Birmingham: The heart of England…
There’s something about the upbeat vibe of Birmingham that sets it apart from other cities; true, they’ve all got their own identities, but this is unique, it’s bubbly and vivacious, high spirited, and friendly. And there’s heaps going on, all day, all night, year round. Birmingham is home to a very diverse multi-cultural community, partly because of the huge role the city played in the rise of the British manufacturing industry, but also because it’s slap bang in the middle of the country. It’s the heart of England, a big throbbing conurbation that’s convenient for all the major transport routes, with an airport just ten minutes from the city centre. So that explains why it’s become Britain’s second largest city.

So what’s there? Loads, absolutely loads. Impossible to list it all here, but to say there’s something for everyone is an understatement; museums and galleries (you can easily spend all day in Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery), gorgeous parks and gardens (check out Birmingham Botanical Gardens with its exquisite glasshouses), a network of canals, a beautiful Baroque cathedral, a plethora of places to eat covering all types of cuisine, and there’s even a chocolate factory.
The various districts remain diverse but have their own vibe, some have a distinct villagey feel; Digbeth is hip and happening, Balti Triangle is the place for exotic Asian clothing and fabrics, Southside takes in Chinatown, Theatreland and Gay Village, Eastside is home to vast green spaces and the inspiring thinktank Science Museum. In the Colmore Business District contemporary architecture rubs shoulders with historic buildings; Brindley Place has a notable cosmopolitan air, Broad street throbs to the beat of the nightlife.
The city is home to several top sports venues; Aston Villa Football Club, Moseley Rugby Club, Birmingham City Football Club, and Edgbaston Stadium. The NEC, Barclaycard Arena, ICC Birmingham and Symphony Hall host performances from some of the biggest names in music, and events from some of the world’s top brands.