Colors of Birmingham - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

The local residents follow a mass of interesting traditions and customs, many of which may seem quite original to travellers, while others can simply cause confusion. For example, opposite to all international standards the local people use their own system of weights and measures. In any pub visitors will certainly be provided with a pint of beer rather than the usual "a half of a liter". This feature is by far not the only one that distinguishes the culinary traditions of the local people. Their breakfast is also strikingly different from the typical understanding of the word “meal” among people residing in other countries. The local cafes or restaurants offer guests to order fresh rolls and coffee for breakfast. The morning menu of the local dining facilities will amaze you by its modesty. The reason for this fact is in the traditions of the locals – they usually have the second breakfast close to the noon. This meal differs by considerably greater variety of dishes.

The national traditions have touched virtually all areas of life in the city. Motorists should be aware that there is left-hand dining in this city. This is absolutely not typical of European countries. The local residents consider tea with milk their national drink. A traditional afternoon tea has already become one of most important national peculiarities. Every day at five o'clock in the evening residents of Birmingham try to return back home or have a seat in a cozy café in order to see friends and family, talk and relax while enjoying a cup of tea. It is worth noting that this good tradition has steadily become widespread in many European countries, as well as in the U.S.

The locals have great respect towards their national traditions and follow some of them for already many centuries. For example, if you see a guard in a beautiful uniform near some place of interest, you can be sure that the entire uniform and all decorations are absolutely real. All major sights and attractions of the city are protected by real guards, just like many years ago. The city’s government doesn’t hire theater actors in order to entertain tourists who visit notable sights of Birmingham. While visiting local pubs and restaurants, you will quickly understand that design in many of them hasn’t been changed for already many years. Conservatism and reluctance to part with the good traditions of the past is definitely a bright feature of the local residents. This unique and pleasant breath of antiquity, which is felt in Birmingham, and keeps attracting travelers from all over the world to this beautiful city. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

The city hosts lots of colorful festivals to suit every taste. In early July, fans of jazz, funk and soul music are invited to Moseley Park to attend Mostly Jazz, Funk, and Soul Festival (lasts 2 days). Among the participants, there are both foreign and local stars. The same period, i.e. the beginning of July, is marked by holding University of Birmingham Summer Festival of Music. Several city locations serve as the venue for the popular event. The festival will appeal to those who like to "discover" new stars - here visitors are entertained by young musicians mostly performing jazz, classical music, and a cappella. The festival lasts 12 days.

Arriving in Birmingham in early September, travelers have a chance to visit Moseley Folk Festival taking place at Moseley Park, as you could guess from the name. Not only folk but also psychedelic and Americana music can be heard here. Everyone will find here something he/she likes. And in mid-September, Eastside City Park is the venue for another event - Beyond the Tracks. This is a music festival that invites both quite new stars and those performers who have already made a name for himself. The genres you can hear range from jazz to Indie music.

In mid-June, Birmingham becomes the world capital of reggae, and even the location of the city outside the Caribbean is not a problem at all. During this time, Reggae City festival is held, the venue of which is Custard factory. The event includes live performances with the participation of DJs, a gastronomic program, and, of course, the most positive celebration in the UK cannot do without lots of fun. Starting at the beginning of November and continuing until the middle of the month, the homeland of Ozzy Osbourne and Tony Iommi hosts BASS Festival - the longest event of such a scale in the whole of the UK. During this time there are workshops, exhibitions, and live performances. The event has a lot of venues, that's why it's worthwhile to keep an eye on posters, arriving in Birmingham.

At the end of April or early May, you can visit a show that has no equal anywhere else. It's about Swingamajig Festival, during which you can remember about your vintage dress hanging in the closet, and go to conquer The Night Owl where you can feel the atmosphere of the 20s at this time. Music, cabaret, shows - these all give strong impressions from attending the festival. Starting in early June and lasting for 3 weeks, the famous International Dance Festival takes place in Birmingham. Hippodrome Theatre has been chosen as a venue. The audience is entertained by the best dancers from all over the world; the event is of a large scale.

TILT Festival, a large-scale circus event, is held in the hometown of Ozzy Osbourne and Tony Iommi in late July. The venue is avant-garde RoguePlay Theater. The event is compulsory for all those who are keen on circus art and spectacular shows. Its entertainment program includes all kinds of workshops and family events. And at the end of April, Beast Feast is held in the King of the Midlands (a Birmingham's unofficial nickname). This is an event that all fans of electro-acoustic music are waiting for. In addition to music, colorful installations and meet-and-greets are prepared for visitors. Become a witness of all these events in Bramall Music Building.

Fans of hip-hop will surely appreciate B-Side Hip Hop Festival. The event is totally free of charge. You can attend it in Birmingham Hippodrome in the middle or end of May. Those who prefer exploring cities with their families should be advised to pay attention to Summer in Southside Festival taking place in mid-June. It is positioned as a family event, so every member will find a suitable entertainment. This is music, a special children's program, local cuisine tastings, performances, the opening of exhibitions and craft workshops.

A very interesting event awaits those who arrive in Ozzy Osbourne's hometown in July. At this time, there is Shock and Gore, a film festival of everything strange, fantastic and unusual. The venue is The Electric Cinema in Birmingham where you can watch movies of this kind, including both classic movies and premieres. BE FESTIVAL is another interesting event in the calendar of Birmingham. This is the time of theatrical performances and colorful shows. The event can be visited at Birmingham Repertory Theater.