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 Arts for everyone |
City Centre (various locations) Birmingham United Kingdom +44 (0)121 675 4514 (Programme Co-ordinator) http://www.artsfest.org.uk/ |
This annual event is the biggest arts' festival in the UK and takes place mostly in and around the Broad Street/Centenary Square/Brindleyplace area in the city centre. There are over 300 events taking place during a three day period, and institutions such as the Barber Institute and the Museum and Art Gallery take part in a festival that's all about bringing the arts to the people. There's just too much going on to mention everything in detail, but there are activities to suit all age groups and tastes, and chances to participate as well as to watch. Best of all, it's completely free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Valentin Tablan |
 Photo: Valentin Tablan |
 Photo: Phil Coyne  |
 Photo: Jono Kenyon |
 Photo: Karl Randay |
 In memory |
Temple Row Birmingham B3 2QB United Kingdom |
This is a small, simple, yet fitting memorial to the 21 people who lost their lives in the 1974 Birmingham pub bombings. Two city centre pubs were bombed by the IRA in November of that year, the last time that terrorist violence was experienced in the city. The memorial, in the grounds of St Philip's Cathedral in the city centre, is a tasteful plaque on a plinth and lists the names of those who died. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Local government HQ |
Victoria Square Birmingham B1 1BD United Kingdom +44 121 303 9944 |
The Council House is the seat of local government in Birmingham. Designed by Yeoville Thomason, it opened in 1878. The Town Hall was built by J A Hanson and E Welch and was based on the design of an ancient Roman temple of Castor and Pollux. The Hall was principally built for the Triennial Music Festival and the cost of construction was about £50,000 - quite a sum for the time. Although the Town Hall was actually opened in 1834, it wasn't completed until 1849 due to financial problems. Both buildings are in wonderful condition and create an imposing impression on newcomers to the city. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Simon Harrison |
 Photo: joe |
 Photo: Ben Jones |
 Photo: Matt |
 Photo: Prady Gadaria |
 Photo: K Fackrell |
 Photo: Mark Lilly |
 Photo: Simon Latham |
 Photo: michelle deakin |
 Photo: alan1348 |
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Official tourist information |
2 City Arcade Union Street Birmingham B2 4TX United Kingdom +44 121 643 2514 |
There are numerous free brochures as well as more in-depth guides for sale here. You can also buy tickets for theatre productions and other events. Don't worry if your English isn't great as the staff are multilingual. Birmingham Visitor Information Centre is situated in the heart of the city centre, about five minutes' walk from New Street station. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Soldier and statesman |
St. Philip's Square Birmingham B3 United Kingdom +44 121 693 6300 (Tourist Information) |
This memorial stands in the grounds of St Philip's Cathedral in the city centre and is dedicated to Frederick Burnaby, the soldier and statesman. It is in the form of an obelisk in Portland stone, over 50 feet high. At its base is a relief portrait of Burnaby in uniform and there are carvings of military regalia and the names and dates of his campaigns at Khiva in 1875 and Abu Klea in 1885. Names that doubtless now mean very little to modern day passers by. Burnaby was killed in action whilst attempting to rescue General Gordon. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Gateway to the city |
Holloway Circus Birmingham B5 4EN United Kingdom +44 121 693 6300 |
As you approach the city centre from the south, at the centre of Holloway Circus, you will see a large and intricately carved stone Chinese pagoda. It was made by craftsmen in Fujian province in China and was donated by local firm Wing Yip. It marks the gateway to the city and markets, is only a five minute walk from New Street station and makes a good landmark for the Chinese quarter, which is nearby. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Martina Huijsmans |
 Photo: Bluewave |
 Photo: Raymond Hau |
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Art Deco-style offices |
Colmore Row Birmingham B3 2BJ United Kingdom +44 121 693 6300 |
Time was when office buildings were designed with style in mind. Then they were built purely for their function. Now, architects are again increasingly giving thought to the appearance of their creations. Colmore Gate is a fairly recent addition to the Birmingham skyline, and a welcome one it is too. Opposite Snow Hill railway station in the city centre, its style more than hints at Art Deco. This bluish glass and chrome landmark is completed by somewhat abstract stained glass designs around the ground floor windows. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Tom Southall |
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To the fallen in Crimea |
St. Philip's Cathedral Colmore Row Birmingham B3 2QB United Kingdom +44 121 236 4333 |
There are relatively few monuments to the Crimean War, which seems surprising considering its scale and significance. This red granite obelisk, standing at the edge of St Philip's churchyard in the city centre, is one of them. It particularly commemorates one Lt Col Thomas Unett, a Birmingham man who was killed at the siege of Sebastopol in 1855. The obelisk is over 20 feet high and bears the names of some of the most famous battles of the war: Alma, Inkerman and Sebastopol. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Greek goddess |
Holloway Circus Birmingham B5 4EN United Kingdom |
In the Thomas Gardens, which lie at the centre of Holloway Circus to the south of the city centre, is a statue to Hebe: for those who don't know their mythology, she was the daughter of the Greek deities Zeus and Hera. She was the goddess of the blossoming maturity of youth, and her life-sized reclining figure gazes into a pool with a small fountain below her. She has been gazing into her pool since 1957, which was when she was placed here to commemorate the completion of the city's inner ring road, and remains an attractive diversion. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Historic horse trading |
Horsefair/Holloway subways Holloway Circus Birmingham B5 4EN United Kingdom |
Birmingham has a number of colorful murals decorating the city's streets. This one lies between the Holloway and Horse fair subways within a five minute walk from New Street station. Executed in mosaic in 1966, it depicts the horse fair that took place on the spot until 1911. It was the last remaining fair of the charter granted in 1215. The mural measures approximately 30 meters long by about 3 meters high. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Controversial rusting sculpture |
Victoria Square Birmingham B1 1BD United Kingdom +44 121 693 6300 (Tourist Information) |
The Iron Man sculpture by Anthony Gormley (also responsible for the much lauded "Angel of the North" in Gateshead) is unmistakably conspicuous as you walk across Victoria Square towards the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery. It was erected in 1993, a donation to the city from the TSB bank which had just relocated to Birmingham. However, it has since caused a certain amount of controversy. Standing at almost 20 feet high, it depicts a stylised human figure apparently bound like a mummy. It leans slightly and the metal used is designed to oxidise in order to protect it. This explains the controversy—it was seen as a leaning, rusty hunk of metal, but the controversy has now died down a little and people are beginning to appreciate it more. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Mike Loizides |
 Photo: David Taylor |
 Photo: abrinsky |
 Photo: David Taylor |
 Photo: Steve T |
 Photo: merv stapleton |
 Photo: Rob |
 Photo: Steve Dalton |
 Photo: Dominic Barnes |
 Photo: Sorcha Ogle |
 Photo: Paul Johnston-Knight |
 Photo: Godfather Ji |
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The shortest woman |
Temple Row Colmore Row Birmingham B3 2QB United Kingdom +44 121 236 4333 |
Anyone who is intrigued by curiosities and unusual phenomena should not miss the grave of Nanetta Stocker. It is situated close to the main door of St Philip's Cathedral in the city center, and is barely three feet in length. It marks the final resting place of "the smallest woman ever in this Kingdom" who was only 33 inches high and, says the inscription, was "possessed of every accomplishment". Stocker was Austrian born and was buried here in May 1819. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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19th century building |
8 Bennetts Hill Birmingham B2 5RS United Kingdom +44 (0)121 693 6300 (Tourist Information) |
This fine Victorian sandstone building is at Bennetts Hill, and is now a public house. It was originally built as the National Provincial Bank in 1833, and was rebuilt in 1869, as the inscription around the building will tell you. It is of particular interest for its city coat of arms above the entrance and for its relief sculptures, just inside the entrance porch. The sculptures show craftsmen and industrial scenes and represent the enthusiasm of the bank to be connected with the enterprise of the city. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Steve Cadman |
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Scourge of Napoleon |
Bull Ring Birmingham B5 4BU United Kingdom +44 121 693 6300 (Tourist Information) http://www.bullring.co.uk |
It may not have a column like some other tributes to the great naval leader, but Birmingham's was the first, being erected in 1809. Admiral Horatio Nelson, hero of Trafalgar and the scourge of Napoleon's fleet, stands on a drum-shaped plinth at the markets close to the Bull Ring. His pose is relaxed and he leans upon a somewhat stylised and out of scale ship. It's not as well known as its equivalent in London's Trafalgar Square, but worth a look nonetheless. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Tim Ellis |
 Photo: Tim Ellis |
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Famous sixties landmark |
New Street Birmingham B2 4PA United Kingdom +44 121 643 2514 |
Arguably Birmingham's most famous building, this cylindrical office block is an important landmark. At some twenty storeys high the Rotunda is by no means Birmingham's tallest building, but its distinctive shape makes it unmissable. It was built as part of the early 1960s reconstruction of the city centre and was threatened with demolition as plans were drawn up for the current rebuilding of the central shopping area. But a public outcry saved this significant edifice and it is being incorporated into redevelopment plans. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Daniel Bradley |
 Photo: Kevan Davis |
 Photo: Ned Trifle |
 Photo: Donna |
 Photo: Daniel Morris |
 Photo: Bob Henry Photography |
 Photo: bsag |
 Photo: Cathy Young |
 Photo: simon gray |
 Photo: Simon Hope |
 Photo: Chris, Chi Fai Chiu |
 Photo: Matt Moran |
 Photo: Chris Young |
 Photo: Tom Tebby |
 Photo: Michael Grimes |
 Photo: Rob Clarke |
 Photo: Naomi Pincher |
 Photo: Craig Munro |
 Photo: hannah simpson |
 Photo: Anne Gilbert |
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Getting a Head |
Garrison Lane Bordesley Green Birmingham B9 4BS United Kingdom |
This large iron head lies on its side at the roadside in Bordesley Green, almost like a relic of a long lost civilisation. Actually, it was put there in the early 1990s as part of a series of public works of art commissioned for the "Heartlands" project, a redevelopment of an inner city area to the east of the city centre. It certainly is eye-catching, and artist Ondre Nowakowski involved local children in this project. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Typical Victorian park |
Coventry Road Small Heath Birmingham B10 0EF United Kingdom +44 121 464 8728 |
Small Heath is about a mile or so from the city centre and in many ways is a fairly typical inner-city area. It's not the most attractive part of the city, but it does have an excellent and typically Victorian park. The 43 acres of land covered were donated by Mrs Louisa Ryland in the 1870s and the park was visited by Queen Victoria herself. It is extremely well looked after, and provides a much-needed green space in the area with mature trees and a bandstand. The park also hosts various events through the year, such as funfairs and a bonfire party. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Ted and Jen |
 Photo: Ted and Jen |
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Birmingham City Football Club Home |
Birmingham B9 4NH United Kingdom +44 0871 226 1875 http://www.bcfc.com |
The Birmingham City Football Club calls St Andrew's Ground their home. The ground has been around since 1906 and is a key Birmingham site for UK football fans. St Andrew's also hosts numerous events including sporting dinners, rock concerts, corporate meetings and kids birthday parties. But the main attraction here is the regional and national football matches bringing out spectators from around the UK and Europe. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Bill Wheatcroft |
 Photo: katharine frier |
 Photo: Paul Kimber |
 Photo: Steve Ainsworth |
 Photo: Rachel Dorman |
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Church of England |
14 Birmingham Birmingham B5 5BB United Kingdom +44 121 643 5428 |
St. Martin lived from 316-397 AD; he was a soldier who healed the sick and was outspoken on social concerns of his day. The earliest mention of St Martin's Church was in a document from 1263, and although it has been rebuilt several times since it always seems to be in need of general repairs. That's not to say it's not an impressive building - it has some fine Gothic touches and many interesting features. The church is located near Birmingham's popular Indoor Market and St Martin's Market. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Stephen Dowle |
 Photo: Jon Roobottom |
 Photo: MartianMarvin |
 Photo: pommies_r_us |
 Photo: Roger Horsfield |
 Photo: kotomigd |
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Baroque architecture |
Colmore Row Birmingham B3 2QB United Kingdom +44 121 262 1840 http://www.birminghamcathedral... |
St Philip's is a rare example of fine English baroque. The Cathedral is elegantly decorated with four stained glass windows by Birmingham-born Pre-Raphaelite artist Edward Burne-Jones. Its dome is based on the central dome of the Santa Maria della Salute in Venice. The square in which it stands is currently being renovated, so access is difficult with the cathedral grounds cordoned off. However, try to not to let the building work outside disturb your quiet enjoyment of the interior of this fine building. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Mark Menzies |
 Photo: web_bod |
 Photo: leonidych |
 Photo: Sydney Alvares |
 Photo: jagus |
 Photo: Paul Foot |
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Expensively refurbished public square |
New Street (Victoria Square) Birmingham B1 1BD United Kingdom +44 121 693 6300 |
This square has transformed over the past decade from a grassy slope where office workers would picnic on a summer's afternoon to a pedestrian-friendly European plaza accessible all year. Birmingham's Town Hall and Council House are located on the square, but graded steps replace the slope and there's now a large fountain containing a sculpture known fondly by locals as the Floozie in the Jacuzzi. Stone lamps and statues of sphinxes adorn the grounds, as does a statue of Queen Victoria. Victoria Square has now become a popular meeting point and relaxing place to people watch. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: mike warren |
 Photo: Molly Rose |
 Photo: Kevin Shakespeare |
 Photo: neocorsten |
 Photo: Tom Martin |
 Photo: Peter Owen |
 Photo: Robert Watt |
 Photo: Stephen Harper |
 Photo: McTumshie |
 Photo: Alexandra Goodwin |
 Photo: Phil Shaw |
 Photo: Tony Beardmore |
 Photo: Beccy Harris |
 Photo: Meismiles |
 Photo: Inezita |
 Photo: Deborah Cardinal |
 Photo: knowing_hand |
 Photo: Daniel |
 Photo: Martyn Johnson |