Birmingham is synonymous with lots of cultures. Thanks to the exploits of Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath, we’re considered the home of metal music. We’re strangely proud of our canals. And we love curry so much we allegedly popularised the Balti all on our own!
But you may not be aware of our massive pop culture, film and gaming community. Though we may not be famous for it, those looking for some nerdy pursuits are more than catered for in the Second City.
So if you're in town for an event, or just want some alternative activities to try here in Birmingham, here is our guide to getting your geek on.
Shopping
You may already be aware of our shopping prowess. The Bullring, Grand Central and the city centre in general are packed with everything a student could ever want. Nestled throughout are little pockets of procrastination.
Forbidden Planet, situated on Bull Street, is two floors of nerd nirvana. They stock collectables on the first floor, including the biggest selection of Pop! Vinyls you are ever likely to see, and all manner of comic books downstairs.
World's Apart, formerly known as Nostalgia and Comics, is located on Smallbrook Queensway and houses a similar assortment of collectables, comics and toys.
If Magic the Gathering, Yu-Gi-Oh and Pokemon TGC is more your style, Geek Retreat is the place for you. Not only is there two floors worth of comfy seating for table top gaming, they also serve coffee, tea, and soft drinks, so you’ll be cosy while you’re combating.
Next up is the famous Oasis market, perhaps the heart of subculture in Birmingham. The underground market houses unique independent stores that can’t be found anywhere else. We don’t even want to describe it too much – it’s worth discovering on your own.
In the city
Already stocked up on toys, trinkets and trading cards? You can still find plenty to do.
Escape Rooms are all the rage right now, and the Jewellery Quarter is home to Escape Live, which offers not one but four escape rooms for all ages and skill levels. Rooms include the futuristic Time Machine, the scientific The Lab, the scary Room 13, and the Sherlock-esque Dr. Wilson’s Office.
By the Oasis market also sits Escape Hunt, with four escape rooms, including a Doctor Who themed escape room, and the opportunity to take part in outdoor games that allow to you explore the city while you play.
Film buffs can also look forward to several festivals throughout the year. Independent film festivals don’t come much bigger than the Flatpack Festival, where 200+ films are shown across six days from 4 April. Later on in the year, the Electric Cinema (the oldest working cinema in the UK) hosts the Shock and Gore festival, a tribute to horror movies from the past to the here and now. And should the weather hold, you may also want to check out the Brindleyplace Film Festival, with a huge outdoor screen showing some of the biggest movies ever made.
If you're looking to game, then there's two Belong Arenas, one located at the Sports Direct on New Street and the other located at the Fort shopping centre. Both these venues are home to their own E-Sports teams, the Birmingham Bruisers and the Birmingham Defenders.
Exhibitions
The real jewel in the crown of Birmingham’s nerd scene, however, is the National Exhibition Centre. The NEC puts on a wide variety of pop-culture infused exhibitions all year long, just a quick 15 minute train trip from New Street.
This year, you can look forward to:
- Toy Collectors Fair – The tri-annual NEC tradition brings together 550 stands of retro toys.
- UK Games Expo – Video gaming meets table top, board and role playing gaming.
- Collectormania – One for collectors, this show exhibits memorabilia from TV and Film, and will have guest appearances from Danny Glover (Lethal weapon), Charles Dance (Game of Thrones) and Robert Englund (Nightmare on Elm Street).
- Insomnia– One of the UK’s largest gaming conventions, with appearances from several Youtubers, the Call of Duty World League, and wrestling from Fight Club: Pro.
- MCM Comic Con – Cosplaying, collectors and tonnes of special guests, this is the UK's (self-proclaimed) most AWESOME pop culture experience!
BCUSU Societies
Joining Birmingham City University soon? Already a student here? You’ll be happy to know that we have a massive array of societies that cover every basis of pop culture. Here are just a few:
Got any other recommendations? Let us know!
