Joe Lycett spearheads brand-new International Day of Birmingham

The inaugural International Day of Birmingham is taking place today, spearheaded by comedian and fellow Brummie, Joe Lycett.

Joe has been travelling across North America, visiting different places that share the city's name, where he has been offering "Friendship Agreements" in the hopes of uniting different Birminghams together.

Today (24 Sept), he's back in his hometown to celebrate the union of these difference places, with festivities kicking off in Victoria Square at 3pm.

To commemorate this historic occasion, Joe, with support from the Lord Mayor of Birmingham, has officially designated 24 September as International Day of Birmingham, a day when Birminghams worldwide will celebrate their shared Brummie heritage with a collective chant of “Alright Bab.”

Joe, joined by his international Brummie guests, will parade through the crowd, led by a brass band performing their own rendition of Black Sabbath’s “Iron Man.” The parade will also feature dhol drummers, cheerleaders, stilt walkers, a giant Chinese dragon-style bull, and a surprise papier-mâché tribute.

Joe Lyctt, said: "International Day of Birmingham should be something we already celebrate, but I am thrilled to be joining the Lord Mayor in our inaugural celebration. I have travelled thousands of miles around niche and rural parts of America to help create this lasting legacy for all Birminghams, the greatest places on earth, better than dumps like London and Paris and New York, and link all Birminghams with the other Birminghams so that all Birminghams are friends with Birmingham."

The Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Councillor Ken Wood, said: "As Lord Mayor of Birmingham, it is my great pleasure to welcome the launch of the inaugural International Day of Birmingham, a truly inspiring event that unites Birminghams across the world in a celebration of our shared heritage. This day marks a unique opportunity to connect with communities who share our proud name and spirit, stretching far beyond the borders of the UK.

"The creation of the ‘Friendship Agreements’ with other Birminghams in North America not only strengthens international bonds, but also reinforces the values of friendship, inclusivity, and community that define our great city.

"I invite all Brummies, near and far, to join us in Victoria Square for this extraordinary celebration and to proudly raise their voices as we celebrate the first-ever International Day of Birmingham."

Joe hopes the International Day of Birmingham will become and annual tradition.

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