Think you know Birmingham? Think again…
With under 25’s accounting for nearly 40% of the population, this city is the youngest in Europe. Matched with its industrial heritage, 8,000 acres of parks and open spaces, and a vibrant and bustling nightlife, it’s no wonder young creatives from all corners of the UK view this as the place to be. Filmmakers: Welcome to Birmingham.
Explore The Outside
With over 600 parks and open spaces, Birmingham is the ideal place to enjoy nature and get some fresh air. With its beautiful twisting paths, woodlands and orchards, Martineau Gardens is a bubble of tranquillity, whilst Castle Bromwich Hall Gardens features 10 acres of walled gardens in the Baroque aesthetic, and includes a holly walk, summer house, and maze.
In the middle of town you’ll find the City Centre Gardens located next to the International Convention Centre. Filled with exotic-looking plants, it’s a great location to escape to between lectures, or spend a day lazing in the sun.
Where To Eat
Birmingham’s culinary landscape is second to none: from burgers at the Meat Shack, to Michelin star Indian and Bangladeshi cuisine at Opheem, you’ll find your tastebuds exploring food from all corners of the globe. Make sure to check out Digbeth Dining Club embedded in the Old Custard Factory (now a creative hub) which allows you to try incredible tastes from different vendors every week.
Gaigin Sushi on Bristol Street is renowned for its theatrical approach, and wows diners with their preparation, whilst the art deco style of The Oyster Club is sure to impress as Birmingham’s finest seafood restaurant. No matter what your taste, Birmingham proves itself as a city full of flavour.
Nightlife
With such a huge student population, the city has become a hub for having a good time, and because everything is so close together it makes getting from place to place a few minutes walk, or you can travel around the city by taxi for less than a fiver. With some of the best bars, pubs, clubs and restaurants the UK has to offer, you can easily spend your evening at the 1940’s style Electric Cinema, or enjoying a spot of stand-up at The Glee Club, before catching a headline act over at the Resort World Arena, or setting the dance floor alight to indie hits at Snobs.
If you’re after a lively music scene, Birmingham has you covered. Head over to The Jam House, inspired by Jules Holland, which you’ll find overflowing with live Jazz, Northern Soul, and Motown Classics, or catch up-and-coming new acts in The Sunflower Lounge’s basement.
Festival Spirit
Birmingham is the proud home to over 50 festivals annually, including the Birmingham Film Festival, the Flat Pack Film Festival, the Birmingham International Jazz Festival and the Fierce Art Festival. It’s not just an exciting and vibrant scene to enjoy socially – it’s an opportunity to meet and work with talented individuals from all aspects of the industry.
There’s also Birmingham Pride held every Spring Bank Holiday weekend which attracts over 70,000 visitors each year and offers a variety of day and night time events for everyone to enjoy.
Birmingham’s Film Scene
Attracting big Hollywood productions and the names attached to them such as Steven Spielberg, Ray Winstone, and Glenn Close, Birmingham is fast becoming the filming location of choice for many high-end projects. Creator of the iconic Birmingham-based Peaky Blinders series, Steven Knight, is currently working on plans to open a new film studio in the city, opening huge opportunities for those in the vicinity.
Birmingham is also home to a number of dedicated studios, agencies and production teams in and around the region, featuring traditional studio space, green screen facilities, audio production, animation and SFX houses, as well as warehouse space to permit large scale set construction.
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