Birmingham World

Discover Birmingham

The UK's second largest city, known as 'The workshop of the world' for the great role it played during the Industrial Revolution, has much more to offer than its industrial legacy. Birmingham is home to several major cultural institutions that aim to rival their equivalents down in London. Visitors to 'Brum' can listen to the City of Birmingham's stunning Symphony Orchestra at the Symphony Hall, or watch a play at the Birmingham Rep Theatre, Britain's longest-established producing theatre. The city also houses the Birmingham Royal Ballet and the Birmingham Opera Company, the latter of which is renowned for its innovative productions. On the musical front, Birmingham has pioneered several genres of music in the UK including jazz, heavy metal and reggae. Venues such as the Arena Birmingham welcome the world's biggest pop megastars while smaller rock acts can be caught at the O2 Academy or the O2 Institute. Comedy fans also flock to the Glee Club, the first dedicated comedy club to spring up outside of London.