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Calling all Brummies, non-Brummies and those who identify as Brummies! All are welcome to join in this annual day of celebration marking the creation of the historic alliance of Birminghams.

In 2024, as the Lord Mayor’s chosen ambassador, Joe Lycett formed an official Treaty of Friendship with the world’s many Birminghams, thus creating the United States of Birmingham. On his travels (immortalised in the Sky series ‘Joe Lycett’s United States of Birmingham’) Joe discovered a shared Brummie spirit and introduced the Birminghams of North America to some cultural highlights from the Mother Brum, including custard, cobs and a Curly Wurly or two. 
 

2025 saw the second city-wide celebration of all things Brum; unapologetically silly fun; the raising of the United States of Birmingham flag at the Council House, a balcony appearance by the president of the USB himself, Joe Lycett. 

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This year, Birmingham’s Lord Mayor will be joined by key figures and organisations from across the city’s arts, culture, creative food, media, and nightlife worlds - all coming together with residents and visitors alike to publicly embrace civic pride. The House That Brum Built takes place on the 24th and 25th September 2026. 

 

With a Brummie Passport in hand - designed by Colour Palette Company and Draw My City artist Stacey Barnfield -  visitors will stamp their way through the Grade-II-listed Council House landmark building, room by room, discovering everything that makes Birmingham worth celebrating.

 

Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Councillor Zaker Choudhry, said: "International Day of Birmingham is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate everything that makes our city unique: our creativity, diversity, civic pride and strong sense of community. It is also a chance to recognise the special connections we share with other Birminghams around the world, bringing people together through friendship, culture and a shared identity."

 

"I am delighted that this year's celebrations will be bigger than ever, with our historic Council House opening its doors for The House That Brum Built. I encourage residents, visitors and friends of Birmingham everywhere to join us in celebrating our city, its people and the remarkable spirit that makes Birmingham such a special place to call home."

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The now traditional Flashbab will see a gathering of Brummies outside the Council House in Victoria Square take part in a communal chant of “Alright bab", led by Lord Mayor Councillor Zaker Choudhry and Mr Egg, followed by the ceremonial raising of the United States of Birmingham flag, accompanied by the IDOB anthem. 

 

Birmingham champions taking part in the 2026 celebrations include Poet Laureate Ayan Aden,  film producer and creative director Trevor Beattie; social historian Professor Carl Chinn; satirical collage artist Cold War Steve, acclaimed author and activist Kit de Waal;  anonymous subversive artist Fokawolf, actor and comedian Barbara Nice; celebrity chef and restaurateur Glynn Purnell; and papier-mâché pop artist and performer Tat Vision.

 

International Day of Birmingham 2026 is made possible with kind thanks to Birmingham City Council and The Lord Mayor of Birmingham, and with generous support from The Beattie Foundation, Colmore Life, The Heath Bookshop, Hollywood Monster, Nortons Digbeth, UB40, and the University of Birmingham.

 

Nicola Silk, director of International Day of Birmingham CIC and executive producer of IDOB 2026, said: “We are thrilled to be expanding this year’s IDOB and doubling the Brum fun over two days in The House that Brum Built.’

“As the most Birmingham event ever to happen in Birmingham continues to grow, we're carefully selecting a small number of commercial and strategic partners to help enhance the experience while showcasing their commitment to our city and its communities.

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“We’ve long needed a reason to come together and celebrate what is best about Birmingham; 24 September is that day and has now become Birmingham’s own Christmas; this year we have Birmingham’s Boxing Day too. So let’s  raise a glass of Birmingham tap water and big up Brum at the biggest Brummie house party the city has ever thrown for itself..’