Huge free exhibition to open in UK city to honour Peaky Blinders TV star and national treasure
A NEW attraction dedicated to a national treasure and Peaky Blinders TV star is set to open this summer.
Legendary poet and campaigner Benjamin Zephaniah passed away last December after being diagnosed with a brain tumour aged 65.
Born in Handsworth, Birmingham, in 1958, Zephaniah became a professor of poetry despite being dyslexic and expelled from school, unable to read or write.
He went on to have his poems studied by English GCSE students and starred in the TV-hit show Peaky Blinders as Jeremiah “Jimmy” Jesus.
He starred in six series of the drama, which also featured Cillian Murphy and Tom Hardy.
A new outdoor exhibition called Benjamin Zephaniah – The Brighter Flame will honour the Birmingham-born poet.
The outdoor exhibition will be located in Victoria Square in the heart of the city and will feature more than 20 pieces of artwork, according to local news website Colmore Business District.
Each piece of artwork will be displayed inside a cabinet in Victoria Square, with pieces slated to include large-scale black and white portrait photographs of the poet, as well as other poems written by the talented writer.
Flags designed in the poet’s memory will also fly high on Colmore Row – a street in Birmingham that runs from Victoria Square to Birmingham Snow Hill Station.
Benjamin Zephaniah’s brother, David O Springer, will also speak at n invitation-only spoken word event in the city.
The outdoor exhibition has been created with the support of the Zephaniah family.
The event’s co-curator, Ruth Millington, told Colmore Business District: “Benjamin Zephaniah was a true giant of literature with a lyrical prose and delivery that drew attention to the issues faced by so many.
“It’s only right his work continues to be recognised and celebrated, particularly in a format that takes his work to the streets through powerful photography and imagery.
“I hope The Brighter Flame continues to honour Benjamin Zephaniah’s memory in his hometown.”
The exhibition will run from July 4, 2024, to July 31, 2024, and will coincide with the 100 Days of Creativity in the city.
Other events are slated to include Hip-Hop festival B-side, the Birmingham Design Festival and past making workshops.
Birmingham’s celebrity-inspired attractions
There are plenty of other celebrity-inspired attraction in the city, including Birmingham’s Black Sabbath Bridge.
The unusual celebrity landmark was built to commemorate the heavy metal band, which consisted of guitarist Tony Iommi, drummer Bill Ward, bassist Geezer Butler and vocalist Ozzy Osbourne.
As some of Birmingham’s most famous celebrity icons, Black Sabbath were immortalised after a bench was erected in their honour.
Located on Broad Street, the Black Sabbath Bench and Bridge are just a short five-minute walk from Centenary Square.
Black Sabbath Bridge is arguably one of the city’s hidden gems, hailing just 11 reviews on TripAdvisor.
Also in Broad Street there’s the Walk of Stars – Birmingham’s answer to Hollywood’s Walk of Fame.
Located on the streets pavement, the walk honours famous celebs who are from Birmingham or have significant connections to the city.
Well-known names include Ozzy Osbourne, Jasper Carrott, Noddy Holder, Frank Skinner, Julie Walters, Lenny Henry, Beverley Knight, Nigel Mansell, Ellie Simmonds, UB40 and many, many, more.
An insider's guide to Birmingham
BIRMINGHAM is often overlooked as a staycation destination, but it's actually filled with plenty of wonderful hidden gems.
As a proud Brummie, I know exactly where holidaymakers should go to experience the city like a local.
Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery
One of my favourite haunts is the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, part of which recently reopened to the public following a huge renovation. Head to the museum to get your fill of Pre-Raphaelite Art.
Birmingham Back to Backs
If art isn’t your thing then head across the city centre to the Birmingham Back to Backs. The tiny brick courtyard is hidden behind the Hippodrome and has recently been named the UK’s best hidden gem attraction.
I visited the city centre attraction over the Easter holidays and it was easy to remember why the tiny terraced houses are loved by visitors. The houses, which were largely used by working class families, easily transport visitors back to the 1930s.
From the faux wallpaper to the tins of custard, the devil certainly is in the detail. And I can’t rave about the National Trust property without mentioning my tour guide John who gave the old buildings a deep sense of life.
Cadbury World
Would I be a Brummie if I didn’t mention on about Cadbury World? Probably not.
Earlier this year, the Bournville attraction welcomed its first new ride in 27 years. I was one of the first people to try Cadbury Chocolate Quest, and it was yet another hit.
My family and I couldn’t stop laughing as we fired our laser guns at interactive screens. Our endeavours to shoot at ingredients were justly rewarded when we were presented with a bar of dairy milk as we disembarked.
You can read more about my Birmingham recommendations, here.
One part of Birmingham is set for big things, as Moseley Road Baths is set to reopen following a £15.5million renovation project.
Meanwhile, I’ve also revealed the best of Birmingham’s hidden gems – including a secret garden and the UK’s best curry.