Previous City Talks

Sir Lenny Henry in Conversation

The actor, comedian and charitable campaigner spoke to an audience of 500 staff, students and the wider public at a special event celebrating his role as Chancellor of Birmingham City University this week.

During an hour-long live interview with broadcaster June Sarpong MBEthe Dudley-born star said he was proud to be involved with activity to increase representation in his industry and that there were a number of initiatives taking place.

In Conversation With Jo Brand

Watch again as comedy queen Jo Brand returned to Birmingham City University to speak about her career in comedy and kick start the 2017 City Talks series. This event was originally streamed live on 22 February.

In Conversation with Lily Pebbles  

YouTuber, lifestyle blogger and author Lily Pebbles returned to her alma mater to talk about life as a digital superstar and how she had time to write her first ever book – ‘The F Word’, a personal celebration of female friendships.

During the City Talk, Lily will looked back over her incredible career, offered tips for budding writers and explored what’s next for this online sensation.

Black Studies City Talk - 'The end of racism?'

To celebrate the launch of Europe’s first Black Studies degree, Birmingham City University hosted  a lively discussion with leading experts on contemporary issues surrounding this discipline.

The panel was made up of renowned speakers, including Princeton University's Professor Imani Perry, Dr Kehinde Andrews, one of the UK's leading Black British voices, and founder of the Black Studies course, Johny Pitts, photographer, author and founder of Afropean. Chairing the discussion was award-winning broadcaster and former Blue Peter presenter Ayo Akinwolere.

Ashes Talk with Ashley Giles and Jim Troughton 

With the first Test of the 2017-18 Ashes cricket getting underway in Brisbane, Australia, Birmingham City University presented a unique event with England cricketing legend and Ashes-winner, Ashley Giles.

Held in The Recital Hall of the new Royal Birmingham Conservatoire in the centre of Birmingham and hosted by Sky Sports’ Johnny Phillips, the audience heard about England’s historic 2005 Ashes win and Giles and Troughton’s, former England international and current Warwickshire first-team coach, thoughts on England’s prospects in the upcoming series. 

Dr Gok: from catwalk to City Talk  

TV presenter and fashion guru Gok Wan kicked off the 2015 City Talks Series in style.

He discussed some of his most personal life experiences - including his childhood struggles with obesity and anorexia, and how he overcame schoolyard bullies.