University of Birmingham sponsors city-wide celebrations for International Day of Birmingham
Birmingham set to host football-focused community event.
The University of Birmingham is proud to be a headline sponsor for the renowned International Day of Birmingham, which returns for its third year on Thursday 24 - Friday 25 September.
Originally conceived as part of Joe Lycett's United States of Birmingham, the annual celebration is now delivered by International Day of Birmingham CIC. The festival shines a spotlight on Birmingham's people, places and achievements while connecting with towns and cities around the world that share its name.
Cassie Chadderton, Director of Culture, Collections and Public Engagement at the University of Birmingham, said: "International Day of Birmingham is our annual reminder to the world that the second city is, in fact, second to none.
"As England's first civic university, we're proud to support an event that brings people, cultures and communities together, celebrates our global connections and showcases everything that makes Birmingham such a vibrant place to live, work and study."
Supporting International Day of Birmingham reflects the University's longstanding commitment to the city. As a global institution, proudly rooted in one of the UK's most dynamic and diverse cities, the University works with partners across the region to create opportunities, tackle shared challenges and champion Birmingham on the national and international stage. This commitment was reaffirmed through the University's renewed civic pledge in 2025, marking its 125th anniversary year.
Now a firm fixture in the city's calendar, the city-wide festival will feature more than 50 events and activities taking place across the city, celebrating the global communities and cultures that make Birmingham unique.
As England's first civic university, we're proud to support an event that brings people, cultures and communities together, celebrates our global connections and showcases everything that makes Birmingham such a vibrant place to live, work and study.
As part of the programme, the University of Birmingham will host 'Birmingham United: celebrating football in Brum', exploring how football helps shape identity, belonging, and community.
Hosted by University of Birmingham alumna and Birmingham City fan PJ Ellis, the event will bring together football fans, players and participants from across the city.
Speakers will include Siraj Hussain, founder of Birmingham United, a foundation using the power of sport to bring people together and transform lives; Paul Delves and Sukh Singh from the BCFC Official Supporters Club; and Hijab Shah, a PhD researcher and podcaster exploring the relationship between race, identity and football culture.
The University of Birmingham recently announced strategic partnerships with organisations including Birmingham Royal Ballet, Birmingham City Football Club, and Warwickshire County Cricket Club. Together, these collaborations are opening up opportunities in education, health, culture, sport and research, raising aspirations across Birmingham to enhance the city’s reputation.
Recently named The Times and Sunday Times Sport University of the Year 2027, the recognition reflects the strength of the University's partnerships across the sporting landscape.
Birmingham also climbed to 12th in the overall rankings, secured the title of Midlands University of the Year 2027, and was runner-up for University of the Year 2027.
Alongside this, the University ranked first in the Russell Group for student satisfaction in the National Student Survey, was named Daily Mail University of the Year, and has risen to 68th in the QS World University Rankings, cementing its position as a world-leading university.