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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Lifestyle
Jon Bounds

Brutalism, brilliant brews and the balti triangle: 20 reasons to love Birmingham

Birmingham Stan Laurel Charlie Hall Oliver Hardy ATV Birmingham City Brummie Commonwealth Games ELO Spaghetti Junction
(From left) Spaghetti Junction; Peaky Blinders; Ikon; balti jalfrezi; UB40; and Jack Grealish
Worth writing home about … (from left) Spaghetti Junction; Peaky Blinders; Ikon; balti jalfrezi; UB40; and Jack Grealish. Composite: Guardian Design; George Wilkes Archive/Getty; Karl Hendon/Getty Images; Nick Maslen/Alamy; Robert Viglasky/BBC/Tiger Aspect; Joe Gough/iStockphoto; Gijsbert Hanekroot/Redferns; Carl Recine/AFP

Birmingham is relishing hosting the Commonwealth Games. It offers the city a chance to be in the spotlight for something positive, rather than being called “godawful” by an MP or having its accent voted the worst in the UK. As a city, Brum is ready to show off its personality and culture, as well as the ability to host a big party (the opening ceremony). If you have overlooked or dismissed the second city before, it is time to think again. Here are 20 reasons to change your mind.

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