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News

Police charge 46 men over major disorder outside Villa Park

Staff ReporterDecember 2, 20232023-12-02T19:33:28+00:00

West Midlands Police have charged 46 men over Thursday night's violence outside Villa Park. Of those, 43 have been charged…

Bullring & Grand Central announce opening hours for Christmas 2023

Staff Reporter December 1, 2023 Comments Off2023-12-01T17:34:05+00:00

The countdown to Christmas has begun, and Bullring & Grand Central is providing visitors with the gift of time as…

Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight and BCFC’s Tom Brady spotted in Small Heath

Rangzeb Hussain August 13, 2023 Comments Off2023-08-15T00:51:02+00:00

The new minority owner of Birmingham City FC and the creator of Peaky Blinders were both spotted in Small Heath on…

Fears mount for missing teenage girl last seen at Star City, Birmingham

Rangzeb Hussain August 13, 2023 Comments Off2023-08-13T17:07:32+00:00

The distraught family of a teenage girl have launched a public appeal to help find her after she went missing…

65-year-old pedestrian struck down by car in Small Heath, Birmingham

Rangzeb Hussain August 10, 2023 Comments Off2023-08-10T16:44:11+00:00

An elderly man was struck down by a car in the Small Heath area of Birmingham last night (9 August).…

History made as Sikh teenager becomes first South Asian player in Birmingham City FC squad

Rangzeb Hussain August 9, 2023 Comments Off2023-08-10T02:59:38+00:00

A teenager with Sikh-Punjabi heritage has made sporting history to become the first South Asian player ever to be selected…

Crime

Police charge 46 men over major disorder outside Villa Park

Staff ReporterDecember 2, 20232023-12-02T19:33:28+00:00

West Midlands Police have charged 46 men over Thursday night's violence outside Villa Park. Of those, 43 have been charged…

65-year-old pedestrian struck down by car in Small Heath, Birmingham

Rangzeb Hussain August 10, 2023 Comments Off2023-08-10T16:44:11+00:00

An elderly man was struck down by a car in the Small Heath area of Birmingham last night (9 August).…

23 motorists caught within hours of crackdown on dangerous drivers in Birmingham

Rangzeb Hussain August 9, 2023 Comments Off2023-08-09T14:54:12+00:00

Within hours of a crackdown against dangerous and antisocial drivers going into operation the police have collared 23 drivers. Operation…

Authorities launch major offensive against dangerous and antisocial drivers in Birmingham

Rangzeb Hussain August 8, 2023 Comments Off2023-08-08T15:44:02+00:00

A major offensive against dangerous and antisocial drivers came into effect on Monday (7 August) after recent hit-and-run deaths and…

Police swoop in after hordes of antisocial bikers terrify residents in Birmingham

Rangzeb Hussain August 7, 2023 Comments Off2023-08-07T14:58:17+00:00

Police units swooped in after receiving calls from residents in the Sheldon area of Birmingham who were being terrified by…

West Midlands Police make arrests during crackdown on street racing in the region

Rangzeb Hussain August 4, 2023 Comments Off2023-08-04T15:52:10+00:00

West Midlands Police have made a series of arrests during a crackdown on antisocial street racing where dangerous drivers use…

Community

IN PICTURES: World Aids Day 2023 vigil held in Birmingham

Staff ReporterDecember 1, 20232023-12-01T23:09:44+00:00

A vigil was held in Birmingham this evening to mark World Aids Day, remembering the lives lost to HIV and…

Remembering the late dedicated HIV activist Tom Matthews this World Aids Day 2023

Selbin Kabote December 1, 2023 Comments Off2023-12-01T16:12:46+00:00

A few months before Tom Matthews passed on in 2022, I met him at our usual meeting venue, a pub…

Wolerhampton McDonald’s franchisee Ash Raju organises litter pick to clean up area and protect environment

Rangzeb Hussain August 2, 2023 Comments Off2023-08-02T17:20:32+00:00

A McDonald's franchisee in Wolverhampton conducted a litter pick in July to clean up his local area and help protect…

Art installation celebrating “hope, prayer and community spirit” comes to Birmingham Festival 23

Rangzeb Hussain July 29, 2023 Comments Off2023-07-30T00:47:27+00:00

A special art installation allowing members of the public to share their thoughts and strengthen community spirit will be unveiled during…

Derelict swimming pool in deprived area of Birmingham to be saved after years of neglect

Rangzeb Hussain July 25, 2023 Comments Off2023-07-25T14:24:23+00:00

A neglected swimming pool in a deprived area of Birmingham will be restored after city officials approved plans to bring…

Birmingham activist returns Empire Medal over treatment of refugees and free school meals

Rangzeb Hussain July 11, 2023 Comments Off2023-07-11T15:15:58+00:00

A Birmingham social work activist has returned his British Empire Medal in protest over "Labour's refusal to commit to free…

Arts

Art installation celebrating “hope, prayer and community spirit” comes to Birmingham Festival 23

Rangzeb HussainJuly 29, 20232023-07-30T00:47:27+00:00

A special art installation allowing members of the public to share their thoughts and strengthen community spirit will be unveiled during…

Birmingham City University bestows highest honour upon influential artist Sonia Boyce

Rangzeb Hussain July 23, 2023 Comments Off2023-07-24T00:52:20+00:00

Respected British artist Sonia Boyce OBE, whose work has been a regular fixture at Birmingham art galleries, will receive an…

Mughal art and dance day announced at Aston Hall for South Asian Heritage Month

Rangzeb Hussain July 10, 2023 Comments Off2023-07-10T14:15:48+00:00

Birmingham's Aston Hall is preparing to host art and dance events, including a panel discussion, to mark South Asian Heritage…

Birmingham street artist paints mural celebrating Small Heath history and wildlife

Rangzeb Hussain July 4, 2023 Comments Off2023-07-04T23:39:53+00:00

A bright and colourful new mural has been painted in Birmingham which celebrates the history and wildlife of Small Heath.…

Eid in Kings Heath arts event aims to forge friendships and inspire community spirit

Rangzeb Hussain July 1, 2023 Comments Off2023-07-01T15:36:59+00:00

The organiser of a free public Eid arts event taking place this Sunday in Birmingham hopes to use the platform to…

Celebrated photographer Vanley Burke to give Windrush 75 talk at Black Country Living Museum

Rangzeb Hussain June 19, 2023 Comments Off2023-06-20T11:22:48+00:00

Respected Birmingham photographer Vanley Burke is due to give a talk this week as part of events to mark Windrush…

Entertainment

REVIEW: The Lion King – the African lion roars with pride in Birmingham

Rangzeb HussainJuly 13, 20232023-07-14T12:13:22+00:00

The Lion King musical roars and leaps onto the Birmingham stage for a scorching hot summer season. Disney’s world famous…

REVIEW: Demon Dentist – Birmingham Stage Company adapt David Walliams book

Rangzeb Hussain June 29, 2023 Comments Off2023-06-30T02:18:12+00:00

Birmingham Stage Company has crafted theatrical drama and mirth from David Walliams bestselling children’s book. Demon Dentist is currently playing…

REVIEW: Wish You Were Dead – the past comes knocking at the midnight hour

Rangzeb Hussain June 20, 2023 Comments Off2023-06-21T02:58:46+00:00

Critically-acclaimed crime writer Peter James sees his 2021 novella transformed into a psychological stage play laced with black comedy. Wish…

REVIEW: 9 to 5 the Musical – Birmingham Midland Operatic Society highlights toxic culture

Rangzeb Hussain June 14, 2023 Comments Off2023-06-15T00:15:35+00:00

The musical version of screwball comedy film 9 to 5 is back in the city in a new thought-provoking production…

Comedy play exploring gay relationships, promiscuity and AIDS crisis to run at Crescent Theatre in Birmingham

Staff Reporter June 2, 2023 Comments Off2023-06-02T10:17:31+00:00

A bittersweet comedy about a group of gay men coming to terms with AIDS is coming to Birmingham in July.…

100,000 people expected to descend on Birmingham city centre for Pride celebrations

Staff Reporter May 24, 2023 Comments Off2023-05-24T14:57:46+00:00

Birmingham Pride organisers are expecting 100,000 people to line the city centre streets this weekend for the city's rainbow parade, ahead…

Business

Bullring & Grand Central announce opening hours for Christmas 2023

Staff ReporterDecember 1, 20232023-12-01T17:34:05+00:00

The countdown to Christmas has begun, and Bullring & Grand Central is providing visitors with the gift of time as…

Strikes back on: When and where is industrial action taking place across the UK in January?

Staff Reporter January 3, 2023 Comments Off2023-01-03T10:14:12+00:00

Strikes across the country and region are back on as of today as workers continue to take industrial action throughout…

West Midlands Mayor Andy Street makes first-ever visit to Bangladesh during trade mission

Staff Reporter November 15, 2022 Comments Off2022-11-20T13:33:09+00:00

West Midlands Mayor Andy Street has been in Bangladesh this week following his weeklong trade mission to neighbouring India. In his…

Climate change could damage West Midlands transport infrastructure, new report finds

Staff Reporter November 12, 2022 Comments Off2022-11-12T23:36:11+00:00

The effects of climate change in the West Midlands could damage local transport networks, the water supply and disrupt business…

Pride director Lawrence Barton appointed as Birmingham’s first Night-Time Economy Champion

Staff Reporter November 11, 2022 Comments Off2022-11-11T05:57:36+00:00

Birmingham Pride festival director Lawrence Barton has become the city’s first Night-Time Economy Champion, appointed by Birmingham City Council. The announcement was…

Glamorous nightclub in Birmingham to ‘close for weeks’ following major water leak

Staff Reporter August 2, 2022 Comments Off2022-08-02T10:17:19+00:00

Late-night Birmingham LGBTQ bar and nightclub Glamorous is to close its doors for "potentially a month" following serious internal damage…

Environment

Wolerhampton McDonald’s franchisee Ash Raju organises litter pick to clean up area and protect environment

Rangzeb HussainAugust 2, 20232023-08-02T17:20:32+00:00

A McDonald's franchisee in Wolverhampton conducted a litter pick in July to clean up his local area and help protect…

Birmingham council launches Brum Breathes Fund to help improve air quality across city

Staff Reporter June 2, 2023 Comments Off2023-09-29T17:10:19+00:00

A new funding scheme to help improve air quality in Birmingham has launched today (June 1), with funding available to…

Community volunteers help clear litter from Handsworth Cemetery ahead of Ramadan

Rangzeb Hussain March 13, 2023 Comments Off2023-03-18T17:44:41+00:00

A group of community volunteers from Birmingham are helping to clean up Handsworth Cemetery, ahead of Ramadan. The successful cleanup operation – which…

Five hundred trees planted in city to bring back Birmingham’s blossom orchards

Althia Barnett February 1, 2023 Comments Off2023-03-14T16:05:46+00:00

Planting for The National Trust’s Ring of Blossoms Project has been taking place in Birmingham during the second half of…

Climate change could damage West Midlands transport infrastructure, new report finds

Staff Reporter November 12, 2022 Comments Off2022-11-12T23:36:11+00:00

The effects of climate change in the West Midlands could damage local transport networks, the water supply and disrupt business…

Woodland Trust provides £300k funding to boost tree planting across the West Midlands

Staff Reporter October 6, 2022 Comments Off2022-10-08T23:53:20+00:00

The Woodland Trust has delivered a major boost for communities across the region by providing nearly £300,000 to ramp up…

Politics

West Midlands Mayor Andy Street announces public Q&A session in Birmingham

Rangzeb HussainJuly 12, 20232023-07-12T00:52:28+00:00

West Midlands Mayor Andy Street has announced he will be engaging in a public Q&A event in the Moseley area…

Birmingham activist returns Empire Medal over treatment of refugees and free school meals

Rangzeb Hussain July 11, 2023 Comments Off2023-07-11T15:15:58+00:00

A Birmingham social work activist has returned his British Empire Medal in protest over "Labour's refusal to commit to free…

History made as Birmingham elects first ever British-Indian Lord Mayor of the city

Rangzeb Hussain May 25, 2023 Comments Off2023-05-25T16:54:03+00:00

History was made in Birmingham as the city elected the first ever British-Indian Lord Mayor who arrived to the country…

Birmingham’s new city chief unveils his council cabinet

Rangzeb Hussain May 22, 2023 Comments Off2023-05-24T12:07:42+00:00

The newly selected Leader of Birmingham City Council has released details of the team that will take control of the…

Labour chooses new leadership for Birmingham City Council as Cllr Ian Ward ousted

Rangzeb Hussain May 21, 2023 Comments Off2023-05-21T16:51:09+00:00

Birmingham City Council has new leadership after a highly damaging internal report saw the national Labour Party move in and…

Cllr Ian Ward faces chop as Labour Party seeks new Birmingham City Council leader

Rangzeb Hussain May 17, 2023 Comments Off2023-05-17T23:43:31+00:00

Cllr Ian Ward is facing an uncertain future as the national Labour Party seeks to replace him as leader of…

Column

Remembering the late dedicated HIV activist Tom Matthews this World Aids Day 2023

Selbin KaboteDecember 1, 20232023-12-01T16:12:46+00:00

A few months before Tom Matthews passed on in 2022, I met him at our usual meeting venue, a pub…

OPINION | Selbin Kabote: Why isn’t my professor Black?

Selbin Kabote October 29, 2021 Comments Off2021-10-29T15:18:55+00:00

While thinking about what to write for Black History Month, the recurring question in my mind came from a panel…

OPINION: Why we’re coming together to stand up against domestic violence

Farisai Dzemwa October 29, 2020 Comments Off2020-10-30T14:04:04+00:00

A lot of research has been done and written about domestic violence by researchers and academics. This is talked about…

OPINION: Why the Blues anti-racism march in Birmingham must not be underestimated

Guest Contributor July 7, 2020 Comments Off2020-07-07T17:51:13+00:00

The significance of Saturday’s demonstration by ex Zulu Warriors and Birmingham City fans in support of Black Lives Matter cannot be…

OPINION: Weekly ‘cuppa’ meet-ups give many migrants something to look forward to

Farisai Dzemwa May 5, 2020 Comments Off2020-07-14T14:56:53+00:00

The weekly Cup'a'Tea virtual meet-up hosted by Migrant Voice for the migrant community has proved quite popular as it gives…

OPINION: Wake up Africans – Coronavirus is very, very real

Farisai Dzemwa April 17, 2020 Comments Off2020-10-29T20:08:10+00:00

Ignorance, misconceptions and unhealthy calm. As l have be engaging with my community, with my fellow migrants and also with…

What's On

Art installation celebrating “hope, prayer and community spirit” comes to Birmingham Festival 23

Rangzeb HussainJuly 29, 20232023-07-30T00:47:27+00:00

A special art installation allowing members of the public to share their thoughts and strengthen community spirit will be unveiled during…

REVIEW: Dirty Dancing – red hot summer romance with scorching dancing

Rangzeb Hussain July 18, 2023 Comments Off2023-07-19T04:06:26+00:00

One of the most memorable dance films from the 1980's comes to the city as a scorching hot stage musical.…

REVIEW: The Lion King – the African lion roars with pride in Birmingham

Rangzeb Hussain July 13, 2023 Comments Off2023-07-14T12:13:22+00:00

The Lion King musical roars and leaps onto the Birmingham stage for a scorching hot summer season. Disney’s world famous…

Mughal art and dance day announced at Aston Hall for South Asian Heritage Month

Rangzeb Hussain July 10, 2023 Comments Off2023-07-10T14:15:48+00:00

Birmingham's Aston Hall is preparing to host art and dance events, including a panel discussion, to mark South Asian Heritage…

Oh. My. Gawd. The Friends immersive exhibition is now in Birmingham

Rangzeb Hussain July 8, 2023 Comments Off2023-07-08T15:25:11+00:00

The wait is finally over as doors open at the NEC in Birmingham to welcome fans who can immerse themselves…

Eid in Kings Heath arts event aims to forge friendships and inspire community spirit

Rangzeb Hussain July 1, 2023 Comments Off2023-07-01T15:36:59+00:00

The organiser of a free public Eid arts event taking place this Sunday in Birmingham hopes to use the platform to…