Roll Through The City
Written by Girl Skate Mag
The Birmingham skate community has been growing fast, but suitable spaces for roller skating have always been few and far between. Street skating fills that gap in a way nothing else can, it brings people together, keeps the culture moving and opens the door for anyone curious enough to strap on a pair of skates and join in.
Behind The Skate
@sophxskates and @kwaane — better known as Silva, owner of @silvasessionz. Teamed up to host a community street skate through the heart of Birmingham. Starting at the Library of Birmingham, the group rolled through the city, out to Cannon Hill Park, and looped back again.
Photo by @snipedbykim
The idea behind it was simple but important. Street skating in Birmingham was thriving in 2022 and 2023, and as the scene has continued to evolve, with more and more beginner skaters joining. Soph and Silva wanted to help bring that culture back and create more opportunities for skaters to connect. Soph has been a consistent presence in the Birmingham scene, holding things together and putting on for the community. Teaming up with Silva felt like a natural next step.
"She's kinda been holding the torch by herself for a while. She was part of the initial Silva Sessions team, so it's great to see her grow and put on her own events now." - Silva · @silvasessionz
For Silva, the event carried its own personal weight too. Having skated for over five years and hosted events for the last three, every skate he organises feels like giving something back.
"Whenever I do one it feels like I'm giving back to a community that gave a lot to me. I wouldn't be who I am without skating — it's provided me with confidence and community across the world." - Silva · @silvasessionz
Silva moved to Birmingham from London in 2023, and the skating community became the quickest way to find his feet in a new city. He brought his London style with him, started with street skates and link ups, and built what would eventually become Silva Sessions. Hosting this felt like a full circle moment, a throwback to those early days of just rolling through the city and seeing who showed up.
The Turnout
So many people showed up. The streets were full of skaters of all levels rolling together through Birmingham, exactly the kind of scene this city has been missing. Of the 62 people who registered, 32 were aged 18–21, a clear sign of just how young and fast-growing this community really is.
"As a greying man nearing the third floor of life, I often forget how much younger people depend on having free, accessible activities." - Silva · @silvasessionz
The event itself went smoothly, no major incidents or injuries. There were some expected hiccups around ability levels, with newer skaters gaining confidence to join street skates but a natural gap between what organisers consider intermediate and what some attendees consider themselves to be. A challenge worth refining but ultimately a sign that the door is wide open and people are walking through it.
And later that evening, a huge group were still out in front of the Library of Birmingham, jamming, rolling round and round in the last of the sun. It was a beautiful evening. The vibes were great. Just skaters doing what they love, out in the open, for anyone passing by to see.
Photo by @snipedbykim
Fuelled By Wingstop
A massive thank you to Wingstop for sponsoring the event and providing food for the skate community on the day. Events like this only happen when businesses show up for the people and Wingstop did exactly that.
Birmingham's skate scene is alive and rolling. If you missed this one, make sure you're following the right people because this won't be the last time the streets come alive.