To celebrate three years to go until the Commonwealth Games, Birmingham 2022, a free family friendly public celebration is taking place this Saturday – and you can meet our Commonwealth Games medallists Maria Tsaptsinos and Denise Payet there!

To mark the momentous milestone in the countdown to 2022, Birmingham will be brought to life with the Commonwealth Social – a fabulous festival of sport, culture and food.

Attendees can expect to be wowed by pop-up performances from regional talent including dance groups, brass bands, choirs and world DJ sets. Local street food traders from Digbeth Dining Club will provide an exciting range of cuisine from across the Commonwealth, including Caribbean, Mauritian, Indian and British, encouraging local people to enjoy exciting new flavours from around the world.

The day will play host to a number of sports demonstrations, including from our own athletes Tsaptsinos and Payet. There will also be a chance for the public to take on the medallists, or play with family and friends on the free-to-access tables.

Maria Tsaptsionos commented: “The Commonwealth Games is a major global sporting event so the fact that it is coming to Birmingham is amazing!

“As a Team England member I cannot wait to get out in front of the home crowds and feel the true support of the country behind us.

“I think the whole games will be an indescribable event bringing athletes from across the county together as one unified team.

“The coverage of the games will be second to none so the exposure for sports like table tennis will be huge.

“I know the whole table tennis team will be eager to inspire the next generation and show the country what we are made of!

“If you feel like getting in the spirit of the games then come down to Birmingham on the 27th July to meet us and other athletes representing the country!”

The Commonwealth Social takes place on Saturday, July 27 in Centenary Square, Birmingham. It runs from 12:00 – 19:00 and entry is free.