Whether it’s street food or sport, culture or carnivals, the Second City will be second to none with so many free or low-cost community events happening across Birmingham this summer.

The Jewellery Quarter Festival, CoCoMad Festival in Cotteridge Park and Bournville Village Children’s Festival are just some of the early highlights.

Later in the summer Jamaica 0121 festival, celebrating Jamaican Independence, the Birmingham Jazz and Blues Festival, and Birmingham Weekender will to the city’s squares and streets with good food and music.

For sport fans, and enthusiastic supporters, there will be free events in the city centre during the Women’s T20 World Cup, and Sutton Park will host Birmingham Triathlon.

Birmingham’s much loved Bring it on Brum! holiday activity programme will also be back this summer, offering thousands of children and young people the chance to enjoy fun filled holiday clubs free of charge.

Funded by the Department for Education’s Holiday Activity and Food Programme, Bring it on Brum provides engaging activities, learning experiences, and nutritious meals for children aged 4 to 16 who are eligible for free school meals.

Bookings for summer clubs open on Monday 29 June – click here to subscribe for event updates.

Rishi Shori, deputy chief executive of Birmingham City Council, said: “Birmingham is brimming with things to do over the summer, offering something for everyone – be it in our parks, leisure centres, or venues across the city.

“Summer In The City will highlight a wide variety of activities and events with this campaign – which will help families find free or low-cost options during the summer holidays.”

For more information on free event and things to do, a live events calendar is hosted on the council’s website, where organisers can list their events for free.

Summer in the City will be run on the council’s social media accounts – so follow Birmingham City Council on Facebook, Instagram or X to ensure you don’t miss out.

About the Book
What if the next great fantasy universe didn’t come from Norse legend or Celtic myth, but from the rich storytelling tradition of rural India? Gurd Chahal’s debut book ‘Cha’nir and the Light of Nam’ has hit #1 on Amazon, making history for UK South Asian literature. The eBook is available now, with the Paperback releasing on Monday 25th May ’26 and the Hardback on Tuesday 2nd June ’26.

Inspired by Indian philosophies, mythology, and folklore, ‘Cha’nir and the Light of Nam’ is a sweeping tale of warrior gods, dark warlords and the eternal conflict between good and evil. The story unfolds during a chaotic and dark era that echoes our current age. As the Dark Age gathers, the Klesh Nine addicted to greed and violence work to summon their banished lord from his imprisonment inside a black hole of fire.

In a darkening world teetering on the edge of collapse, a young girl is thrust into her destiny. Rescued by a cosmic guardian, Cha’nir is raised on the mystical island of Lotus High, a sacred bridge between Earth and the celestial realm of Muktiland. Trained to become the GuruMentor, Earth’s fiercest warrior, she first rejects the path of power in search of peace until peace is no longer an option.

With evil’s grip tightening on Earth, will a new, mighty warrior rise to join the struggle for good, facing seemingly impossible odds?

About the Author
Gurd Chahal was born in India and raised in the UK. In India he grew up in a village setting where elders and travelling sages told stories under the stars. Those nights shaped his imagination.

Arriving in Birmingham at eight years old, he experienced the challenges of 1960s Britain, racism, community struggles, and the quiet strength of women who held families together. A lifelong entrepreneur and music promoter turned writer, Gurd now brings that lived experience to modern mythological fiction bridging ancient wisdom with today’s search for identity, courage and hope.

Gurd Chahal says, “Achieving #1 on Amazon within 48 hours is incredibly humbling, it reinforces the vision behind Cha’nir and the Light of Nam part a bigger story forged over years that blends rich cultural heritage with global storytelling. This is not merely a novel it is the opening chapter of a much larger journey to bring a bold, culturally rich fantasy universe to life to the world. To see readers connect so strongly with Cha’nir’s story is truly inspiring. It shows a growing demand for fresh, diverse voices in fantasy.”

Besides writing, he has spent most of his life building community-connecting ventures across music, healthcare, and education. He created Chahalco, one of the largest live music networks in the UK, discovering and nurturing artists who went on to define today’s culturally diverse music scene. He is also an entrepreneur and a creative healthcare professional, who, with his wife established the UK’s first drive-thru and in-store pharmacies and served as a volunteer
board member on a major UK educational charity.

Release Dates and Pricing:
– eBook Promo (15th–31st May ’26): £1.79
– eBook £3.99
– Paperback (Monday 25th May ’26) £11.99
– Hardback (Tuesday 2nd June ’26) £18.99

Reports suggest that more than 1.6 million people in the UK are now using GLP-1 weight loss drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro. The latest from the BBC shares that a pill format of weight loss drugs could be used to help people coming off weight-loss jabs to avoid regaining weight – a known risk when coming off GLP-1 injections. This research supports the growing need for wider and ongoing support both during and after medication use.

The new clinic in Nottingham has been developed from the personal experience of Mandy Sangha who gained weight through Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) as well as personal tragedy. Rooted in genuine personal experience, the clinic aims to support those navigating medicated weight loss with long-term support and care. The doctor-led clinic, Shape⁸, will be supporting customers with a holistic in-person offering to complement patients on their weight-loss journey. Founded by Mandy and her sisters, Sandy and Saminda Sangha, Shape⁸’s opening marks the first step in the business’s mission to share the importance of incorporating nutrition, exercise, emotional well-being, and lifestyle habits with medication use.

Co-Founder Mandy Sangha said, “We are delighted to be officially opening our first in-person clinic which will offer a regulated, trusted and safe approach to wellbeing and medication use.

“We’re proud to be sharing our bold mission and our founding story with the weight loss community, to ensure we help people to live happier, healthier and longer lives. The official opening of our clinic is just the first step in our ambitions; we’re also going to be introducing our Shape⁸ Together forums which have been created to provide a safe and supportive space for those on their weight loss journey.”

Dr Kamran Amjed, Clinical Lead at Shape⁸ added: “The ethos behind Shape⁸ is what really stands out for me. This isn’t about trends or shortcuts, it’s about creating a space genuinely focused on health, wellbeing, longevity and giving people the tools and support they need to become the best versions of themselves.

“What started as a shared vision has now, I’m pleased to say, become reality with a focus centred on helping people take control of their health and improve their wellbeing. A lot of people say they’re going to do things within the healthcare and wellbeing space, but it takes something special to actually make it happen. “Alongside the sisters, our pharmacy team have been instrumental in ensuring everything we do is built and grounded around clinical safety, professionalism and client care. Shape⁸ isn’t simply about weight loss and quick fixes, it’s about health optimisation.”

Alongside the Shape⁸ Together in person forums, the business is also hosting regular wellness days, providing the perfect space for education, awareness and support for those navigating their medicated weight loss journey. Partnering with leading collagen, electrolyte and supplement brands, plus several local wellness businesses covering fitness, nutrition, style and coaching, the Shape⁸ team is focused on bringing high-quality wellness solutions to its clients.

Asian Arts Agency are delighted to be working with Southbank Centre for the third consecutive year on the acclaimed South Asian Sounds series.

Jaswinder Singh, Director, Asian Arts Agency said
”Since its launch in 2024, our partnership with Southbank Centre has gone from strength to strength, producing multiple events celebrating a rich spectrum of South Asian music and cultural expression. This year our programme features a particularly exciting line-up, with concerts from Raghu Dixit, alongside a special homage to Zakir Hussain led by Talvin Singh.

These milestone concerts underscore Asian Arts Agency’s commitment to broadening artistic horizons across the UK.”

Jane Beese, Head of Contemporary Music, Southbank Centre, said “
We are delighted to continue our partnership with Asian Arts Agency for the third edition of the South Asian Sounds festival. As a founding partner of the festival, Asian Arts Agency and its CEO, Jaswinder Singh, have played a significant role in supporting and shaping the development of the programme since its inception.
As a nationally significant South Asian music organisation, their programming expertise, cultural insight and strong relationships with artists have been invaluable in bringing outstanding South Asian music and contemporary cultural experiences to Southbank Centre audiences.

RAGHU DIXIT
Friday 3 July, Queen Elizabeth Hall

One of India’s most exciting and globally loved live performers, blending Indian folk roots with modern, genre-crossing sounds, Raghu Dixit’s music is joyful, uplifting, and made to be felt—whether you know every lyric or you’re hearing it for the first time.

From Glastonbury to ‘Later… with Jools Holland’, from massive crowds in India to audiences around the world, Raghu Dixit’s live shows are known for their energy, emotion, and pure feel-good vibes.

✨ Expect big melodies, infectious rhythms, and songs that stay with you long after the final note.

“One of India’s most inventive and charismatic artists.” (Guardian)

Raghu Dixit said:
“I’m so excited to perform at South Asian Sounds this year. The festival has been curated with much care and love by Asian Arts Agency and I can’t wait to return to the wonderful Southbank Centre, of which I have so many memories.

London has always embraced our music with so much love and was one of the first champions of my work, and I’m really looking forward to returning – singing, sharing, and celebrating together once again. I’ll be bringing a lot of new material this time – songs from my new album, some independent singles and a lot more. Please be there with your entire family!”

TALVIN SINGH: Shradhanjali – a homage to Zakir Hussain

Saturday 4 July, Queen Elizabeth Hall

Talvin Singh presents an extraordinary evening of rhythm, improvisation, and global musical dialogue.

Shradhanjali honours the enduring legacy of the legendary tabla maestro Zakir Hussain – the pioneering force who, since the 1990s, brought together the world’s finest percussionists in a spirit of collaboration, virtuosity, and innovation, under the title Masters of Percussion.

This special concert, Shradhanjali, continues that tradition with a stellar lineup; Talvin Singh is joined by Marcus Gilmore (drums), Ananthan R Krishnan (mridangam), Satin Singh (multi-percussion) and special guest Tom Rogerson (piano).

A rare opportunity to witness master musicians in conversation, Shradhanjali is both a tribute and a living continuation of a revolutionary musical vision.

Talvin Singh said:

”My deepest gratitude to Asian Arts Agency for gracing me for this opportunity to pay a tribute to the most influential musicians of our world of music.

We are very much looking forward to bringing this personal homage to Ustad Zakir Hussian, Shradanjali, to London this summer at the Southbank Centre.”

London, UK – Pedro Carvalho of FNIK PR today announces with great sadness the passing of Sarbjit Kaur Grewal, affectionately known to millions simply as “Mum” from the BAFTA-nominated hit Channel 4 fly-on-the-wall documentary series The Family (2008).

Sarbjit Kaur Grewal passed away peacefully on Saturday 16th May 2026 in the loving arms of her son Sunny and surrounded by close family members.

Born in Punjab, India in 1954, Sarbjit moved to the United Kingdom in the mid-1960s and made Southall her home. She later entered into an arranged marriage with her beloved husband Arvinderjeet Singh Grewal, known affectionately to viewers as “Bhola.” Together they shared 51 years of marriage and raised three children in a household built on love, tradition, humour and resilience.

Very early into the making of The Family, it became clear that the Grewals were changing perceptions of British Asian families across the country. Led by Mum and Dad, the family entered millions of homes nationwide and quickly became one of the most loved families on British television.

Many of the family’s phrases became part of mainstream popular culture — including the now iconic line, “I want a cup of tea!” Audiences from all walks of life recognised the Grewals in public and would regularly ask for photographs and conversations with them. Sarbjit herself became the overwhelming public favourite due to her warmth, honesty, humour and unmistakable kindness.

Reflecting on Sarbjit’s impact, Pedro Carvalho said: “The series was groundbreaking, but with Mum at its heart, it showed the traditional cultural role that Asian women play within the family and society. Sarbjit represented something universal — that mothers are the backbone of every home. In Asian households especially, mums are the glue that hold families together. ”

In January 2024, Sarbjit was diagnosed with lung cancer. Despite the devastating diagnosis, she remained incredibly strong, courageous and positive throughout her battle with the disease.

In the final months of her life, Pedro Carvalho spent time interviewing Sarbjit about her extraordinary journey, family and legacy.

“Knowing she did not have much time left on earth, her courage came through immediately,” Pedro recalls. “She told me she did not fear dying because she believed God would look after her family. She was never scared for herself — only concerned about her husband, her children and grandchildren. Tears came to my eyes because I realised I was speaking to one of the bravest people I had ever met. But perhaps that is what mums are — every family’s heroines.”

Pedro added: “Channel 4’s The Family would never have been the same without Mum. She gave recognition to the role women play in society and became the first British Asian mother to truly give the nation an authentic insight into Asian family life in Britain. Millions discovered through the Grewals what modern British identity truly looks like — loving, diverse, hardworking and united through family.”

“Thank you, Mum, for your kindness, for always welcoming me into your home and, most importantly, for trusting me in allowing me to manage Sunny and Shay. May you rest in peace.”

Sarbjit Kaur Grewal leaves behind her husband, children, grandchildren, extended family and countless admirers whose lives she touched through television and through her extraordinary warmth as a human being.

Her legacy will continue to live on in British television history and in the hearts of the millions who welcomed “Mum” into their homes.

His journey started inn community radio during the mid-1990s, whem Ikram Mirza became passionate about giving ordinary people a voice , especially communities often overlooked by mainstream media. Through years of hard work, dedication, and voluntary service, he transformed that vision into one of Birmingham’s most recognised multicultural community radio stations.

Based in the heart of Alum Rock, Aap Ki Awaaz Community Radio has grown into a respected local institution. Operating from studios above retail premises on the busy high street, the station broadcasts online 24 hours a day through platforms including TuneIn and Radio Garden. Despite being a volunteer-led organisation, the station has achieved remarkable success and continues to expand its reach across Birmingham and beyond.

What makes Aap Ki Awaaz unique is its strong connection to the local community. The station delivers programmes in a wide range of languages including English, Punjabi, Urdu, Mirpuri, Gujarati, Pushto, Romanian, and others, reflecting the diversity of the area it serves. From community news and local affairs to faith discussions, cultural programmes, music, and talk shows, the station provides something for everyone.

Under Ikram Mirza’s leadership, the station became especially important during the Covid-19 pandemic. At a time when many residents felt isolated or disconnected, Aap Ki Awaaz played a vital role in keeping communities informed, supported, and united. The station became a trusted source of information and reassurance for local families, businesses, and vulnerable residents.

Alongside his broadcasting achievements, Ikram Mirza has also been heavily involved in community development and civic engagement. As a spokesperson for the Alum Rock Traders Association, he has worked closely with local authorities and businesses to improve the area, support traders, and strengthen relationships within the community.

His decades of service and commitment have recently been recognised through major awards celebrating his contribution to society. On 7th May, Ikram Mirza received an award from the Lord Mayor of Birmingham in recognition of his outstanding work within the community. Just days later, on 10th May, he was honoured again with an award from MMI for his continued dedication and support for local people.

Presently Ikram Mirza is widely respected as a pioneer of community broadcasting in and around Birmingham. Through Aap Ki Awaaz Radio station, he has not only created a very successful media platform but also built a long lasting bridge between cultures communities and generations. His work continues to inspire presenters, volunteers and local residents, proving that community radio remains one of the most powerful tools for bringing people together.

Operation Stance is a force-wide initiative targeting criminality associated with some 24/7 convenience stores, including the sale of illicit tobacco and vapes, unsafe goods and links to wider organised crime.

The council’s Trading Standards team has been working alongside officers from West Midlands Police and partner agencies to carry out a series of targeted enforcement operations at a number of premises across the city. The activity forms part of an ongoing effort to disrupt criminal networks, protect residents and support legitimate local businesses.

Between 12 and 14 May, three joint enforcement operations were carried out, resulting in the seizure of thousands of pounds worth of illicit goods and action taken against suspected offenders.

During one raid in Aston, Trading Standards and police officers seized more than 11,000 illicit cigarettes, 2kg of counterfeit hand rolling tobacco and almost 200 illegal vapes, with an estimated value of around £10,000.

Further activity included coordinated visits to two premises on Ladypool Road as part of Operation Stance and Operation Cloud. Across those operations, officers and Trading Standards teams seized around 8,000 illicit/counterfeit cigarettes, 280 disposable vapes, nine large nitrous oxide canisters and over 100 illicit smokeless tobacco products. Three arrests were made and one vehicle was seized, with more than £10,000 worth of illegal goods recovered.

Further enforcement activity is continuing as part of Operation Stance, with partners using a wide range of powers to investigate offences to remove illegal goods from sale and hold those responsible to account.

This type of criminality is often linked to wider organised crime and exploitation, and can have a significant and damaging impact on local communities. The sale of illicit and unsafe goods not only puts public health at risk but also fuels wider criminality, undermines legitimate traders and damages the local economy.

Sajeela Naseer, Director of Regulation and Enforcement at Birmingham City Council, said: “Tackling illegal activity linked to some high street mini-mart style shops is a key priority for the council and our partners. These businesses can cause significant harm to local communities, from the sale of unsafe and illicit goods to links with wider organised crime, which undermines legitimate traders and puts residents at risk.

“Through Operation Stance, we are working closely with West Midlands Police and other agencies to take robust enforcement action, remove illegal products from our streets and hold those responsible to account. This joint approach is already delivering results, and we will continue to use every power available to protect our communities and support safe, thriving local high streets.”

Residents are encouraged to report concerns about illegal activity in their area so that action can be taken.

Moseley Road Baths in Balsall Heath, Birmingham, has today (22 May 2026) confirmed that Phase 2 of its landmark restoration is fully funded, following a £9,272,950 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, made possible thanks to National Lottery players. The award completes a c.£16 million Phase 2 funding package that will see one of only a handful of Grade II* listed swimming baths in the UK reopen as a thriving community destination for swimming, health, wellbeing, culture and events.

The Heritage Fund grant joins major commitments from Birmingham City Council (£5.1 million towards Phase 2, part of a £10 million total commitment to the project), the West Midlands Combined Authority’s Public Sector Decarbonisation Fund (£970,455, supporting environmental performance through air source heat pumps), Garfield Weston Foundation (£350,000), the Architectural Heritage Fund (£250,000, supporting the creation of a wellbeing hub), the Edward Cadbury Trust (£50,000) and the Saintbury Trust (12,000).

Phase 2 of the restoration will deliver:

Full restoration of the iconic Gala Pool, including a restored mezzanine gallery and a new accessible ground-floor public viewing area
Conversion of Pool 2 into a flexible event space
Transformation of the Women’s Slipper Baths into a community health & wellbeing hub
Reimagining of the Men’s Second Class Slipper Baths as a community gym
Development of the boiler room into a flexible studio space
Phase 2 will follow directly on from Phase 1 works, which commenced in September 2025 and are focused on restoration of the roofs and making the buildings watertight, basement repairs, alongside the full restoration of Balsall Heath Library – including the addition of a new mezzanine level.

Alongside the Phase 2 capital works, the project will deliver a creative programme of public engagement. Hard hat tours, activities and events will run across Balsall Heath and the Library throughout construction and in the lead-up to the Baths’ reopening (currently anticipated to be in late 2028), alongside employment and training opportunities for local people. New accessibility features – Changing Places facilities (poolside and dryside), pool hoist and pod, lift and ramp access, and wheelchair-accessible changing and viewing areas – will mean Moseley Road Baths is, for the first time in its history, welcoming to all. The National Lottery Heritage Fund supported Activity Plan also includes accessible programming designed to reach diverse audiences, including SEND, LGBTQ+, women-only swims, dementia-friendly swims, para and disability swimming lessons, and sensory swimming. Creative interpretation, onsite and online, will share the stories of Moseley Road Baths and Balsall Heath. The project will create new jobs, apprenticeships and volunteering opportunities – the first of which to go live will be recruitment for Moseley Road Baths CIO’s first ever CEO.

The Heritage Fund’s grant is one of the most significant heritage awards announced this year, and reflects the national importance of Moseley Road Baths — a building included on Historic England’s Heritage at Risk register and on the World Monuments Watch in 2016.

“This is a transformational moment for Moseley Road Baths, for Balsall Heath, and for our city. Securing the full Phase 2 funding package – and in particular this incredible vote of confidence from The National Lottery Heritage Fund – means that, after years of campaigning by an extraordinary community of staff, volunteers, partners and supporters, and years of hard graft to turn successful campaigning into a plan for the building with a workable business model, we can finally announce, with huge pride, that we will be restoring the magnificent Gala Pool and bringing this remarkable building fully back into public use. We are deeply grateful to National Lottery players, our funders, our coalition partners, a bunch of hugely committed willful individuals, and the people of Balsall Heath whose commitment and belief have enabled us to reach this milestone.” — Lucy Reid, Chair, Moseley Road Baths CIO

“Moseley Road Baths is one of the most outstanding historic swimming pools in the UK. Thanks to National Lottery players, we are pleased to award £9,272,950 to bring its iconic Gala Pool back into public use and create a community health and wellbeing hub at its heart. This is exactly the kind of project National Lottery players make possible — heritage that lives, breathes and serves its communities.” — Liz Bates, Director (England, Midlands & East), The National Lottery Heritage Fund

“Moseley Road Baths remains one of Birmingham’s most cherished landmarks and an important part of our city’s heritage as well as holding fond memories for many of our residents. Birmingham City Council is proud to have committed £10 million towards the restoration of this historic building and we are delighted to be working alongside a brilliant coalition of partners to bring this Edwardian gem back into use as a vibrant hub for swimming, wellbeing and community life, benefiting residents from across Birmingham.” — Frank Jordan, Executive Director of City Operations Birmingham City Council

“Moseley Road Baths is a real Birmingham icon and it’s now closer than ever to reopening to the public because local people never gave up on it. I’m proud to back them with the funding needed to make the baths more sustainable and to keep energy bills down. “This is the first of many investments I’m making to secure the long-term future of valued public buildings that provide important services to our communities. For Moseley Road Baths, that means keeping the pools warm and the doors open for many more generations of Brummies to enjoy.” — Mayor Richard Parker, who is also chair of the West Midlands Combined Authority

“For more than two decades, our community has fought to keep Moseley Road Baths open and to secure its future. Today’s news is a moment of immense pride. We will swim in the Gala Pool again, and this magnificent building will be a home for our community for generations to come. We’re hugely grateful to everyone who has played their part in making this happen, and to the swimmers who supported us along the way.” — Joe Holyoak, Chair, Friends of Moseley Road Baths

With many UK Muslims preparing for the annual pilgrimage to Hajj in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, criminals are increasingly targeting prospective pilgrims. Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam and is a once-in-a-lifetime spiritual journey for many, making victims particularly vulnerable to scams involving life savings.

Hajj 2026 is expected to take place between approximately 25 May and 30 May, depending on the sighting of the moon.

Residents planning to undertake Hajj are strongly advised to book only through the official Nusuk Hajj Portal and ensure their travel arrangements are protected by ATOL.

Any packages offered outside this official platform—including those promoted via social media, messaging apps, or unauthorised agents—may be fraudulent and carry significant financial risk.

Key Hajj fraud warnings and safety advice

Book through official channels: The Nusuk Hajj Portal is the only authorised platform for UK pilgrims.
Be cautious of “too good to be true” deals: Unrealistically cheap or “exclusive” offers are often scams.
Check credentials: Ensure travel companies are registered with Companies House and hold valid ABTA and ATOL protection.
Use secure payment methods: Avoid bank transfers; pay by credit card where possible for greater protection.
Verify before you commit: Take time to check reviews, credentials, and official registration.
Common fraud techniques

Fake travel agents: Fraudsters may take payment and disappear or provide fake bookings.
Visa scams: Criminals may sell invalid visas or claim access to non-existent “extra slots.”
Misrepresented accommodation: Packages may promise high-quality hotels but deliver substandard conditions.
Fake documents: Fraudulent tickets and travel confirmations may be issued.
Past enforcement cases

Birmingham Trading Standards have successfully prosecuted fraudsters, including cases where individuals were jailed for selling non-existent Hajj trips and falsely claiming ATOL protection.

Sajeela Naseer, Director of Regulation & Enforcement at Birmingham City Council, said: “Hajj is a deeply important and personal journey, and sadly scammers exploit this by targeting people at a vulnerable time. We urge residents to only use the official Nusuk platform and to thoroughly check any travel provider before parting with money. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is.”

Attaching items to lamp columns, railings or other street furniture without permission is not allowed and will be removed.

The council has already removed flags from a number of areas of the city and will continue to do so. Where appropriate we will take enforcement action against perpetrators in line with our legal powers, such as where attachments cause obstruction, present a safety hazard or are repeatedly placed in the same locations.

Unfortunately, in some areas flags have been replaced as soon as they have been removed and residents who object to flags being placed in their neighbourhoods have reported abuse and intimidation.

This is not acceptable and the council has a responsibility to act where behaviour undermines community cohesion and the safe and inclusive use of public spaces. We are working with the police, will continue to gather evidence of potential unlawful behaviour, and will take action against where appropriate.

However, the council is engaging with communities to explore certain locations where an authorised display can be put in place with the support from the council.

We ask that our staff and contactors carrying out their work are treated with consideration and respect. Our priority is always the safety and wellbeing of residents, staff, contractors, and the wider community.

We are aware that recent flag‑related activity has contributed to increased tensions in some areas, and we encourage all residents to act responsibly and respectfully to help maintain calm, reduce the risk of intimidation and support community cohesion during this period.

Birmingham is a proud and welcoming city, and we continue to recognise the importance of national flags to many residents. The Union flag flies outside the Council House every day, reflecting both national pride and the diverse communities that make this city what it is.

Where it is appropriate the council will also work with communities and consider how a display could be supported and authorised.

The council’s approach is consistent with its policy of removing unauthorised items which happens throughout the year, which includes flags, bunting, posters and advertising materials. We ask residents, visitors and community groups to support this approach by ensuring any displays are placed only on private property where permission exists, and not on the public highway.