Transformed city has much to offer

By Louise Scrivens
BBC News Online

The city was praised by former American president Bill Clinton

After months of speculation Birmingham has failed to win the culture crown it had so hoped for.

Once referred to by many outside the region as a concrete jungle, the city has been transformed into a vibrant cosmopolitan area with much to see and do.

With more parks than any other European city and a record-breaking 14 consecutive gold medals from the Chelsea Flower Show, it has worked hard to shake off its drab and dreary image .

But culture bosses failed to see its potential and instead chose Liverpool as the European Capital of Culture.

Top names

The transformation of the city's canal system - said to be more plentiful than Venice - at Brindley Place, has attracted a whole host of bars and restaurants.

There is the International Convention Centre and world class Symphony Hall which have always been a magnet for top names in entertainment.

Birmingham facts

"Birmingham" means home of the people of tribal leader Birm or Beorma

There are 30 other Birminghams around the world and one crater on the moon called Birmingham

There are three universities and more than 450 schools in the city

It boasts one of the largest fountains in Europe nicknamed The Floozie in the Jacuzzi

The area also boasts the world famous City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, recently led by Sir Simon Rattle, Birmingham Royal Ballet and Birmingham International Film Festival.

The rich multicultural community inspires events such as St Patrick's Day Parade and Birmingham International Film Festival.

The National Sealife Centre has 3,000 creatures and the world's first 360 degree transparent tunnel and the Jewellery Quarter has 100s of individual shops producing over one third of the UK's jewellery.

Travel just a few miles away and you get to Stratford-upon-Avon, birthplace of Shakespeare and Ironbridge, the home of the UK's industrial heritage.

The city and its inhabitants have worked hard to improve its image

Lord of the Rings author JRR Tolkien, who grew up in the tiny picturesque village of Sarehole in Birmingham, is said to have taken inspiration from his childhood surroundings for the book.

The tiny village is said to have been the model for The Shire, home of Tolkien's hobbit creation Bilbo Baggins.

Birmingham has even attracted praise from Bill Clinton.

When the then American president visited the city for the G8 summit in 1998, he was so impressed with his surroundings, he took a break from world discussions to take a stroll around and relax with a pint outside a bar.

Mr Clinton backed the European Capital of Culture campaign by describing Birmingham as "an incredible jewel of a city".

The city and its inhabitants have always worked hard to improve its image - it was transformed from a hamlet worth 20 shillings in 1086 into the UK's centre of manufacturing in the 20th Century.