From festive traditions to independent markets and drag queen performances – here are the best things to see, do and discover in Birmingham this week.

Cheese, Wine & Jazz Night | The Jam House | Tuesday

Enjoy cheese, wine & jazz courtesy of Arch 13 and The Jam House. Credit: Arch 13 / Facebook

Do you like cheese, wine and live jazz music? Then this will be right up our street. The Jam House is teaming up with its JQ neighbour, Arch 13 where you can enjoy all of the above this Tuesday. Hosted by Arch 13’s Abigail Connolly, you’ll be tasting six perfect cheese and wines that will help you become the ultimate cheese connoisseur this Christmas.

Doors open at 6pm with tasting sessions kicking off at 6.30pm. Click here to book your tickets.

The Frock Destroyers | Nightingale Club | Tuesday

The Frock Destroyers. Credit: BBC / World of Wonder

Gentlemen, start your engines. Ahead of the Drag Race UK final hitting our screens on Thursday, three of this year’s queens are heading to Nightingale Club for a sickening night of drag.

The Frock Destroyers (Baga Chipz, Divina Decampo and Blu Hydrangea) will be slaying the stage with a performance of their hit single Break Up (Bye, Bye), as well as a host of solo performances. You’ll even have a chance to meet the queens ahead of their show at 8.45pm. Click here for more information and to book tickets.

The Nutcracker | Birmingham Hippodrome | Friday – Saturday, December 14

Birmingham Royal Ballet’s The Nutcracker

Christmas well and truly arrives in Birmingham this Friday as the sensational Birmingham Royal Ballet (BRB) takes to the stage of the Birmingham Hippodrome for its iconic performance of The Nutcracker.

This show-stopping production is a huge tradition for both BRB and the Hippodrome, as it welcomes thousands of visitors from Birmingham and beyond to enjoy this festive spectacle that has enchanted audiences since its first performance in 1990.

A true celebration of world-class ballet, tickets for The Nutcracker are available from the Birmingham Hippodrome website now. Click here to book yours.

The Paperdolls Christmas Market | Custard Factory | Saturday & Sunday

Credit: The Paperdolls Handmade / Facebook

The Paperdolls Handmade Market is returning to the Custard Factory this weekend giving you the perfect chance to pick up some beautiful gifts for Christmas. Featuring more than 100 designers and creators, plus a host of fantastic workshops, it’ll be a great way to start getting into the festive spirit. From candles to pottery, paintings and prints, this weekend’s traders include Cedar, Naked Clay Ceramics, Dóttir Studio and plenty more.

The markets will run from 11am – 5pm and entry is completely free! Find out more about The Paperdolls Market here.

Now That’s What I Call the 80s Live | Symphony Hall | Saturday

Now That’s What I Call The 80s Live

Journey back to the 80s this Saturday as Now That’s What I Call The 80s Live comes to Symphony Hall for an evening of unmissable music. Hosted by Gary Davies, the concert will be a true celebration of some of the biggest hits of the decade, all performed by an incredible live band and singers. Throughout the evening expect to hear some of your favourite songs from the 80s including Uptown Girl, It’s Raining Men, Gold, Purple Rain, Come On Eileen and loads more!

Tickets are still up for grabs from the Symphony Hall website. Click here to book yours now.