The second ‘International Day of Birmingham’ (IDOB), featuring comedian Joe Lycett, was held in the city as tributes to an alliance of places called Birmingham around the world comprised of events yesterday, which included the raising of a 'United States of Birmingham' flag in Victoria Square, in the UK’s own.
The comedian, who last year presented TV programme Joe Lycett's United States of Birmingham, made a balcony appearance, before events which include a 6k guided running tour of the Midlands city's "quirkiest landmarks". Some other landmarks included the Library of Birmingham and Kings Heath High Street, which were illuminated in the IDOB colours.
As part of a so-called ‘Flashbab’, an "Alright Bab" chant was led by Lord Mayor Councillor Zafar Iqbal, who went on to say: “Last year, we made history with the inaugural International Day of Birmingham.
“From the brass band parade to the hoisting of the United States of Birmingham flag, it was a joyful celebration of Brummie pride.” It was followed by a procession down Colmore Row with special guests and at the flag raising.
The evening schedule included the headline event featuring historian Prof Carl Chinn hosting a screening of Telly Savalas Looks at Birmingham and the first episode of Lycett's series at The Old Rep Theatre, which was then followed by a Q&A with the comedian, director Nicola Silk and Brummie historian Randell H Spackman from Birmingham in Pennsylvania. Last year, Lycett travelled to 18 locations in North America and a "treaty that joined them" was signed, he said. In the US, people "were just so charming and welcoming everywhere", he said.
The comedian said: "There was loads happening in Digbeth, then these events in the evening, the Flashbab, lots of stuff for the family." There was also a 6-kilometre running tour around the city with buildings being lit up to celebrate the second ‘International Day of Birmingham’.
