St Basils' Big Sleepout heads to Alexander Stadium for its 36th year

Every winter, hundreds of Birmingham people swap a warm bed for a night under the sky to support St Basils, and in 2026 the charity's famous Big Sleepout heads to a new home. The 36th Big Sleepout takes place at Alexander Stadium in Perry Barr from 6pm on Friday 13 November until 6am the following morning.

St Basils has been supporting young people since 1972. Based on Allcock Street in Digbeth, it works with young people aged 16 to 25 across the West Midlands who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, helping them find and keep a home, build confidence and skills, and open up new opportunities. Its message is simple and powerful: "Homelessness shouldn't be part of growing up."

The charity's services range from homelessness prevention to accommodation and support, alongside an employability service. Recent projects include a Young Person's Outreach Navigation Service, Home-2-Home Supported Lodgings and Live and Work, and in October 2025 St Basils launched Birmingham Live and Work. In March 2026 it welcomed a new chief executive, Marsha Blake.

The Big Sleepout has been running since 1990 and has long been billed as the oldest and biggest sleepout in the UK. Companies, families, schools and community groups take part, collecting sponsorship before spending the night outdoors. In recent years Millennium Point hosted the event, with Langar Aid serving free vegan curry and hot drinks, a Christmas brass band playing, and a much-coveted creative shelter competition.

The commitment of those who take part is remarkable. At the 35th Big Sleepout in December 2025, 35 students and 12 staff from George Salter Academy, the largest school group at the event, braved cold and wet conditions to raise £1,774.45. The school said the money would pay for 111 safe nights at St Basils.

Head of School Rupi Bellingham said: "The work that St Basils do is incredibly important, and we are so proud of our students and staff."

For those who cannot make it in person, the charity has also offered a Big Sleepout from Home option in past years.

To sign up, donate or learn more about the charity's work with young people, visit the St Basils website.