Thousands flock to campus for 125th anniversary Christmas celebration

Some 10,000 people joined the University of Birmingham to mark its 125th anniversary year with a magnificent lightshow and Christmas celebration.

Visitors packed the Edwardian heart of the campus to watch a spectacular display projected onto the iconic Aston Webb building - marvelling at the dramatic depiction of the University’s research and education successes over the last 125 years.

With Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Councillor Zafar Iqbal MBE in attendance, Lord Lieutenant for the West Midlands Derrick Anderson CBE switched on the Christmas lights in Chancellors Court, where three performances of the lightshow were hosted.

Professor Adam Tickell, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Birmingham, said: “It was fabulous to welcome so many visitors from across the city for this stunning and historic experience – ending a momentous year in our university’s history. It was wonderful to see our guests absorbed in our tribute to brilliant people with the vision and talent to make people’s lives better - in Birmingham, and beyond.”

From Joseph Chamberlain’s original vision for Britain’s first civic university to the people who have shaped our world, animated graphics projected onto the iconic Aston Webb building told the story of how the University has helped to make the world a better place.

Since Queen Victoria granted its Royal Charter in 1900, the University of Birmingham counts 10 Nobel laureates and two former British Prime Ministers amongst its staff and graduates. It is also currently ranked among the world’s top 100 universities. From pioneering transplant surgery to creating artificial Vitamin C, its people have changed the way the world works.

A host of festive fun

Visitors to campus enjoyed a host of fun activities to kickstart their festive season and get in the yuletide mood with ‘Christmas on Campus: 125 edition’ giving people of all ages a wonderful opportunity to taste University life. The day featured an artisan market, Christmas Craft Fair, funfair carousel, fairground games, live music and entertainment including Christmas stilt walkers and elves.

As well as a multi-faith carol service, there were 10-minute ‘Claus for Thought’ talks - fun takes on the festive season from our leading academics including Professor Deborah Longworth talking about Christmas murder mysteries and Professor Richard Butler exploring dinosaur life on the Jurassic highway.

There were guided tours of the fascinating Largely in Your Hands exhibition exploring the stories of the people behind the University, whilst families could enjoy festive movies including Muppet Christmas Carol, The Snowman, and Olaf’s Frozen Adventure.

The University of Birmingham is a global institution with proud roots in one of the UK’s most dynamic and diverse cities. As a Russell Group leader and founding member of Universitas 21, it has spent more than a century shaping ideas, driving innovation, and transforming lives.

Today, its research-intensive work generates billions for the UK economy, while its commitment to net zero and the UN Sustainable Development Goals signals a bold, future‑focused ambition for the region and the world. In Birmingham and far beyond, the University continues to change the way the world works.