United States of Birmingham: How TV and Film Can Drive Tourism and Civic Pride
A recent television series, Joe Lycett’s United States of Birmingham, has shone a spotlight on Birmingham, showcasing the city’s heritage and culture to a wider audience. The show, which aired on Sky Max and streaming service NOW, follows comedian Joe Lycett as he visits other cities named Birmingham around the world, signing formal ‘Friendship Agreements’ with them.
According to the Colmore Business District, the series has highlighted the importance of film and television in telling a city’s story and driving tourism. As Alex Nicholson-Evans, City Curator, notes, "It’s no secret that film and TV can be incredibly powerful in telling a city’s stories and driving tourism." In fact, research by Visit Britain found that 9 out of 10 potential visitors to the UK would be keen to visit film and TV locations during a trip.
The success of Joe Lycett’s United States of Birmingham has prompted the creation of an official itinerary, United States of Birmingham: 10 Things You Need To Do In Birmingham UK, in partnership with Visit Birmingham. This "alternative" city itinerary provides visitors with a unique and fun way to experience the city, with suggestions ranging from listening to a playlist on the Black Sabbath Bridge to trying a Balti in the original Balti Triangle.
As the source article explains, the itinerary includes a range of activities that showcase Birmingham’s rich heritage and culture. These include taking a ride on the iconic number 11 bus route, eating a Cadbury’s Curly Wurly by the Bull at the Bullring, and admiring the Queen Mother’s Pen at the Pen Museum in the Jewellery Quarter.
Nicola Silk, Series Director and proud Brummie, was quoted in the Colmore Business District article as being excited about the idea of a legacy for the show. Joe Lycett, the star of the series, also shared this passion, and together they have helped to bring the city to life for visitors and locals alike.
The United States of Birmingham itinerary is just one example of how the city is capitalising on the success of the TV series. As the article notes, there are plans for further initiatives to celebrate the series and promote the city. With its unique blend of humour, culture, and heritage, Joe Lycett’s United States of Birmingham is set to continue to inspire visitors to explore this vibrant and fascinating city.
In conclusion, Joe Lycett’s United States of Birmingham has demonstrated the power of film and television in driving tourism and civic pride. By showcasing the city’s heritage and culture, the series has inspired a new audience to visit and explore Birmingham. With its official itinerary and future initiatives, the city is set to continue to benefit from the success of this popular TV series.
The Colmore Business District article provides an in-depth look at the making of the series and the impact it has had on the city. As the article notes, "Several cups of coffee and many emails later and we found ourselves with a whole host of ideas to celebrate the series and bring it to life in the city for visitors and locals alike." This is just one example of how the city is working to maximise the benefits of the series and promote itself to a wider audience.
The article also quotes Alex Nicholson-Evans, City Curator, who says, "I think we, as a city, need to get much better at claiming and maximising our screen connections." This is a sentiment that is echoed by Nicola Silk, Series Director, who is proud to be a part of a project that showcases the city in a positive and humorous way.
Overall, Joe Lycett’s United States of Birmingham has been a major success, both in terms of its entertainment value and its impact on the city. As the Colmore Business District article concludes, "If you like this, stay tuned because there are a few other United States of Birmingham ideas in play too. More soon!"
