Brummies – from the West Midlands and other Birminghams – have been celebrating at the 2nd International Day of Birmingham (IDOB) in the city today.
The inaugral IDOB took place in 2024, after then Lord Mayor – and former Frankley councillor – Ken Wood appointed beloved Brummie comedian Joe Lycett as his ambassador to form an official Treaty of Friendship with the world’s many Birminghams, thus creating the United States of Birmingham (USB).
On his travels (immortalised in the Sky series ‘Joe Lycett’s United States of Birmingham’) Joe discovered a shared Brummie spirit and introduced the Birminghams of North America to some cultural highlights from the Mother Brum, including custard, cobs and a Curly Wurly or two. The bringing together of the Birminghams was a chance to shout about Brum and culminated in the inaugural International Day of Birmingham.
This year’s IDOB featured a ‘FlashBab’ and a collective chant of Alright Bab in Colmore Square. A procession to Victoria Square was followed by the raising of the United States of Birmingham flag at the Council House, with a balcony appearance by the president of the USB himself, Joe Lycett.
Celebrations of Birmingham continued throughout the day, with an exhibition featuring photographs of all the Birminghams visited for the TV series, taken by Joe and the crew; A Mr Egg-decorating workshop at the Old Crown with artist Tat Vision; a Brummie Bazaar at the Custard Factory in Digbeth, featuring products from Birmingham independent makers, including Bournville artist Milan Topalovic; a special 60th anniversary 4k screening of Thunderbirds at the Mockingbird Cinema – starring Brum’s most famous puppet, Parker and featuring original sound effects recorded in Handsworth.
The day culminated with Who Loves you Bab? at The Old Rep. Hosted by Professor Carl Chinn, the evening featured a rare screening of ‘Telly Savalas Looks at Birmingham’ and the first episode of ‘Joe Lycett’s United States of Birmingham’. Joe Lycett, director Nicola Silk and Randell H Spackman from Birmingham, Pennsylvania were then to take part in a Q&A.
Lord Mayor Councillor Zafar Iqbal MBE said “Last year, we made history with the inaugural International Day of Birmingham. From the brass band parade to the hoisting of the United States of Birmingham flag, it was a joyful celebration of Brummie pride. I am very proud that the event is returning for a second year, and this year is set to be another wonderful celebration of everything brilliant about Birmingham.”
The Library of Birmingham will be gloriously lit with the colours of the International Day of Birmingham tonight!