Hear Old Joe like never before this October

As part of the University of Birmingham’s 125th anniversary celebrations, Old Joe is getting a brand-new sound!

From Monday 20 to Sunday 26 October, every 15 minutes between 10:00 and 17:00, the familiar chimes of the Chamberlain Clock Tower will be reimagined in a unique sonic experience across campus.

Speakers placed at the top of Old Joe and in key spots around campus will play specially composed sounds that mix with the clock’s natural bells. The result? A completely new way to hear one of the University’s most recognisable landmarks!

The project has been created by the Birmingham Electroacoustic Sound Theatre (BEAST) – a world-renowned sound collective based at UoB. The sound pieces have been composed by current and former BEAST members, along with students from the Department of Music, who have explored how Old Joe’s chimes echo across campus and interact with the surrounding buildings.

This collaboration celebrates both the University’s heritage and its creative spirit, bringing together tradition and innovation in a totally new way.

So next time you hear Old Joe this week—stop for a moment, listen, and experience a little piece of UoB history made new.

You can read more about Old Joe’s 125 Sonic Intervention here.