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Join Solihull families, residents and community groups for a vibrant kite procession filled with music, colour and shared stories. Gather beneath the aerial rig for a spectacular Up in the Sky performance celebrating movement, connection and the joy of being together.

Under the Same Sky is a borough-wide community arts project created by Autin Dance Theatre in partnership with Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council. Across summer 2026, people from across Solihull have been invited to make, move and share stories through kite-making, dance, non-verbal storytelling and creative workshops, exploring arrival, identity, belonging, hope and the experiences we share.

The journey began with a joyful free launch weekend at Shirley Park and Babbs Mill Park on 20 and 21 June. Hundreds of local people came together for willow-and-paper kite-making, Low Fly aerial dance tasters, movement, storytelling, street games, music and creative play. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive: participants described the activities as enjoyable, welcoming and valuable, and particularly appreciated being able to take part in free creative and physical experiences in their local parks. The weekend opened the door to a wider programme of workshops with schools, families and community groups across the borough.

On Saturday 3 October, those many stories and creative journeys will come together at Tudor Grange Park. Participants will carry the kites they have created in a colourful community procession filled with music, movement and shared celebration. The procession will finish beneath Autin Dance Theatre’s striking seven-metre circular aerial rig, where audiences will gather for Up in the Sky.

Performed by six exceptional artists, Up in the Sky blends aerial dance, dynamic physical storytelling and flying props in an uplifting story about displacement, resilience, connection and finding where we belong. The performance is non-verbal, with its story communicated through movement, music and visual imagery, creating a welcoming experience for audiences across languages and generations.

The event is free, family-friendly and open to all. Come to watch, walk, meet local organisations, celebrate the creativity of Solihull’s communities and share a memorable afternoon under the same sky.

Outreach Workshops

In the run-up to Under the Same Sky, we’re working with local communities across Solihull through a series of free, creative kite-making workshops. Families, young people and adults are invited to come together, get creative and make their own sustainable kites using willow, bamboo and tissue paper, with guidance from Autin Dance Theatre artists. No experience is needed and all ages and abilities are welcome. Take your kite home and then bring it along to the Under the Same Sky Kite Parade at Tudor Grange Park on Saturday 3 October, where we’ll celebrate creativity, connection and community together.

Thursday 23rd July | 10am-11:30am | Taz’s Ladies | led by Johnny

Monday 17th August | 10am – 12pm | Elmwood Family Hub | led by Ellie & Johnny

Wednesday 19th August | 11am-1pm | HK group | led by Tori & Ellie

Thursday 20th August | 10am-12pm | Taz’s Ladies | led by Ellie & Johnny

Monday 24th August | 10am-12pm | Riverside Family Hub | led by Laura & Johnny

Wednesday 26th August | 8am-10am | Unit 21 | led by Laura & Johnny

Wednesday 26th August | 10:30am-12:30pm | Evergreen Family Hub | led by Laura & Johnny

Wednesday 26th August | 1pm-3pm | Junction | led by Laura & Johnny

Thursday 27th August | 10am-12pm | Taz’s Ladies | led by Ellie & Holly

Wednesday 2nd September | 10:45am-12:45pm | HK group | led by Ellie & Johnny

Thursday 3rd September | 10:30am-12:30pm | Memory Cafe | led by Ellie & Holly

Thursday 3rd September | 2pm -4pm | Sunflower house | led by Holly & Ellie

Saturday 5th September | 2:30pm-4:30pm | Brama | led by Ellie, India & Mia

Saturday 12th September | 2:30pm-4:30pm | Brama | led by Ellie, India & Tori

Tuesday 15th September | 10:30-12:30pm | Memory Cafe | led by Laura & Holly

Wednesday 16th September | 10:45am-12:45pm | HK group | led by Holly, Johnny & Tori

Thursday 17th September | 10am-12pm | Taz’s Ladies | led by Holly & Ellie

Saturday 19th September | 2:30pm-4:30pm | Brama | led by India & Tori

Wednesday 23rd September | 10:45am-12:45pm | HK group | led by Tori & Holly

Wednesday 23rd September | 4pm-6pm | led by Laura & Johnny

Thursday 24th September | 10am-12pm | Taz’s Ladies | led by Laura & Holly

Saturday 26th September | 2:30pm-4:30pm | Brama | led by Tori, Ellie & Mia

Meet the Team

The launch weekend will be led by a friendly and experienced Autin Dance Theatre team. Johnny Autin, Artistic Director, will guide the creative vision of the project alongside Laura Hague, Project Coordinator, who will support community connections and event coordination. Jamie Higgins, Head Rigger, will oversee the aerial rig and Low Fly aerial dance activity, with India Rose Cox supporting participants through creative movement and have-a-go sessions.

Johnny Autin

Artistic Director

Johnny is the Artistic Director of Autin Dance Theatre and leads the creative vision for Under the Same Sky: Stories in Flight. His work brings together dance, storytelling, outdoor performance and community participation, creating inclusive experiences where people of all ages and backgrounds can connect through movement and creativity.

Laura Hague

Project Coordinator

Laura is the Project Coordinator for Under the Same Sky and supports the planning, coordination and community engagement across the project. She will be working closely with schools, community groups, artists and local residents to help people take part and feel welcomed throughout the launch weekend and wider programme.

Jamie Higgins

Head Rigger

Jamie is the Head Rigger for the launch weekend and will oversee the aerial rig and Low Fly aerial dance activity. He brings technical expertise and a calm, safety-focused approach, making sure participants can enjoy the aerial have-a-go sessions in a supported and carefully managed environment.

India Rose Cox

Workshop Leader

India is a dance artist and facilitator supporting the creative movement and Low Fly aerial dance sessions. She will help participants explore movement in a playful, accessible and encouraging way, making the activities enjoyable for beginners, families and people trying something new for the first time.

Eleanor (Ellie) Stephenson

Workshop Leader

Eleanor is a UK-based contemporary dancer, strength and conditioning coach, choreographer and teacher. A first-class Rambert School graduate, she has performed nationally and internationally, worked with leading choreographers, and supports dancers through fitness training and rehearsal direction.

Holly Jones

Workshop Leader

Holly is a freelance dance artist based in Birmingham and the West Midlands. She has worked with leading dance organisations and performed at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony. Passionate about inclusive dance, teaching and screendance.

Tori Drew

Workshop Leader

Tori Drew is an award-nominated dance artist and educator with 20+ years’ experience. She specialises in inclusive and intergenerational practice, working across education, community and health settings with people of all ages and abilities.

Mia Neri

Workshop Leader

Third-year dance student at Bath Spa University, specialising in contemporary dance, choreography and performance. Experienced in improvisation, somatic practice and collaborative work, with a growing interest in combining dance with technology, photography and videography.

Terms and Conditions

Family-Friendly Environment

Under the same sky is a family-friendly festival, and we strive to create an inclusive atmosphere where everyone feels welcome. We kindly ask all attendees to behave respectfully towards one another. Antisocial behavior will not be tolerated and may result in removal from the site by Security or Law Enforcement.

Alcohol and Drugs Policy

Under the same sky is an alcohol-free and drug-free event. We appreciate your cooperation in adhering to this policy to ensure the well-being of all attendees. Individuals found violating this rule will be asked to leave the premises.

Glass-Free Site

For the safety of our performers and attendees, Under the same sky event is a glass-free event. We appreciate your understanding and compliance.

Photography and Filming

Please be aware that Under the same sky will be photographed and recorded for marketing as well as monitoring and evaluation purposes. If you or your children do not wish to be included in any recordings, please inform a member of our staff.

Ticketing and Entry

Under the same sky is a free event.

Pet Policy

Well-behaved dogs are welcome at Under the same sky, provided they are on a lead at all times. Owners must clean up after their dogs and dispose of waste in designated bins.

Children, young people and safeguarding

Children and young people must remain with a responsible adult unless they are attending through a formally organised group with agreed supervision arrangements. If a child or vulnerable adult becomes separated from their group, speak to a member of staff or a volunteer immediately.

Taking part in the procession

The procession is expected to last approximately 45 minutes and may cover up to around 1.5 miles on park paths and grass. Wear suitable footwear and follow the pace and instructions set by event staff. Kites must be handled carefully and kept clear of faces, overhead hazards, the aerial rig, power equipment and members of the public. Participation may be paused where staff identify a safety concern.

Aerial rig and performance areas

Do not enter marked technical or performance areas, cross safety barriers, climb on equipment or touch the aerial rig, guying, power equipment or technical cabling. Children and dogs must be kept under close control around the performance boundary. Follow all instructions given by the Event Director, technical team, and members of staff.

Personal belongings and liability

Visitors are responsible for their own belongings and should not leave items unattended. Autin Dance Theatre is not responsible for loss or damage.

Important Information

We have dedicated security personnel and numerous staff and volunteers on-site to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. If you have any concerns or require assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to our team.

Your feedback is invaluable to us; please share any suggestions with our staff during the event or through our evaluation channels for future festivals. Leave your feedback here: https://forms.gle/QAMCBRczpgQUFgko8

Thank you for joining us on this journey!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Under the Same Sky: Stories in Flight?

Under the Same Sky: Stories in Flight is a Solihull-wide community arts project produced by Autin Dance Theatre CIO and commissioned by Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council. The project brings people together through kite-making, movement, storytelling, play and public celebration.

2. What is the main event?

Under the Same Sky is a free community celebration created by Autin Dance Theatre with Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council. It brings together a colourful kite procession made with local schools and community groups, community stalls and the spectacular outdoor aerial performance Up in the Sky.

3. Where is it happening?

At Tudor Grange Park, Monkspath Hall Road, Solihull B91 3LU, on Saturday 3 October 2026. The event zone will be signposted from the agreed public entrance and nearby car parks. The exact public entrance and What3Words address will be added once the final site layout is confirmed.

4. What should I bring?

Please come prepared for the weather, as the event takes place outdoors. We recommend bringing a reusable water bottle, comfortable clothing, suitable footwear and any sun or rain protection you may need.

5. Will there be food and drinks?

Yes, there will be food trucks available to purchase from but you are welcome to bring your own refreshments.

6. Am I allowed to bring my dog?

Well-behaved dogs are welcome if they are kept on a short lead and under control. Please clean up after your dog and keep it away from the aerial rig, marked performance boundaries, food service areas and busy procession groups. Owners are responsible for their dog's behaviour. Assistance dogs are always welcome.

7. What time should I arrive?

The public event opens at 2.00pm. We recommend arriving by 2.15pm if you would like to see the procession form before it sets off at 2.30pm. If you are coming mainly for Up in the Sky, please arrive by 3.00pm so you have time to find the event zone and viewing area. Participating schools and community groups should follow their separate arrival instructions.

8. What happens if it rains?

The event is outdoors and will continue in light rain where it is safe to do so, so please dress for the weather. Activities may be adapted, delayed, paused or cancelled in heavy rain, high winds, thunder and lightning, or if ground conditions are unsafe. Any significant changes will be shared through Autin Dance Theatre's website and social media channels.

9. How can I find out more or follow the project?

You can find out more on the project webpage: autindt.co.uk/samesky/

You can also follow the project on Instagram: @sameskysolihull

Autin Dance Theatre can be found at @autindt and www.autindt.co.uk.

Time

Activity

What to expect

1.00pm-2.15pm

Participant registration and kite collection

For participating schools and community groups. Follow the arrival instructions provided by your group leader.

2.00pm

Public event opens

Welcome point, community stalls and food and drink traders open. Follow the on-site signs to the event zone.

2.15pm-2.30pm

Procession gathering

Participants move into their groups and prepare to set off. General audiences can gather along the marked route or at the event zone.

2.30pm-3.15pm

Community kite procession

A colourful, music-filled procession through Tudor Grange Park, featuring kites created by Solihull schools, families and community groups.

3.15pm-3.20pm

Audience move into the viewing area

The procession finishes beneath the aerial rig. Please follow staff instructions and remain behind the marked safety boundary.

3.20pm-4.00pm

Up in the Sky

Autin Dance Theatre's spectacular non-verbal aerial dance performance, presented in the round.

4.00pm

Public event closes

Please follow staff directions when leaving the event zone.

Want More Info?

For more information on our Same Sky workshops, email us today!

Feedback Form

Your feedback is invaluable to us; please complete our evaluation form

Accessibility

We will have BSL Interpreters available on both days. There is a quiet space available.

There is an accessible portable toilet available.

If you require a Blue Badge parking space, or for any other questions then please contact us in advance at hello@autindt.co.uk so we can try our best to accommodate your needs.

Partners & Supporters

Upcoming Tour Dates

Tour Dates