International Day of Birmingham (IDOB) returns on Wednesday 24 September 2025. Everyone is invited to celebrate this annual tribute to the alliance of Birminghams, championed by award-winning Brummie comedian Joe Lycett.
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.
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.
Other events across the city include:
- Photography exhibition: United States of Birmingham – Images from a Road Trip’
- 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.
- Industry Chinwag: The making of Joe Lycett’s United States of Birmingham – supported by Create Central and Reel Brum.
- Bab’s Big Blowout: A night of entertainment with Barbara Nice, Tat Vision and more special guests to celebrate IDOB at the oldest pub in Brum.
- 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.
- Mr Eggshibition, + egg scavenger hunt: In honour of local legend and the unofficial mascot of Birmingham, Mr Egg.
- Landmark Lighting: Landmarks of Birmingham, including The Library of Birmingham, Paradise, and Kings Heath High Street, will be illuminated in the IDOB colours.
- Thunderbirds 60th Anniversary Double Bill: Celebrate 60 years of Thunderbirds with a special double bill.
- Medicine Bakery: Taste a Curly Wurly salted caramel brownie and a Custard Factory doughnut. These will be exclusively available for one week from IDOB at all Medicine venues.
Businesses wishing to join in the celebrations can upload their own event here. For the full programme and tickets, visit idob.co.uk.
To find out more about Visit Birmingham & the West Midlands, go to www.visitbirmingham.com.
