The Aston Hippodrome hosted performances by the likes of Charlie Chaplin, Laurel and Hardy, Judy Garland and Morecambe and Wise.

Activities included music, drama, spoken word, exhibitions, visual arts, comedy and dance.

[citation needed] In October 2013, during Black History Month, The Drum was visited by then British Prime Minister David Cameron, who was shown around the venue by its CEO Charles Small.

[2] In 2014, poet Benjamin Zephaniah and musician Courtney Pine were made patrons of The Drum, using their influence to help raise funds for a refit of the venue.

[8] An online community petition to save the venue from closure was signed by 3,294 people but was unsuccessful in its campaign.