Credit: Khuram Mizra
From Black Sabbath to bin strikes, it’s been a year of love and loss for Birmingham. So what better time to come together as a city than the annual tribute to the historic alliance of Birminghams. Championed by award-winning Brummie comedian Joe Lycett, the International Day of Birmingham (IDOB) returns on Wednesday, September 24, with a jam-packed schedule.
After last year’s inaugural event, which saw the Lord Mayor’s chosen ambassador form an official Treaty of Friendship with the world’s many Birminghams, Joe Lycett said, “‘I am looking forward to once more celebrating this incredibly precious day in the global calendar by shouting ‘alright bab’ aggressively at the Lord Mayor before sinking 6-8 pints and inhaling a King Kebab at 3am.”
“Last year, we made history with the inaugural International Day of Birmingham,” added Lord Mayor Councillor Zafar Iqbal MBE. “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.
“I know it will be a great showcase of the spirit and humour of our city not only in the UK but also Birminghams across the world. I hope as many people as possible can get involved with a great programme of Brum-based events and activities and celebrate the second International Day of Birmingham.”
This year’s headline celebrations see Professor Carl Chinn MBE hosting a Brummie double bill with ‘Telly Savalas Looks at Birmingham’ and ‘Joe Lycett’s United States of Birmingham’, followed by a Q&A with Joe Lycett, director Nicola Silk, and historian Randell H Spackman. But keep an eye out for events with Trevor Beattie, Marc Silk, Janice Connolly, Mr Egg, Tat Vision & Bam Bam, plus plenty more throughout the city!
What’s happening for the International Day of Birmingham? 
Credit: Khuram Mizra 9:00 – 21:00 – Photography exhibition: ‘United States of Birmingham – Images from a Road Trip’.
An exhibition featuring photographs of all the Birminghams visited for the TV series, taken by Joe Lycett and the crew (from Sept 24 – Oct 31).
Location: Zellig, Custard Factory
Free to attend
13:00 – 13:45 – Flashbab
- Join the iconic Alright Bab sign for some unmissable surprises. Collect your Joe Lycett’s ‘10 things you need to do in Birmingham, UK’ alternative itinerary and pick up a free Curly Wurly!
- 13.00 – The fun begins
- 13.30 – Collective ‘Alright bab’ chant led by the Lord Mayor, followed by a procession down Colmore Row with special guests.
- 13.45 – United States of Birmingham flag raising in Victoria Square with the USB anthem and balcony appearance by the President of the USB himself, Joe Lycett.
Location: Colmore Square
Free to attend
15:00 – 20:00 – Brummie Bazaar
Birmingham Artisan Markets showcases local traders and creatives, including Punks & Chancers, Spirit of Birmingham, The Crackpottery, Breaking Bread, Milan Illustrator and Pip’s Hot Sauce.
Location: The Custard Factory
Free to attend
17:00 – 18:30 – Industry Chinwag; the making of Joe Lycett’s United States of Birmingham – supported by Create Central and Reel Brum
Join the production team for a peek behind the curtain of this popular 4-part series, which saw Joe Lycett create an official Treaty of Friendship with the other Birminghams of the world. Find out how it was commissioned, how it was filmed and how they survived 2000 miles in a tour bus.
Location: The Old Rep Theatre
Tickets here
17:00 – 23:00 – Bab’s Big Blowout
Join for a night of entertainment with Barbara Nice, Tat Vision and more special guests to celebrate IDOB at the oldest pub in Brum. Make sure to check out Tat Vision’s Mr Egg-decorating workshop!
Location: The Old Crown
Tickets here
18:30 – 20:00 – International Day of Birmingham 6KM Run
The Lord Mayor will cut the ribbon to kick off the ultimate run through Brum. Experience a 6K guided running tour of Brum’s quirkiest landmarks, all set to the United States of Birmingham playlist. Finish at The Jeweller’s Arms for a cob and optional social.
Location: The Goodsyard JQ
Free but booking required
17:00 – 22:00 – Mr Eggshibition, + egg scavenger hunt
In honour of local legend and the unofficial mascot of Birmingham, Mr Egg, crafty Brummies can contribute to the world’s biggest collection of papier mache Mr Eggs!
Location: The Nest + around The Custard Factory + Zellig estates
Free entry
19:00 – Landmark Lighting
Landmarks of Birmingham, including The Library of Birmingham, Paradise, and Kings Heath High Street, will be illuminated in the IDOB colours.
19:00 – Thunderbirds 60th Anniversary Double Bill
Celebrate 60 years of Thunderbirds with a special double bill. Local creative legend Trevor Beattie will introduce two newly restored episodes in 4K. Rooted in Birmingham, the series became a global phenomenon. Afterwards, join a Q&A with Marc Silk, the city’s own voice actor for Thunderbirds, Star Wars, and Scooby-Doo.
Location: The Mockingbird, Digbeth
Tickets here
20:00 – 22:30 – Who Loves Ya Bab?
The headline event features Professor Carl Chinn MBE hosting a Brummie double bill, including a rare screening of ‘Telly Savalas Looks at Birmingham’ and the first episode of ‘Joe Lycett’s United States of Birmingham.’ Following the screenings, enjoy a Q&A with Joe Lycett, director Nicola Silk, and Brummie historian Randell H Spackman from Birmingham, Pennsylvania.
Location: The Old Rep Theatre
Tickets here
What else is happening? 
Credit: Khuram Mizra
On top of this incredible Brummie-inspired programme, Medicine Bakery has created two bespoke treats for the week: a Curly Wurly Salted Caramel Brownie and a Custard Factory Donut. Guests visiting any Medicine venue on the day itself can also say, “I’m here to honour Mr Egg” to enjoy any egg dish on the menu for just £5.
To get involved with the International Day of Birmingham celebrations and add your own event here.