Again and again, I hear, Birmingham doesn’t celebrate itself enough. But that’s starting to change. For the third year in a row, the major annual celebration of Birmingham (and all its worldwide namesakes), International Day of Birmingham, returns to remind us all what makes the Second City so special.
Originally devised for Joe Lycett’s United States of Birmingham—which saw the comedian travel to no fewer than eighteen Birminghams in North America—the International Day of Birmingham now recognises the contributions of our city, alongside sister towns and other cities around the world with the same name.
“This day has got out of hand and I want nothing to do with it,” said Joe Lycett. “The sad truth is that I will be unable to attend this year’s celebrations as I am contractually bound to be in Britain’s second city – London. I wish everyone a very happy International Day of Birmingham 2026, bab.”
When is the International Day of Birmingham?
The International Day of Birmingham always takes place on Thursday, September 24. But this year, the celebrations will be twice as large, with a second day of activities planned for Friday, September 25, 2026.
What is happening on the International Day of Birmingham?
In a first for the Second City, a programme of extraordinary events entitled ‘The House That Brum Built’ will take over Birmingham’s historic Council House. Birmingham’s Lord Mayor will be joined by key figures and organisations from across the city’s arts, culture, food, media, and nightlife.
With a Brummie Passport in hand—designed by Colour Palette Company and Draw My City artist Stacey Barnfield—locals and visitors will stamp their way through the Grade-II-listed building, room by room, discovering everything that makes Birmingham worth celebrating.
“International Day of Birmingham is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate everything that makes our city unique: our creativity, diversity, civic pride and strong sense of community,” said Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Councillor Zaker Choudhry.
Just some of the names taking part in the 2026 celebrations include Poet Laureate Ayan Aden; film producer Trevor Beattie; social historian Professor Carl Chinn; satirical collage artist Cold War Steve; author and activist Kit de Waal; anonymous subversive artist Fokawolf; actor and comedian Barbara Nice; celebrity chef Glynn Purnell; and papier-mâché pop artist Tat Vision.
The now traditional Flashbab will also welcome a gathering of Brummies outside on Victoria Square to take part in a communal chant of “Alright bab”, led by the Lord Mayor and Mr Egg, followed by the ceremonial raising of the United States of Birmingham flag, accompanied by the IDOB anthem.
If that wasn’t enough, a second day of festivities is planned for Friday, September 25, with around 50 events, opportunities, and moments planned for both days. Details of the full International Day of Birmingham 2026 programme will be announced in the coming weeks.
