While a short-term bin strike has affected areas across the city, the majority of the city is clean, vibrant and very much open for business… But you wouldn’t know it from the headlines.
“Birmingham-bashing has become a bit of a national sport,” said Leopard Co’s Chief Marketing Officer, Anthony Tattum who appeared on BBC national news last week to discuss the topic. “But the reality is, this city is absolutely buzzing. There’s so much to be proud of, and it’s time we told that story louder.”
The campaign aims to flip the narrative, celebrating everything that makes Birmingham a brilliant place to live, work and visit — from its world-class festivals and food to its fast-growing creative scene and business successes.
The facts that matter:
- Music: From the Mostly Jazz Funk & Soul Festival to Moseley Folk Festival, Birmingham is hosting major music moments this summer, especially with international stars like Guns N’ Roses, Kendrick Lamar and Black Sabbath all playing Villa Park.
- Sport: With Aston Villa chasing silverware and the Invictus Games 2027 heading to the city, sport is thriving in the UK’s second city.
- Arts and Culture: Not only is there a buzzing arts scene in Digbeth and independent artists being celebrated by the Birmingham Design Festival, but Steven Knight’s Digbeth Loc. Studios is putting the city on the global film map too.
- Food: A rich mix of Michelin stars and iconic neighbourhoods like the Balti Triangle.
- Business: The Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce just launched their Brumbassadors campaign with local legend Glynn Purnell and in collaboration with Birmingham City Football Club.
- Pride and People: Birmingham Pride returns to the city next month and the Great British Beer Festival is coming to the NEC this Summer!
“There’s so much positive energy in Birmingham right now – new restaurants, independent shops, innovative start-ups, creative talent, and major events. That’s the Birmingham we live and work in every day,” added Anthony. “Let’s not let a few out-of-context photos define a whole city.”
The agency is encouraging Brummies and businesses alike to share their own positive stories using #BirminghamIsNotRubbish to help drown out the doom and gloom headlines with a healthy dose of truth.
For more information, visit https://leopardco.com/blog/birmingham-is-not-rubbish/