Local Area Info

When you come to Birmingham, prepare to be surprised. The City has enjoyed a renaissance in the last few years arising from the renovation of its historic areas and the creation of many new developments such as the world renowned International Convention Centre and the National Indoor Arena. Birmingham became a focus for the world's eyes when it hosted the 1998 G8 Summit of world leaders, and on a slightly lighter note, the Eurovision Song Contest!

One of the jewels in Birmingham's crown must be the canalside area in the heart of the city. Known as Brindleyplace, it has a wide variety of bars and restaurants, as well as modern office spaces, hotels, the new Crescent Theatre, and the newly opened National Sea Life Centre. The area has gained international recognition with a recent 'Excellence on the Waterfront' award.

These bold new developments help to make Birmingham a city of exciting contrasts, since, although it is a modern city, it is equally proud of its history and heritage. The city's Jacobean roots and Regency elegance are still evident in the architecture of its buildings, all adding to Birmingham's charm and character.

Much more information about the city can be found on Birmingham City Council's web site or the Birmingham destination website www.beinbirmingham.com.

Why Birmingham?

As the capital of Central England, Birmingham has all the entertainments and facilities a person needs. With nightlife to rival that of any major city, world class sporting facilities, a superb arts and cultural scene, cosmopolitan cuisine and excellent shopping facilities, Birmingham has something for everyone.

Nightlife

The club scene in Birmingham easily rivals that of Manchester or London. Broad Street and Brindley place are where the newest bars and clubs are found, all within easy reach of each other and the city centre. There is also a whole host of leisure and entertainment developments under way within the city, so there's always something fresh to try. For a pre-club drink, try the Medicine Bar at the Custard Factory in Digbeth, which has three storeys of stylish decor and superb DJs, before heading off to The Church or Miss Moneypenny's for the latest club sounds.

If a good meal out is your preferred way to spend an evening, Birmingham will not disappoint you. The city has everything from Mexican to Mongolian, and of course you cannot come to Birmingham without trying one of the speciality Baltis. Head for the Birmingham Balti Mile, which offers the authentic balti dining experience with over 49 different restaurants in one square mile - an inexpensive and informal dining delight.

Sport For All

If you are interested in sport, whether as participant or spectator, Birmingham has plenty of facilities, with more venues than any other city in Britain. The city is home to two leading professional football clubs, Aston Villa, West Bromwich Albion and Birmingham City, and is a venue for international cricket which takes place at Edgbaston, home of Warwickshire County Cricket Club. Birmingham boasts other spectator sports including top class tennis and athletics.

As a major sporting centre Birmingham hosts a number of World and European championships. From the renowned Brabazon golf course at The Belfry, the UK PGA headquarters and host to three Ryder Cups, to the National Indoor Arena, Britain's top indoor sporting venue, hosting a range of events from top class tennisl to international athletics. For something slightly different, why not try your hand at skiing? One of the country's best indoor ski facilities, the Snowdome at Tamworth, is only about half an hour away from Birmingham. Whatever your sport you can be sure of finding somewhere to play or watch it in the city.

Music

Music is well provided for in Birmingham with concert venues for every occasion. Major rock bands and artists play regularly in Birmingham either at the NEC Arena, which is about ten miles from the city, or at the National Indoor Arena in the city centre. For smaller gigs from local and indie bands, try the Aston Villa Leisure Centre and Wulfrun Hall in nearby Wolverhampton. Local pubs also double up as venues for a range of music from traditional Irish to heavy rock.

Classical music finds a home at the acoustically-perfect Symphony Hall, an internationally acclaimed concert venue which is part of the International Convention Centre complex and home to the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra.

Entertainment and the Arts

As a thriving cultural centre, Birmingham has a colourful mixture of entertainment to offer. The major theatres are the Hippodrome (home of the internationally acclaimed Birmingham Royal Ballet), the Alexandra and the Birmingham Repertory Theatre with its associated studio theatre, The Door, all of which offer a mix of classics, ballet, opera, musicals and major dramatic productions. The Midland Arts Centre, set in Cannon Hill Park, stages a more eclectic range of theatrical events and films as well as workshops and exhibitions. And of course Stratford-upon-Avon, Shakespeare's birthplace and the home of the excellent Royal Shakespeare Company, is only 45 minutes from the city.

For film buffs, there are the Odeon, the Arcadian, and the recently-opened 30-screen Star City, the UK's largest cinema. The Electric Cinema offers a more avant-garde choice.

Birmingham has some of the finest art galleries in the country, the City Museum and Art Gallery housing the world's leading collection of Pre-Raphaelite art, contrasting with the modern, innovative work on show at the Ikon Gallery. For a 'living museum', visit the Jewellery Quarter, where craftsmen and women still produce jewellery by traditional methods which is then sold direct to the public.

Shopping

Birmingham is a shopper's paradise with glossy, modern shopping centres, restored Victorian arcades and a range of markets offering everything from designer labels to second-hand bargains. All the main high street stores are here along with smaller boutiques and special interest shops. The recently opened Bullring is Birmingham's newest shopping destination. Built at a cost of over £500 million, Bullring brings 26 football pitches worth of shops, boutiques and restaurants into the centre of town.

Out and About

If the beautiful parks and canalside walks of the city are not enough for you, then within a few miles you can be out in the countryside of Staffordshire, Warwickshire or Worcestershire. Within easy travelling distance you will find historic Warwick Castle, Stratford-upon-Avon, Ironbridge, the Cotswolds and the Malvern Hills. For something more adventurous, try one of the many nearby theme parks: Alton Towers, Drayton Manor Park and the West Midlands Safari and Leisure Park are all within easy reach by road or rail and offer a great day out.

Getting to and around Birmingham

Getting to Birmingham couldn't be easier as the city is located at the hub of the UK's road and rail networks. The city is served by two main line stations, Birmingham New Street and Birmingham International, and it is the centre of Britain's national coach network connecting directly with 500 destinations.
Air links are also excellent and Birmingham International Airport is constantly expanding to offer more flights to more destinations worldwide. Locally, a network of bus and train services provides easy access to the city and surrounding areas. This is supported by a recent transport development, Midland Metro, a tramway/light rail system, which has improved access to the city even further.

Your Future in Birmingham

As a major centre of commerce and industry, and Europe's 'meeting place', Birmingham offers a wealth of opportunities for everybody.

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