporting the event alongside Monster Energy are The Oasis Market, Cafe Blend, alternative music venue Subside, Scruffy Murphy’s, The Costume Department, I Am Birmingham, Pulp alternative clothing, the Birmingham Hippodrome, American gadgets firm iFrogz, Park St. Tattoo, Vudu Night Club, The Square shopping centre and the city’s famous Nostalgia & Comics store.
The planned event has 2,500 people registered on its official Facebook page, with at least 1,000 expected to attend. The walk raised over £800 for the Birmingham Children’s Hospital last year and organisers hope to raise in excess of £1,500 for the charity this time around.
You can watch the official trailer for this year’s Birmingham Zombie Walk here.
For more details, pictures and an essential events pack, visit www.birminghamzombies.com
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