Comedian Joe Lycett recently hosted the first-ever International Day of Birmingham, a celebration meant to honor the shared heritage of all cities named Birmingham. The event marked a special moment for Lycett, a proud Brummie, as he aimed to connect these cities in a unique way. He traveled to 18 different places across North America that also bear the name Birmingham and brought their leaders together by signing friendship agreements. This initiative led to the formation of the “United States of Birmingham,” symbolizing the unity between these cities.
The International Day of Birmingham event took place on Tuesday in Victoria Square, Birmingham, with a grand parade, live music, and dancing. One of the main highlights was the flag-raising ceremony, where the new “United States of Birmingham” flag was proudly displayed. Representatives from all the other Birminghams across North America flew in to take part in the celebration, adding even more excitement to the day.
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The Global Birmingham Connection
During the event, Lycett expressed his excitement about discovering the many places named Birmingham. “There are 18 other Birminghams out there—one in Canada and 17 in the United States. Once you realize that, you just have to go and visit them,” he said with enthusiasm.
What made the event even more fun was Lycett’s effort to get all the mayors and city representatives of these Birminghams to participate in a quirky challenge. He asked them to read out the phrase, “Alright bab?”—a common Brummie greeting. The comedian was delighted to hear the different pronunciations of this phrase, adding some humor and warmth to the festivities.
An Understated Charm
While visiting these other Birminghams, Lycett noticed a common theme. All of them had a certain underdog charm. “None of these Birminghams are the major city or town in their area, and there’s something beautiful about that,” he said.
This feeling of being a bit of an underdog seemed to resonate with all the places, including his own hometown of Birmingham in the UK. “There’s something about the name that sticks with all these places,” he added, noting the shared spirit among these cities. This bond is what inspired Lycett to start the International Day of Birmingham in the first place.
A Celebration for the Future
Lycett expressed hope that the celebration would become an annual event, bringing more attention to Birmingham and the values it represents. “I think it shows that spirit of Birmingham. People really love this city, even if they don’t always say it,” he shared.
Lycett also acknowledged that Birmingham, like many cities, is facing tough times, especially after Birmingham City Council declared bankruptcy. The comedian pointed out that more could be done to support the city and help it thrive, saying, “If the government really wanted to help Birmingham, they could do it. There’s potential here.”
A City Worth Celebrating
Despite the challenges Birmingham faces, Lycett remains proud of his hometown. He often gives a nod to the city in his work, including his Channel 4 show, Late Night Lycett, which is filmed in Digbeth, a vibrant area of Birmingham. Lycett has always been vocal about supporting local talent and even made the owners of his corner shop in Kings Heath stars on his show. His efforts have always been about uplifting the community and shining a light on the city’s character.
Hosting the International Day of Birmingham is just another example of Lycett’s love for the city and its people. The comedian sees this event as a way to boost morale and remind people of Birmingham’s history, value, and shared connections with other cities worldwide.
Moving Forward with Hope
During a conversation with BBC Radio WM, Lycett emphasized the importance of giving Birmingham the recognition it deserves. He believes the International Day of Birmingham can play a part in restoring pride in the city. “Anything that boosts morale and reminds us that we have history and value is really important right now,” he said.
Lycett’s comments came in the context of Birmingham’s financial difficulties, but he remained optimistic that the city could find its way through these challenging times. His celebration of the city’s heritage and global connections offers a hopeful message at a time when the city needs it the most.
As for the future of the United States of Birmingham and the International Day of Birmingham, Lycett hopes the event will continue to grow, with more participation from the Birminghams of the world. “We should love this city,” he said, ending on a positive note. “It’s a brilliant city, and we are having tough times at the minute, but there’s so much to be proud of.”
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Conclusion:
Joe Lycett’s hosting of the first-ever International Day of Birmingham is more than just a quirky celebration. It’s a meaningful event that highlights the shared heritage of cities named Birmingham and brings attention to the spirit of community. From connecting with other Birminghams across North America to hosting a vibrant parade and flag-raising ceremony, Lycett has shown his love for Birmingham and its global connections. As the city faces tough times, events like these remind us of its rich history, charm, and the hope that better days are ahead.
