The UK’s second largest city, Birmingham is also one of its most exciting. Its LGBTQIA+ scene is thriving, with its famous gay club nights and Birmingham Pride – the UK’s largest two-day LGBTQIA+ festival. Explore our guide to LGBTQIA+ Birmingham for a rundown of the best events and venues in the city.
Welcome to the UK’s largest two-day LGBTQIA+ festival, Birmingham Pride. The streets of Birmingham’s Gay Village pulsate with a carnival parade, live music, cabaret stage, women’s arena and a community village.
Championing queer arts and culture, SHOUT produce a number of annual events to showcase LGBTQIA+ film, visual art, music, theatre and literature. Annual events include the SHOUT Film Festival, but look out for other events via their website.
Birmingham is renowned for its shopping. The Bullring, in the heart of the city, was the UK’s first indoor city-centre shopping complex when it opened in the 1960s. Completely rebuilt in 2000, the shimmering The Bullring & Grand Central is one of Britain’s biggest shopping malls. With more than 200 retailers and more than 460 restaurants and cafés, there’s plenty for discerning shoppers.
Just north of the city centre, the Jewellery Quarter has Europe’s largest concentration of jewellery traders, producing 40% of all jewellery made in the UK – making this an ideal place for anyone planning a romantic gesture on their trip (wink wink).
A little-known fact, Birmingham has more miles of canals than Venice – just over 35 miles compared to Venice’s 26 miles. The life-blood of Victorian Birmingham, today these canals and towpaths provide a fascinating route for walkers and joggers. The bustling hub of the canal network, Gas Street Basin, has colourful narrowboats and busy cafés, restaurants and bars in set in revamped warehouses under a mile from the Gay Village.
Birmingham is situated in the Midlands, 120 miles north west of London. Located just outside of the city, Birmingham International Airport receives flights daily from European and international destinations. Hop on a West Midlands Train direct to the city centre.
With two major stations – Birmingham New Street and Birmingham International – it’s easy to reach the city by train from destinations across Britain. The fast train from London Euston to Birmingham New street takes 1 hour 15 minutes. Chiltern Railways serve Birmingham Moor Street station from London Marylebone.
