Birmingham Council House lit up for Brum’s 130th birthday!

Birmingham’s Council House in Victoria Square was lit up yesterday with digital projections and performance celebrating the city’s 130th birthday.

In January 1889, Birmingham was officially granted ‘city’ status. In the 130 years that have followed, Birmingham has grown into a diverse and vibrant place to live and work.

In the pop-up event, the spirit of the city and its people was captured through projections that were lit onto the Council House by visual artist Mohammed Ali; who spent time in neighbourhoods across the city, filming people and places, telling the stories of the people who make the city of Birmingham.

The event was filled with performances from local artists and musicians, dancers and spoken word these performances share the performers’ history with the city and celebrate Birmingham today.

The members of the public had cheered each performer as they came on and went off. Some had come after finding out about it through social media while others came to show support to the local artists.

Sophia Gundu said: “I enjoyed the variety of performances, it was nice seeing Birmingham talent. I know a few of the people performing so it was nice to watch them, do something that means so much to them because they’re all descendants of Jamaican immigrants as well.”

“I read about it this morning on Twitter,” said Dilpesh Patel from Smethwick.

“It brings people together, it’s like any other festival in Birmingham. I’ve come to check out the vibe and mingle, and see what Birmingham is doing compared to other cities.”

The event started at 4pm on Monday 14th January, with live performances, and ended at 6pm with a light projection onto the Council House along with a live drawing by Mohammed Ali.

Watch highlights and interviews from Brum130: