Snoopy Lands at Great Western Arcade: Everything You Need to Know
There’s a new face in the arcade this summer – and he’s brought his beach hut with him.
Great Western Arcade has joined the Snoopy in Birmingham trail, a city-wide celebration bringing twelve giant Snoopy sculptures to locations across Birmingham. Our very own Snoopy can be found at the Temple Row end of the arcade, perched on top of a beautifully designed beach hut, kite in hand and ready for summer.
What is the Snoopy in Birmingham Trail?
Created in partnership with Wild in Art and Peanuts, the trail runs across the city from 9th July until 1st September. It’s completely free to follow, and each sculpture along the way has been individually designed, making for a brilliant excuse to explore parts of Birmingham you might not usually wander through.
Best of all, the trail raises vital funds for Acorns Children’s Hospice, which supports babies, children and young people with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions across the West Midlands, Gloucestershire, Warwickshire and Worcestershire. Every visit to a sculpture, every photo shared, and every donation along the way helps that work continue.
It’s a fitting year for it too – Snoopy recently celebrated his 75th anniversary since first appearing in the Peanuts comic strip, and Birmingham’s trail is a lovely way to mark it.
You’ll find the twelve sculptures dotted across the city centre at: New Street Station, Great Western Arcade, Piccadilly Arcade, Grand Central, Bullring, Selfridges, Burlington Arcade, John Bright Street, Mailbox, Birmingham Town Hall, Corporation Street and Staybridge Suites. Printed maps and a downloadable digital version – complete with quizzes for younger explorers — are available from Central BID Birmingham, so you can plan your own route around the city.
Come and Celebrate the Launch
To mark Snoopy’s arrival in the arcade, we’re throwing a free family event on 25th July, 11am–3pm. It’s the perfect way to kick off the school summer holidays, whether you’re local, working nearby, or just passing through Birmingham for the day.
On the day, you can expect:
- A stilt-walking pilot handing out free paper aeroplanes to visitors throughout the event
- Unicycling pilots Eve and Baldini performing throughout the arcade in a series of live sets
- Plenty of photo opportunities with Snoopy’s beach hut – one of the most charming stops on the whole trail
- A warm welcome from the shops and cafés that call the arcade home
The event is free to attend, suitable for all ages, and needs no booking. Just turn up and join in.
Why Visit Great Western Arcade This Summer
Built in 1876, Great Western Arcade is one of Birmingham’s most striking Victorian shopping arcades — a beautiful, listed building filled with independent retailers, cafés and restaurants. It’s an easy, walkable stretch in the heart of the city centre, and one that rewards a slow stroll rather than a rushed visit.
Snoopy’s arrival gives you one more reason to come and see it for yourself this summer. Grab a coffee, say hello to Snoopy, and make a day of exploring the rest of the trail while you’re in the city.
Visit Us
Great Western Arcade Colmore Row, Birmingham, B3 2QQ
Launch Event: 25th July, 11am–3pm Trail Runs: 9th July – 1st September Supporting: Acorns Children’s Hospice
With thanks to Central BID for supporting the launch celebrations. Download the full trail map here.