Celebrating International Day of Birmingham

UNIVERSITY NEWS LAST UPDATED : 25 SEPTEMBER
Pictured: (l-r) India Harding, Richard Shrewsbury, Jeremy Clay, Ustad Johar Ali, Joe Lycett; Mendi Singh (external partner) and Rose Johnson.

Royal Birmingham Conservatoire staff and a student joined comedian Joe Lycett for a Brummie celebration.

Chair of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) and celebrated violinist Ustad Johar Ali, Associate Professor in Music Education Richard Shrewsbury, Teaching Fellow in Professional Development and Outreach Jeremy Clay, Learning and Participation Assistant Rose Johnson and MMus student India Harding gave a proud Brummie performance at International Day of Birmingham on Tuesday 24 September with the comedian.

The day was spearheaded by Joe Lycett to unite Birminghams worldwide. 'Friendship Agreements' were created, linking Birmingham, UK, with various other cities, towns and villages named Birmingham across North America to form the United States of Birmingham.

Senior Development Manager – India Makhan Singh was approached by the Lord Mayor’s Office to see how RBC could support the inaugural International Day of Birmingham, following a performance by Ustad, who is currently in residence at RBC, which was attended by the Deputy Lord Mayor, Councillor Chaman Lal earlier this year.

This led to conversations with the production company that is making the new Sky series, Joe Lycett’s United States of Birmingham, which will launch in 2025 on Sky Max and NOW. The International Day of Birmingham will feature as part of this new series.

With the support of the Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Councillor Ken Wood, Joe has officially designated 24 September as International Day of Birmingham; a day when Birminghams worldwide celebrate their shared Brummie heritage with a collective chant of “Alright Bab”.

The inaugural celebration was marked by a civic reception at Birmingham Council House, hosted by Councillor Ken Wood. Joe attended the event along with a delegation of his US counterparts from other Birminghams, local dignitaries, and notable figures from Birmingham’s rich cultural history, including members of Black Sabbath, UB40, and Dexy’s Midnight Runners.

Festivities also took place in Victoria Square at 3pm for a grand Brummie celebration. Joe, joined by his international Brummie guests, paraded through the crowd, led by a brass band performing their own rendition of Black Sabbath’s Iron Man.

The parade also featured dhol drummers, BCU Tigers cheerleaders, stilt walkers, a giant Chinese dragon-style bull, and a surprise papier-mâché tribute.

The event culminated by hoisting the United States of Birmingham flag, designed by Joe, accompanied by buglers playing the special composition, ‘United States of Birmingham Fanfare’, symbolising the new bond uniting the Birminghams of the world.

Makhan said: "As the University for Birmingham, it was a real honour for BCU and RBC to be invited to perform at the International Day of Birmingham. Our staff and student showcased a variety of songs originating from iconic Birmingham artists, mixed with an Indian fusion led by Ustad. The beauty of music is that it transcends any barriers – and has the magic of harmonising people and society. This was a unique opportunity for all to experience; and a day which made us all very proud to be called a Brummie!"

Joe Lycett said: "I have travelled thousands of miles around niche and rural parts of America to help create this lasting legacy for all Birminghams, the greatest places on earth, better than dumps like London and Paris and New York, and link all Birminghams with the other Birminghams, so that all Birminghams are friends with Birmingham."

Councillor Ken Wood said: “This day marked a unique opportunity to connect with communities who share our proud name and spirit, stretching far beyond the borders of the UK.

"The creation of the ‘Friendship Agreements’ with other Birminghams in North America not only strengthens international bonds, but also reinforces the values of friendship, inclusivity, and community that define our great city."

Pictured: (l-r) India Harding, Richard Shrewsbury, Jeremy Clay, Ustad Johar Ali, Joe Lycett; Mendi Singh (external partner) and Rose Johnson.

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