IDOB celebrations take place at different venues and locations across the city. This year’s programme features Joe Lycett, Prof Carl Chinn MBE, Trevor Beattie, Marc Silk, Janice Connolly, Mr Egg, Tat Vision & Bam Bam plus plenty more lined up! The celebrations will close with a headline event at The Old Rep with 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.

What else is happening across the city on Wednesday 24th September?

9:00 – 21:00 – Photography exhibition: United States of Birmingham – Images from a Road Trip
Location: Zellig, Custard Factory
Free to attend
An exhibition featuring photographs of all the Birminghams visited for the TV series, taken by Joe Lycett and the crew. Open from September 24th-October 31st.

13:00 – 13:45 – Flashbab
Location: Colmore Square
Free to attend
● Meet at 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.

15:00 – 20:00 – Brummie Bazaar
Location: The Custard Factory
Free to attend
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.

17:00 – 18:30 – Industry Chinwag; the making of Joe Lycett’s United States of Birmingham – supported by Create Central and Reel Brum
Location: The Old Rep Theatre

Join the production team for a peak behind the curtain of this popular 4 part series (Sky/NOW) 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.

17:00 – 23:00 – Bab’s Big Blowout
Location: The Old Crown
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.

18:30 – 20:00 – International Day of Birmingham 6KM Run
Location: The Goodsyard JQ
Free but booking required
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.

17:00 – 22:00 – Mr Eggshibition, + egg scavenger hunt
Location: The Nest + around The Custard Factory + Zellig estates
Free entry
In honour of local legend and the unofficial mascot of Birmingham, Mr Egg, crafty Brummies are being asked to contribute to the world’s biggest collection of papier mache Mr Eggs!
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
Location: The Mockingbird, Digbeth

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.

20:00 – 22:30 Who Loves Ya Bab?
Location: The Old Rep Theatre

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.

Hospitality Highlights
● Medicine Bakery has created two bespoke treats: a Curly Wurly Salted Caramel Brownie and a Custard Factory Donut. These will be exclusively available for 1 week from IDOB at all Medicine venues.
● Guests visiting any Medicine venue on the day itself can say, “I’m here to honour Mr Egg” to enjoy any egg dish on the menu for just £5.
Keep an eye out for more exciting announcements from the city’s hospitality scene!

If you want to join in the celebrations you can upload your own event here.

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 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.”

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.”