International Day of Birmingham returns for 2025

Joe Lycett’s celebration of all things Brummie, the International Day of Birmingham, is returning for its second year in 2025. In 2024, the UK’s second city held its first International Day of Birmingham after the Lord Mayor’s chosen ambassador, Brummie comedian and presenter, Joe Lycett, formed an official Treaty of Friendship with many of the world’s other Birmingham’s creating the United States of Birmingham which was captured and immortalised in the Sky series ‘Joe Lycett’s United States of Birmingham’.

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.''

International Day of Birmingham will be held on Wednesday 24th September with a line-up of colourful events and collaborations, all the profits from which will support various good causes in Birmingham including SIFA Fireside.

The events and activities will be held across Birmingham including in the city centre with a ‘Flash Bab’ in Colmore Square with music, dancing and free Curly Wurlys (made by Bournville’s own Cadbury) kicking off at 1pm. Following this, at 1.30pm there will be a collective ‘Alright Bab’ chant led by the Lord Mayor and a procession with special guests before the United States of Birmingham flag is raised in Victoria Square with the USB anthem and a balcony appearance by the President of the USB himself, Joe Lycett.

Landmarks in Birmingham, including the iconic library will also be lit up in the USB flag colours; pink, yellow and blue. (We see what you did there Joe, our pansexual icon).

The Old Rep will also be joining in on the fun with an evening spotlight. Tickets are available now for events featuring the makers of ‘Joe Lycett’s United States of Birmingham’ as well as Professor Carl Chinn MBE. Among the many other activities on offer are the Brummie Bazaar in partnership with Birmingham Artisan Markets in Digbeth, exhibitions, screenings with the Mockingbird Cinema and much more!

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. I know it will be a great showcase of the spirit and humour of our city, not just 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.” ​

More information including a full line-up of activities and pre-ordering of merch can be found at www.IDOB.co.uk