American R’n’B legend Mary J Blige has joined the BBC Radio 1Xtra line-up

Multi-award Grammy winner and bona-fide R’n’B legend Mary J Blige has been added to the line-up for BBC Radio 1Xtra Live in Birmingham.

The station’s flagship event is now in its seventh year and will go ahead on Saturday 15 November at Birmingham’s National Indoor Arena.

Mary J Blige will join Rick Ross alongside other 1Xtra favourites Krept & Konan, Fuse ODG, Boy Better Know, Jess Glynne, Lethal Bizzle, Sigma and Tinashe to play on one bill, on one night only.

US rapper Rick Ross will be co-headlining BBC 1Xtra Live 2014 in Birmingham

George Ergatoudis, Head of Music, Radio 1 and 1Xtra: “There are not many events in the world that can boast having both Mary J Blige and Rick Ross. For 1Xtra Live we’ve pulled together a bill featuring 1Xtra favourites from both the UK and abroad – Birmingham is in for an amazing night of live music!”

There are 10,000 tickets available for the show where the Birmingham crowd will be treated to performances from some of the best UK and international talent.

The BBC Radio 1Xtra Live simulcast will be hosted by MistaJam and DJ Target

A live stream of the event will be hosted by 1Xtra presenter Charlie Sloth

The 1Xtra DJ family will be in attendance in the arena whilst the show will be simulcast live on BBC Radio 1 and 1Xtra between 6-11pm and hosted by 1Xtra’s MistaJam and DJ Target. They will be bringing listeners the best of the live performances plus exclusive interviews from the artists on the bill. In addition, Trevor Nelson and A.Dot will present a wrap-up show from 11pm-midnight where they reflect on the evening.

BBC 1Xtra Live is to return to Birmingham next month on November 15

It will be available to watch on the Red Button and will be streamed on the 1Xtra website from 7pm until midnight. The coverage is hosted by the best looking fat man in the universe, 1Xtra’s Charlie Sloth, and 1Xtra Breakfast’s Yasmin Evans – giving the audience the opportunity to enjoy the show from wherever they are.

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BBC 1Xtra Live 2014 takes place at the Birmingham NIA on Saturday 15th November. Tickets will go on sale at 6pm on Thursday 23 October and will be available via the BBC Radio 1Xtra Live website.

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A cosplayer dresses up as Harry Potter villain Voldemort at the MCM Comic Con Expo in Birmingham (Photograph: Jack Kirby)

Coming this weekend -and bringing to a close the Comic Con season for another year here in Birmingham and the Midlands – is MCM Comic Con returning to Birmingham’s NEC, with stars from hit films and shows including Harry Potter and Breaking Bad.

A huge (have you seen the size of the halls in the NEC?) two-day event mixing TV and film memorabilia with comic and anime culture and a healthy procession of cosplayers. 

This is a popular event and this close to Christmas a good opportunity to grab some geeky gifts while soaking in the myriad of sights and sounds that envelope you as you cross over the rubicon and into the show.

Along with appearances by gogglebox and silver screen alumni such as Tom Felton (Harry Potter), Mark Lester (Oliver!) Cary Elwes (Robin Hood: Men in Tights) and the recently announced – and the one I am most looking forward to seeing -  RJ Mitte (Walter Jr., Breaking Bad) as well as many, many more (see the whole list here) there is always the siren song allure of the Comics Village and Dealers Stalls, which takes up most of my attention over the weekend. Well, when I’m not taking photos of the immense and impressive cosplayers on parade.

With indie publishers and a variety of artists ready to take commissions over the weekend and stalls offering anything Star Wars, manga and film/TV related, this cavalcade of pop culture sees the 2014 season go out with a bang.

Debra Phillips dresses up as Princess Elsa – from the hit Disney animation ‘Frozen’ - at the last MCM Comic Con Expo in Birmingham (Photograph: Jack Kirby)

>> GALLERY: Photos from the MCM Comic Con Expo Birmingham in March 2013 <<

Having covered comic conventions in and around Birmingham for nearly a year now, I will be more selective with my purchases than ever before, buying for myself as well as friends.

Being a fan of the good-girl art of Matt Dixon (cover artist for London Horror Comics) but drastically running out of available wall space for any more original work, I will be seeking out Cult-Stuff’s table where Dixon, along with other artists specializing more and more in the world of trading-card such as Huy Trong and Paulina Vassileva, will be holding court and introducing fans old and new to this world of illustration, giving advice, sketching and offering punters the chance to sketch their own card. I have my eye on Dixon’s new trading card collection, Dixons’ Vixens II.

A few well-chosen tees for friends and a new wallet for me (my R2 D2 wallet looks more battered than he does nowadays) as well as the odd new comic book titles, which are becoming more and more the norm for me at cons, and I can say my mission was successful. So, if you’re going, what are you hoping for?

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Olly MacNamee

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Olly MacNamee teaches English and Media, for his sins, in a school somewhere in Birmingham. Some days, even he doesn’t know where it is. Follow him on twitter @ollymacnamee or read about his exploits at olly.macnamee@blogspot.co.uk. Or don’t.

Win tickets to see hit comedy Horrible Bosses 2 at Vue Cinemas in Star City, Birmingham

I Am Birmingham and Vue Birmingham presents Horrible Bosses 2, from Warner Bros. Pictures.

Released today, we’re giving away merchandise and tickets to the star-studded bawdy comedy sequel, showing at Vue Cinemas in Birmingham’s premiere Star City entertainment complex.

Fed up with answering to higher-ups, Nick, Dale and Kurt decide to become their own bosses by launching their own business in Horrible Bosses 2. But a slick investor soon pulls the rug out from under them.

Comedy sequel Horrible Bosses 2, starring Chris Pine, Jason Bateman and Jamie Foxx, is out now

Outplayed and desperate, and with no legal recourse, the three would-be entrepreneurs hatch a misguided plan to kidnap the investor’s adult son and ransom him to regain control of their company in this follow-up to the 2011 hit comedy Horrible Bosses that reunites stars Jason Bateman, Charlie Day and Jason Sudeikis as everyone’s favourite working stiffs. Jennifer Aniston, Jamie Foxx and Kevin Spacey also reprise their starring roles, while Chris Pine and Christoph Waltz star as new adversaries standing between the guys.

We’ve teamed up with Vue Birmingham to give away tickets to this latest flick, along with some awesome Horrible Bosses 2 goodies!

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To be in with a chance of winning tickets for the hit film, all you have to do is answer the following question:

In Horrible Bosses 2, this actress reprises her role as Dr. Julia Harris. She is best known for her work in television as Rachel Green on the hit ensemble comedy Friends. Most recently, she has starred in the comedies We’re the Millers and Just Go With It.
Name the actress.

Email your answers to us at iambirmingham[at]hotmail.co.uk – or by clicking here.

Please include your full name, address, email and a contact number. Winners will be notified by email/phone. Tickets will be for any one showing between 1st – 7th December 2014 at Vue Cinema in Star City, Birmingham. Closing date for all entries: 01/12/14 at 5pm.

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Horrible Bosses 2 is out now. Tickets for showings at Vue Cinemas can be booked here and at www.myvue.com.
© 2014 Warner Bros. Entertainment. All rights reserved.

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Dreamworks’ Penguins of Madagascar is showing at Vue Cinema in Birmingham this weekend

I Am Birmingham have teamed up with Vue Birmingham to give you a chance to win Penguins of Madagascar family cinema ticket and lots of cool goodies!

Released this weekend, we’re giving away merchandise and tickets to Dreamworks’ fun family film, showing at Vue Cinemas in Birmingham’s premiere Star City entertainment complex.

Originally in hit movie animation series Madagascar, the Penguins of Madagascar are back in their own feature film playing nationwide from this weekend.

The Penguins of Madagascar stars Benedict Cumberbatch and John Malkovich

Discover the secrets of the most entertaining and mysterious birds in the global espionage game: Skipper, Kowalski, Rico and Private now must join forces with the chic spy organisation, the North Wind, led by Agent Classified (we could tell you his name, but then … you know), voiced by Benedict Cumberbatch to stop the villainous Dr. Octavius Brine, voiced by John Malkovich, from taking over the world.

We’ve teamed up with Vue Birmingham to give away a special family ticket (4 tickets) to this latest flick, along with some awesome Penguins of Madagascar 2 goodies!

To be in with a chance to win these awesome Penguins in Madagascar goodies and a family ticket to see the film, enter our competition below

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To be in with a chance of winning tickets for the hit film, all you have to do is ‘like’ and  ‘share’ this I Am Birmingham Facebook post!

Winners will be notified by email/phone. Tickets will be for any one showing during the opening weekend, between 5th – 7th December 2014 at Vue Cinema in Star City, Birmingham. Closing date for all entries: 05/12/14 at 5pm.

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Penguins of Madagascar is out in cinemas on Friday 5th December, 2014. Tickets for showings at Vue Cinemas can be booked here and at www.myvue.com.
© 2014 Dreamworks Animation LLC. All rights reserved.

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The Strictly Come Dancing stars take to the stage in Birmingham for the first night of the live UK tour shows (Photograph: Anthony Stanley)

The best way to open up the re-named Barclaycard Arena wasn’t to sign up Michael Bublé… what they should have done was to wait for Strictly Come Dancing to come to town.

There was so much glitter and glam, tassles and tan, that the dresses and outfits were only outshone by the gleaming smiles of the dancers and celebrities on stage.

Zoe Ball, host for the night, shimmered in a body hugging sequinned dress and led the opening dance routine with Trent Whiddon in a fast paced routine that brought the crowd to their feet.

Reigning Strictly Champion Caroline Flack was wearing a Charleston dress that accentuated her twists and turns as she wowed the expectant crowd before the new team of judges were introduced.

Zoe Ball hosts the Strictly Come Dancing Live show for its 2015 launch in Birmingham’s Barclaycard Arena (Photograph: Anthony Stanley)

With Craig Revel Horwood heading the judging panel it was obvious that Tom Chambers and Camilla Dallerup were not going to replace Bruno Tonioli and Len Goodman.

Much as they tried to create an aura of likeability as judges, it was clear that they were never going to be as entertaining as Len and Bruno. They did however treat the crowd to a 2008 Champions Winning dance. When did we last see Bruno & Len perform a beautiful dance routine?

Strictly Come Dancing judges Tom Chambers, Camilla Dallerup and Craig Revel Horwood bust some moves before judging the celebrity dancers in Birmingham (Photograph: Anthony Stanley)

Soon it was the chance to see the dance partners being introduced and the clapping soon turned to wolf whistles and cheers as hunky Mark Wright stepped down the glittering stairs with the gorgeous Karen Hauer. Karen was in vibrant orange whilst Mark chose a black spangled vest, much to the delight of head judge Craig and the numerous ladies in the crowd.

The crowds cheered all night as Birmingham’s recently renovated Barclaycard Arena was transformed into the glittering Strictly Come Dancing stage for the main show (Photograph: Anthony Stanley)

Brummie Alison Hammond impressed the audience as she was joined by her dance partner Aljaz Skorjanec for some stunning dance numbers (Photograph: Anthony Stanley)

>> GALLERY:Strictly Come Dancing Live 2015 | Birmingham <<

Brummie babe Alison Hammond was next to come down the steps to rapturous applause and she lapped up the homecoming. As the crowds clapped she was beaming with delight, paying particular attention to her son sitting in the crowd. She danced a beautiful Charleston and then had the crowd on their feet as she danced the Cha Cha Cha to I’m Every Women in a 70’s-style wig.

The star ensemble of dancers lift up show host Zoe Ball as she glitters in her glamorous blue dress (Photograph: Anthony Stanley)

S Club 7 star Rachel Stevens, the last minute replacement for pregnant Frankie Bridges, came next dressed in voluptuous red with Frankie Sandford’s partner Kevin Clifton looking dapper in all black and a red tie.

Local schoolboy Simon Webbe was here too, keen to make amends on coming second in last years series. Dressed in a black sequined see through top he arrived with the gorgeous Kristina Rihanoff in a fabulous pink cut-out dress. They were really the only couple that might actually give Caroline Flack serious competition for the right to call themselves “local champions” on the night.

Ultimately this was the case, with their faultless Argentine Tango stealing the show.  Kristina later tweeted “Thank you Birmingham for an incredible opening night and making @simonwebbe1 and I your champions ! Very happy”

Professional dancers Kevin Clifton and Karen Hauer have a bit of a dance-off at the Strictly Come Dancing Live show in Birmingham (Photograph: Anthony Stanley)

Scott Mills beamed with delight, dressed in all black alongside his dance partner Joanne Clifton. Such a pity that she couldn’t be paired with someone that could actually dance, that way she could give brother Kevin some competition.

Mark Wright was paired with professional dancer Karen Hauer for Strictly Come Dancing Live in Birmingham (Photograph: Anthony Stanley)

Wolf whistles galore as Thom Evans was next to enter the arena with the crowds (and Craig Revel Horwood) appreciating his bulging Popeye muscles despite being covered in an all white sailor suit. To everyone’s further delight his second routine would allow for him to bare those biceps and toned torso.

The whistling crowd were delighted with the whole spectacle, clapping and cheering their favorites throughout the night.

Former Scottish international rugby star Thom Evans was partnered up with professional dancer – and Strictly Come Dancing regular -Iveta Lukosiute (Photograph: Anthony Stanley)

Stunning dancer Iveta Lukosiute takes to the stage at the Barclaycard Arena in Birmingham (Photograph: Anthony Stanley)

Finally the Strictly Queen arrived on stage. Caroline Flack and her affable Irish partner Tristan MacManus almost ran onto the stage, both bursting with energy and beaming with delight.

Caroline wore a stunning, plunging silver tasseled dress and was obviously delighted to be soaking up the applause and adoration of the adoring crowd. Although Tristan was very, very good on the dancefloor it might take a few shows before he and Caroline can replicate the partnership that she had with Pasha Kovalev.

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Anthony Stanley

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Strictly Come Dancing Live in on at the Barclay Card Arena in Birmingham between Friday 16th Jan – Sunday 18th Jan, before continuing its tour around the UK. Tickets and details here: www.strictlycomedancinglive.com

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Protesters gather in High Street in Birmingham to express their anger at Fox News spreading lies about the city (Photograph: Bridget Parsons)

A street protest was held today in Birmingham against the rising tide of Islamophobic attacks on the Muslim community, following the Charlie Hebdo shootings in Paris earlier this month.

Activists also condemned the “racist” and anti-Islam language used by US broadcast network Fox News who, following the Paris attack, claimed the city of Birmingham was a “no-go” area for non-Muslims.

Organised by the Birmingham Socialist Workers Party (SWP), the street rally called for the public to “Say ‘No’ to the racist backlash following the Paris shootings and ‘No’ to Fox News lies about our multicultural city.”

Protesters highlighting the mutliculturalism of the city following Fox News claims that Birmingham was a ‘Muslim-only’ city (Photograph: Bridget Parsons)

Islamophobic incidents and attacks on Muslims and mosques has increased across Europe since the Charlie Hebdo shootings in Paris earlier this month (Photograph: Bridget Parsons)

Members of the public were encouraged to sign petitions and raise awareness about Islamophobia in light of events in France, where armed gunmen shot and killed twelve people, wounding a further five.

In the last week, twenty-six mosques around France have been attacked by firebombs, gunfire, pig heads, and grenades in the wake of the Paris attacks, while mosques in London have been sent death threats, hate mail and drawings of the Prophet Mohamed.

Only days after the tragic shootings in Paris, so-called “terrorism expert” Steven Emerson appeared on Fox News to claim only Muslims were allowed into England’s second city, saying: “In Britain, it’s not it’s not just ‘no go’ zones, there are actual cities like Birmingham that are totally Muslim.”

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The claims were ridiculed on social media and in national press, with the hashtag #foxnewsfacts trending internationally, resulting in journalist and pundit Steve Emerson admitting and apologising for his mistake, blaming “sloppy research for which I am responsible alone and deeply mortified”. Emerson also made a donation to the Birmingham Children’s Hospital.

A day later, UKIP leader Nigel Farage appeared on the same news network to claim many of these “no go areas” did indeed exist in Britain and across the continent.

Actor and political activist Russell Brand defended Birmingham against what he perceived as an anti-Islam narrative, questioning: “What about Aston Villa? What about West Brom and that? Football teams made up of people from all over the world! Where do you get your data from?”

“Don’t start saying ‘actually’ to make things sound more actual when they’re made up.” He added: “Although this seems very funny, that [Islamophobia] contributes to the general climate of fear, suspicion and division.”

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Adam Yosef

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Anti-Semitic and Islamophobic graffiti has appeared at the University of Birmingham over the weekend (Photograph: Natasha Jackson)

Students at a top Birmingham university have been left “shocked” after finding racist Nazi Swastikas graffitied on campus buildings.

The spray-painted anti-Semitic and far-right Nazi symbols were discovered on Saturday alongside an Islamophobic statement which read “Islam must die”. It is believed the act of vandalism may have been perpetrated by far-right sympathisers.

Students and staff were stunned to find Nazi Swastikas on the walls of the psychology building at the University of Birmingham (Photograph: Olivia Gordon)

Tara Dean, a second-year law student at the university, documented the discovery for the University of Birmingham’s student magazine Redbrick.

“This is not the first incident of anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, racism or discrimination on campus and many students from minority groups are becoming increasingly worried. Some students have raised their concerns that religions, particularly Islam and Judaism, are being targeted,” she explained.

The disturbing graffiti was sprayed outside the campus’ Psychology building with the intent of causing offence and anger, but stunned students were quick to report the hate crime to campus security and the police.

Speaking to Redbrick, incident witness Nick Gee said, “In light of what has happened in recent weeks, it is scary to think there are people out there who have these thoughts. Campus should remain a safe space for everyone. Every student, irrespective of his or her race, religion, gender or sexuality should feel no fear or intimidation walking into campus.”

A representative from the university’s Islamic Society also expressed concern, telling Redbrick, “We are deeply saddened and shocked at this Islamophobic campaign, which condemns all Muslims without justification. This is a prime example of racist propaganda, designed to stir up hatred and only serves to alienate Muslim students from the rest.”

The statement “Islam must die” was discovered on university walls with a Swastika underneath (Photograph: Natasha Jackson)

Many believed the presence of Nazi Swastikas was included as an attack on Jewish students while the specific mention of Islam was to target Muslims.

Third-year English Literature student Chloe Rose told the student news magazine that she feared it was an unjustified response to recent events in Paris, where both the Jewish and Muslim community has come under siege following the Paris shootings earlier this month.

“It’s disgusting that people think it’s okay to draw Swastikas on campus, but I will not let anti-Semitism push me into hiding and fear. The actions last week in France show that there has always been a latent anti-Semitism and now it’s rising to the surface again.”

The University of Birmingham’s Student Guild has a ‘zero tolerance’ policy towards hate crime and intimidation (Photographs: Natasha Jackson and Olivia Gordon)

In an open letter the vandals titled ‘Your Graffiti Will Not Intimidate Us‘, second-year English student Hannah Sharron declared student solidarity against hate, stating:

“For me, your actions were eerily reminiscent of the situation in Germany in the 1930s, when Jewish students were prevented from studying medicine, dentistry, pharmacy and law – some of the courses on offer at the University of Birmingham.

“Today, Jewish students are free to walk on campus, to study in lectures and seminars and sit exams, but it is apparent that you do not want us here. You seem to think it is acceptable to target another religious group too, Muslims, alongside Jews and the other minorities targeted by the Nazis – which includes (but is not limited to) socialists, homosexuals, black people and disabled people.

“It is not acceptable at all, and we will not allow racists or extremists like you to intimidate us.”

According to law student and budding journalist Tara Dein, the students guild at the university would not tolerate any form of hate crime or intimidation.

“The Guild has a Zero-Tolerance approach stipulating that all forms of harassment whether based on race, gender, sexual orientation, disability or any other characteristic should not be tolerated. The University additionally states, ‘we celebrate our diversity and provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for all members of the community,” she wrote.

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H/T: Redbrick

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Adam Yosef

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A counter protest has been planned by the UAF and community leaders as the EDL descend on Dudley today

The Birmingham branch of the anti-racism organisation Unite Against Fascism (UAF) will be travelling to Dudley in the Black Country today to join and support a ‘Unity’ rally against the English Defence League (EDL), who are also holding a protest in the town at midday.

The unity gathering, supported by local trade unions, community and faith groups, has been promoted as an event “organised to celebrate the multiculturalism and diversity of the town” while the EDL demonstration claims to be rallying “against the building of a super mosque”.

According to the UAF, they “are confident that the EDL will be exposed as the violent, racist street organisation it has consistently shown itself to be.”

The protest by the far-right EDL follows a similar visit to Birmingham last October, where ten people were arrested for public disorder offences.

Five people were arrested during the EDL’s Birmingham rally in October and 50 EDL supporters were jailed at Birmingham Crown Court last month, for acts of violent disorder at a previous event in the city

Today’s planned demonstration also comes a month after 50 EDL supporters appeared before Birmingham Crown Court to be sentenced and jailed for acts of violent disorder committed during the group’s visit to the city in July 2013.

Geoff Dexter and Harish Dalal from Birmingham display a united front against the English Defence League and stand against troubled European far-right group Pegida

A spokesperson from Birmingham Unite Against Fascism likened the English Defence League to extreme far-right organisations in Europe but was adamant their alleged brand of “fascism” would not be tolerated on British streets:

“This is not the time to be complacent. Just in the press today, we’ve seen stories of racist street movements such as Pegida in Germany, and the talk that they may try to organise in Britain too, in Newcastle.

A woman holds an anti-EDL placard in Birmingham last October

Birmingham minister Rev. Andi Smith at a previous ‘United Birmingham’ rally which was held to counter an EDL demonstration in the city

“But it’s important to realise that just like in Britain, anti-racist campaigners in Germany have pushed back the Islamophobic movement into crisis. Five of Pegida’s leading members resigned in the last week, saying that they were worried the organisation was being taken over by fascists.

“Pegida first appeared as a street movement that organised demonstrations blaming refugees – and specifically Muslims – for Germany’s social problems.

“But outside the Eastern German city Dresden, anti-racist counter protests consistently outnumbered Pegida. This lead to locals (who had previously been at the early demonstrations) not going, leaving a Nazi core.

“Pegida was forced to cancel more and more of its protests and those that did take place got smaller and smaller.

Peace protesters display UAF placards at a counter rally during the EDL’s visit to Birmingham last October

“Birmingham Unite Against Fascism are confident we can do the same here as we have done for a number of years, bringing together trade unions, students, faith groups and community organisations to celebrate the multiculturalism and diversity of this city and to ensure the violent messages of hate from groups like the EDL, BNP or Pegida are not welcome here.”

A multi-racial couple display Birmingham diversity at a rally against the EDL in the city

The Police and Crime Commissioner for the West Midlands, David Jamieson, said: “We will protect the right of people to peacefully protest – but expect everyone who visits the borough to respect local people and their rights to live in harmony. Most of all though, violence in all its forms is not acceptable and won’t be tolerated on Saturday.”

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Filmmaker Paul Stringer of Beatfreeks with performing artists during a workshop (Photograph: Ayesha Jones)

They team at Beatfreeks have called some friends, exchanged some coffees and pooled their resources, then grabbed a team of producers and chucked in a dash of love, all to bring you Equinox, a brand new mixed media festival.

Equinox is a pioneering mixed media festival, engaging and empowering young people to connect with film, photography and design through outreach workshops and screenings in the local community and ending in a showcase awards event in the Birmingham City Centre.

From the 16th – 20th March, a part of Birmingham Digital Week, Equinox will have five community outreach days in locations around Birmingham. There will be workshops, screenings, talks, events, media, visuals, DJs, top-notch venues and champions of the media community.

Photographer Ayesha Jones shows teaches young people about filmmaking and photography at the mac birmingham.

The festival will culminate at a surprise location, with the West Midlands Mixed Media Awards, to give recognition to great work that has been achieved by young people.

This is about the media community being heard in a big way, celebrating every person behind a lens, screen or an idea about doing it together. So how do West Midlanders get involved?

Step One: They nominate. To get their work seen, young people between the ages of 13 and 30 can nominate themselves or a friend, a piece of work they love or even an organisation for one of the 10 categories; to be in with a chance of winning an award, a screening and professional mentoring from local media companies at the West Midlands Mixed Media Awards 2015.

The nominations deadline is 5pm on Friday 20th February.

Performance artist Amerah Saleh with members of the Beatfreeks team (Photograph: Ayesha Jones)

Heading the festival is Beatfreeks CEO Anisa Haghdadi. She said:

“Equinox is a truly exciting prospect to celebrate the diversity in our media, as well as the diversity in our people. Following in the footsteps of the greats, such as Flatpack, we feel it’s increasingly important to celebrate, showcase and inspire quality and creative work from young media makers in film, photo, design and digital.

“We’re delighted to be collaborating with so many exciting partners, and the icing on the cake is that the festival and awards will be part of Birmingham Digital Week with major partners such as the BBC.”

Also backing the week-long event are Free Radio presenters Jo & Sparky, who will be hosting the Equinox West Midlands Mixed Media Awards night on Friday 20th March.

The deadline for nominations fo rthe Equinox Mixed Media Awards is Friday 20th February.

Presenter Jo Russell said:

“We are thrilled to be hosting the awards after what looks like being a really great week of workshops. Great to see what work the young people in the Midlands are doing and who knows, maybe we’ll find some stars of the future.”

The Equinox Festival is supported by the Big Lottery Fund and by local creative organisations including Flatpack Festival, BBC Birmingham, mac birmingham, Bournville College, The Drum, Ort Cafe, Reel Access, Free Radio, NUBI Magazine, I Am Birmingham, Impact Hub Birmingham and Independent Birmingham.

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For more details about public nominations for Equinox, see: bit.ly/bfnominate For more information about Equinox, visit: www.equinoxfestival.tk.

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The Birmingham Zombie Walk returns to the city on Saturday 13th June. (Photograph: Kris Askey)

Birmingham’s seventh annual Zombie Walk will take place on Saturday 13 June, organisers have announced today.

Back by popular demand, over two thousand ‘walking dead’ are expected to take to the city’s streets to raise money for Birmingham Children’s Hospital.

The cadaverous crowd will gather, on ‘judgement day’, at Centenary Square before weaving in and out of the backstreets of Birmingham making eerie groans and showing off their best zombie slow walks.

Last year over 1,200 terrifying zombies ‘rose from the dead’ to raise £11,900 to support children and young people treated at the hospital.

The Zombie Walk in Birmingham’s Centenary Square last year (Photograph: Adam Yosef)

Fundraising ‘zombies’ at last year’s charity walk in Birmingham city centre (Photograph: Adam Yosef)

Make-up artists will also be on-hand on the day, equipped with morbid make-up and litres of fake blood, to ensure participants are looking as ghoulish as possible. Three different make-up packages are available and need to be pre-booked via the website, starting from an additional £5 per person.

The annual charity Zombie Walk returns to Birmingham in June (Photograph: Adam Yosef)

The Birmingham Zombie Walk raises money for Birmingham Children’s Hospital (Photograph: Adam Yosef)

The first Zombie Walk took place in Birmingham in 2009 and was the brainchild of Jamie Chapman, who last year won the Birmingham Inspire Young Fundraiser of the Year award.

Vikki Calcutt, Deputy Director of Fundraising at Birmingham Children’s Hospital, said: “Every year the Zombie Walk just gets bigger and better.

“Since it started seven years ago the event has raised over £26,000 for our hospital, which has made a huge difference to the lives of our brave children and their families.

“This year we want to see over two thousand participants dressed in their scariest of attires and wearing their most blood-curdling make-up to help us raise even more valuable funds.”

BCH patient Rafe Walker discusses last year’s Zombie Walk Birmingham

Organiser Jamie Chapman, said: “It’s been fantastic to watch the Zombie Walk grow over the last seven years.

“The public’s reaction is always incredibly inspiring and seeing thousands of zombies stumbling through the city centre is definitely not something to be missed.

Jamie Chapman, bottom left, founded the Birmingham Zombie Walk in 2009 (Photograph: Adam Yosef)

The Zombie Walk Birmingham is supported by Hollywood Monster and local organisations (Photograph: Adam Yosef)

“This year we want even more zombies than ever-before to take part, so sign up with your friends, family or colleagues and help to raise money for Birmingham Children’s Hospital.”

This year’s event will once again be supported by Hollywood Monster and local partners.

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For further information and to purchase tickets (£5 per person), visit www.birminghamzombies.com.

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A man dressed as Spiderman has been feeding the homeless in Birmingham (Photograph: Adam Yosef)

A man dressed as comic hero Spider-Man has begun walking the streets of Birmingham city centre handing out food to the homeless and vulnerable.

The would-be superhero has been visiting local supermarkets and buying sandwiches and snacks before distributing them to rough sleepers and those in need.

We shadowed the spandex Samaritan as he wandered through central Birmingham last night, handing out food packages to those sitting on street corners and under street lights in the freezing temperatures.

The Brummie Spiderman chatting to a rough sleeper in the city’s Hurst Street

When asked why he did what he did, we were told:

“I’m just going out dressed as Spider-Man, doing heroic things like feeding the homeless. Everyone’s gotta have a day job, or a night job in this case.”

The masked maverick said he would be regularly taking to the streets to hand out food and drink, but didn’t expect people to take his costume too seriously.

“It’s good to give the homeless and hungry some food but it’s also nice to see the smiles on their faces when they see Spider-Man. The people I’ve met on the streets have all been very positive toward what I’m doing and I will keep doing it.”

One of the homeless men encountered by Birmingham’s own Spidey last night, told him, “At least you’re doing some good. Spider-Man’s doing some good, you know what I mean? No one else is. Fair play man.”

The Birmingham Spiderman can be found on Twitter @BrumSpiderman.

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>> WATCH: Brum’s very own Spider-Man feeds the homeless <<

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LeoKai band members Leo Ismail, William Prosser, James Prosser, George Craig Robson and Brad Ransome relax at The Rainbow in Birmingham (Photograph: Hannah Deathridge)

LeoKai, the hottest new Indie band from Derby, catch up with I Am Birmingham’s Hannah Deathridge – right before they go on stage at The Rainbow in the city’s trendy Digbeth area.

Hannah: Great to see you guys in Birmingham tonight, and it’s the first time LeoKai have performed here as a band! Any ideas what the crowd will be like?

George: Crowds are always good in Birmingham, I played at the O2 academy before and the crowd was brilliant, I had a lot of fun, but I think we’ll have more fun tonight!

H: And what do you think of the Rainbow as a venue?

George: The Rainbow is awesome; it’s the best venue we’ve been to on the tour so far! Very excited to play it – I think we’re up next.

H: Leo! I’ve known you as a busker, as the We are Saviours front man, and as LeoKai the singular artist. Why the decision to turn Leo Kai into a full band?

Leo: I’ve got a dream and I wanted to share it with people who have the same passion as me. There’s nothing worse than living your dream by yourself – it’s not fun.  What better way to live it, than with your best mates, right?

H: Do you prefer busking or being on stage?

Leo: Busking is great because you get a great feeling when people in the street stop and listen to you, but gigging is a completely different vibe. When you’re on stage, fans are dedicated and have made the effort to come and see you – it’s such a morale boost!

Will: It’s just great to see people reacting to your music.

H: Tell me why LeoKai’s sound is different than anything you’ve ever done before?

Will: I’ve been playing guitar since the age of eight, and I’ve been in previous bands as the rhythm guitarist, but LeoKai is much, much bigger than anything I’ve been in before, it’s a lot of fun and I really enjoy it.

Brad: Leokai’s band members have come from all different genres. The band began as an experiment to see what we could come up with together and as a result, it worked really well! Our song Supernova proves that. All the different genres have brought new and exciting ideas to the table and it’s just worked.

H: How is Leo Kai’s tour going so far?

George: The tour is going really well! It’s my first ever tour so it’s very exciting.

We’ve played Manchester and Derby already and have Leicester, Norwich, Tywyn and London to play, after tonight’s gig in Birmingham!

H: What are you favourite things about being on tour?

Leo: Fans that know your music and sing the lyrics back to you! The whole vibe!

James: Friendship and brotherhood with your band mates, it’s not really something that you can recreate in everyday life. It keeps you level headed and keeps you grounded. With LeoKai it’s just easygoing, happy and fun.

H: Nice! Finally, what can we expect to hear from you guys in the future?

Leo: An album release, European tour and a few headlined O2 academy dates. Most likely another UK tour too!

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BAND:
Leo Ismail: Frontman
George Robson: Lead guitar
James Prosser: Bass
Will Prosser: Rhythm guitar
Brad Ransome: Drums

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 >> REVIEW: LeoKai at The Rainbow in Digbeth, Birmingham <<

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Four-piece LeoKai performing at The Rainbow in Digbeth, Birmingham. (Photograph: Hannah Deathridge)

Braids, bandanas and snapbacks: Alt-Pop sensation, Leo Kai rock The Rainbow in Birmingham.

The Rainbow, known for it’s gritty underground vibes and colourful music scene, became a perfect place for an intimate gig with the urban, five-piece known as LeoKai. Fans were left in awe, as the boys from Derby, owned the stage on Wednesday night.

LeoKai, originally just frontman Leo Ismail, has been transformed into a fully-fledged band with a multi-genre background and has now begun touring the UK.

Sporting braids, bandanas and snapbacks, the boys did not seem like newbies to the live tour scene, as together they created a perfected, alternative and unique vibe that filled the Birmingham venue.

Leo Ismail leads and is the founder of Derby-based band LeoKai (Photograph: Hannah Deathridge)

>> INTERVIEW: LeoKai chat to Hannah Deathridge <<

The song list consisted of upbeat numbers such as, Motions and Supernova both of which, supplied onlookers with high-pitched, note-perfect vocals from Leo, electric guitar solos from George and even some slap bass from previous metal bassist, James – making it an ultimate crowd pleaser.

LeoKai drummer Brad Ransome at The Rainbow in Birmingham (Photograph: Hannah Deathridge)

Loner was the finisher, inspired by drummer Brad Ransome’s three-day relationship with a previous girlfriend. Accompanied with a steady rhythm from guitarists George and Will, Leo jumped into the crowd for some fan interaction.

Brad kept up a fun-paced drumbeat whilst members of the audience sang into the mic, one memorable boy band lyric: She said I was the only one.

LeoKai band members Leo Ismail, William Prosser, James Prosser, George Craig Robson and Brad Ransome at The Rainbow in Birmingham (Photograph: Hannah Deathridge)

Relatable song lyrics and the insane, on stage energy of the boys were a hit with all fans as the air received fist pumps throughout the set.

A mixture of Indie rock, pop and punk combined with the band’s impossible energy, and down-to-earth crowd interaction makes a LeoKai gig, a complete and enjoyable experience.  Have to say, you’re always welcome in Birmingham boys!
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LeoKai performed at The Rainbow in Digbeth, Birmingham on Wednesday 18 March 2015

Hannah Deathridge

Young fans with boy band One Direction at WHSmith in Birmingham (Photograph: Ricky Combo)

Former One Direction heartthrob Zayn Malik may have shattered millions of teenage hearts last week after announcing his shock exit from the hugely successful pop band, but there’s a glimmer of hope for ‘Directioners’ today as he revealed a special one-off reunion.

The surprise announcement comes less than a week after Zayn walked away from One Direction midway through their On The Road Again world tour, citing his desire to be a “normal 22-year-old” as a motivating factor behind the shock decision.

Despite his commitment to moving on from the band and forging his way into a new solo career – one that has already seen him create a demo track with hit producer Naughty Boy – the young star told BBC radio he had recently committed to a charity gig in Birmingham and did not wish to pull out.

The band’s management haven’t disclosed in-depth details about the gig but have stated it will be a private event to raise money for the city’s St. Partridge’s Homosceptic Awareness Society (SPHAS) which works with middle-aged men struggling with their sexuality.

According to the charity’s website, the intimate show will be attended by distinguished guests including TV presenter Jimmy Davidson, Sutton Coldfield’s Rev. Alpha Papa Jones and youngsters from Four Coogans Secondary School in Edgbaston, who penned and performed the track Knowing Me, Knowing You to help raise thousands for the charity.

Speaking to Bill Oddie on BBC Radio Four yesterday, Zayn Malik said there was no ‘bad blood’ between him and his former band mates and that they were all looking forward to the forthcoming event.

Zayn Malik at the Union Street WHSmith store in Birmingham city centre (Photograph: Ricky Combo)

‘We’ve come a long way since 2010 and we’ve always put our fans before ourselves. They’ve been fantastic and we like to give what we can back to the community. Helping SPHAS fundraise for the vital work they do was planned some time ago and it didn’t feel right to let them down.’

‘I hope that this will be our final opportunity to shine and do it for a good cause too. We probably won’t have another reunion as a band for at least another year or two when we’ll be called in for some charity TV fundraiser, and then not again for another five years when I’ll probably need a bit of money; and then not again until 2030 when the rest of the band will also probably be down on their luck.’

Fifty additional tickets will be made available for fans on a first-come, first-served basis and will be sold through the charity’s website.

Details are yet to be confirmed but the show is expected to take place at the Alan P. Conference Hall in Ladywood.

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Wrestling meets comedy as William Regal takes to the stage at Glee Club Birmingham next month (Photograph: Rob Brazier)

I’ve been damn nervous to write this article for many reasons. Largely as both people I have a huge amount of respect for and are connected by one of my life’s favourite things: professional wrestling.

I first remember watching William Regal when I was a mere pre-schooler, seeing him in his earliest years getting turned on and wiped out by his tag team partner Robbie Brookside hypnotised by the mysterious Kendo Nagasaki when I watched World of Sport on ITV in the 80’s.

I followed him through to WCW in the 90’s as part of The Blue Bloods and to the WWE as William Regal, where he’s now the general manager of NXT, the WWE’s developmental system.

While Jim Smallman I’m more aware through being one of the co-owners of Progress Wrestling, which I consider one of the greatest professional wrestling promotions in Britain currently. Slowly I’ve become more aware of his stand up work, which is very relaxed, jovial and gets the audience involved, very similar to how you see him in Progress Wrestling.

William Regal will share anecdotes and highlights from his career at the show in Birmingham on 11 April (Photograph: Rob Brazier)

What I’m expecting is a lot of stories from behind the scenes and in the ring from Regal with a dash of humour, especially stories from travelling place to place and all over the world. While Jim Smallman will more likely show us more of his humour craft and maybe more of his own personal experiences running Progress also.

William Regal will be joined by comedian – and co-owner of Progress Wrestling – Jim Smallman (right) at the show

Although the Glee Club isn’t a stranger to professional wrestlers doing Q and A sessions, you won’t find one like Staffordshire lad William Regal, who has so many stories of what British wrestling was, where it is and where it can be going forward into the future…and who doesn’t want to have their picture taken with such a guy either!

So if you have a free afternoon, get yourself to the Glee Club Birmingham on Saturday 11th April, doors open at 12.45 and grab yourself a ticket off of the website to save yourself disappointment. To the more casual person who has absolutely no idea what professional wrestling, you will learn and laugh a lot in the process. To people like myself, a long fan of professional

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Aquila Edwards

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Urban Zombie game 2.8 Hours Later returns to Birmingham for two dates following a break from the city last year (Photograph: Slingshot)

Birmingham is on the brink of annihilation. Zombies out-number survivors and the city is humanity’s last stand. Will the final few survivors make it through the night?

In the 2.8 Hours Later world, created by game designers Slingshot, a rapidly depleting number of living humans are left. Five years after the original zombie infection broke out, a devastating discovery has been made; a weaker strain of the virus has infected our entire species and, as a result, no children have been born in four years.

This epic street game will see participants join a resistance movement as they attempt to locate the last remaining group of uninfected children left on earth. The only way to prevent humanity’s extinction is to reach them before someone, or something, else does. The mission is fraught with danger; will players save themselves or save the species?

The 2015 version of the game is called ‘Ruin’ which follows on from last year’s ‘Survival’ (Photograph: Slingshot)

The 2015 version of the game is called “Ruin” which follows on from last year’s “Survival”, but this time round the quest is more urgent than ever as the existence of the human species hangs in the balance. 

To locate the children and bring them to safety, participants will have to leave their zombie proof headquarters at ‘Asylum’ and break in to a quarantined slum run by a brutal warlord and that is rife with the infected.

Armed with little more than a map, players will have to complete physical as well as mental tasks whilst evading the zombie hordes roaming the city streets. They will have to infiltrate the warlord’s gang, evade police capture and carry out their search and rescue for the children. Players will need to do all this without being caught by the rampaging zombies.

The further from Asylum they get, the more perilous their task becomes.

Birmingham Zombie Walk founder Jamie Chapman joins a previous 2.8 Hours Later urban survival game in Birmingham (Photograph: Adam Yosef)

>> GALLERY: 2.8 Hours Later in Birmingham in 2013 <<

Characters within the game are played by convincing actors in full costume and make-up. Players who are ‘caught’ by the living dead will be marked with invisible ink signifying infection.

The game, developed by award-winning game designers, Slingshot, is now in its sixth year, with over 60,000 people having already taken part in 2.8 Hours Later to date.  This year alone there were over 18,000 participants, 5,000 of which played in the London games over Halloween.

Simon Evans, who co-founded 2.8 Hours Later with his business partner Simon Johnson, said; “We visited Birmingham in 2012 and 2013 and as the game continues to grow in popularity we thought we’d bring it back to the city for an even more spectacular event. People are always looking for something that will drag them out of their comfort zone and ‘Ruin’ will do just that.

Players investigate and run across the city as they escape from hordes of Zombies during 2.8 Hours Later (Photograph: Adam Yosef)

“Adrenaline and fear will push participants forward but they’ll need to be careful not to let terror overwhelm them; you will need cunning as well as speed. In 2015 the game will offer a whole host of new challenges for our players to contend with and characters they’ll meet which will make the experience completely different to previous years’. The mission is new, the story is fresh, the gameplay is unlike anything that has come before in 2.8 Hours Later.”

He added: “This offers a unique chance for players to act the lead role in a zombie video game or horror movie. People tend to sign up as a team, but you can sign up individually. Our only restriction is you have to be over 18 to play.”

The first Birmingham date for the 2.8 Hours Later game this year is on Saturday 11th April.

On the same day, hundreds of people dressed as zombies are expected to walk through the centre of Birmingham to mark the loss of high street retailers, in an display project co-ordinated by Glaswegian social and political artist Ellie Harrison.

Birmingham’s main Zombie Walk, in aid of the Birmingham Children’s Hospital, will continue to go ahead as normal too, taking place on Saturday 13th June in the city centre.

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Tickets for 2.8 Hours Later start from £38 per person and the game will be in Birmingham on Saturday 11th April and Saturday 18th April only. To find out more, to watch the trailer, or to book tickets, go to www.2.8HoursLater.com.

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Train lead vocalist Patrick Monahan performs at the Barclaycard Arena in Birmingham (Photograph: Anthony Stanley)

We ‘nearly’ saw the Aurora Borealis last week in Birmingham, we ‘almost’ got a clear view of the Solar Eclipse, but finally it was time for a proper spectacle. We got Drops of Jupiter instead as Train pulled into town and to put on a stellar performance. 

Those lucky enough to be at the Barclaycard Arena last night were not disappointed. Train must be a Marmite thing as people seem to absolutely love them or they’re asking “Who?” 

Well, last night you could have chosen to go to the O2 Academy to see Nile Rogers perform his massive repertoire of hits with Chic or alternatively you could choose to see one of the coolest bands in the world singing their hits. No disrespect to Nile Rogers but there was only one place I was going to be last night, having missed the opportunity to see Train when they last came to the UK in 2012 I was one of the first people through the doors of the Arena.

Musician Natasha North was supporting Train at the Barclaycard Arena in Birmingham (Photograph: Anthony Stanley)

Rising star Natasha North plays some acoustic melodies in Birmingham (Photograph: Anthony Stanley)

Firstly, we were treated to some gorgeous singing by the very sweet Natasha North. It was such a shame she chose to stand behind a double microphone that mostly hid her beautiful smile.

We can forgive her though, as she’s obviously very talented. Perhaps she was a little overawed by the vast auditorium but I’m sure that by the time she’s done a few more of these Arenas she’ll be fabulously confident.

The Magic Moments then performed a brilliant set, dark and moody, eerily lit in shades of blue before Train took to the stage bang on time. Non of the “fashionably late” that is often the case these days.

English pop rock band The Magic Numbers were also supporting Train at the Barclaycard Arena in Birmingham (Photograph: Anthony Stanley)

Four-piece The Magic Numbers comprises of two pairs of brothers and sisters (Photograph: Anthony Stanley)

Early into the set Pat Monahan almost apologized as they began to sing “Meet Virginia”, apparently thinking that the song was “not that popular” explaining that they as a band loved performing it …… how wrong he was and the crowd lapped it up “they really wanted to live this life !!!”

The tone was set for the rest of the night’s entertainment with both the standing and seated audience singing, dancing, clapping and whistling. In fact, they were having so much fun that Pat took charge of a video camera to film the particularly exuberant fans and tease them as their images hit the big screen for all to see.

Meet Virgina was followed by the ever popular Free and you could almost haer the penny drop as the neutrals in the audience suddenly realised that they did indeed know some of the bands songs (but hadn’t known).  Cue quick searches on i-tunes as people began to search for other “Train tracks” that they could download to listen to on their journey home.

A couple of songs later and Calling All Angels was being belted across the auditorium accompanied by a brilliant light and laser show …….. there was no need to ask for a sign, Pat, as the delirious audience pulled out their phones and the depths of the fabulous Barclaycard Arena were lit up by 1,000’s of lights outshining the laser show coming from the stage.

Soon a large number of fans were treated to freebies as Train t-shirts were thrown into the audience causing light-hearted scrambles as fans tried to get hold of a t-shirt that Pat had actually touched (swoon)  When one t-shirt sailed over the crowd and nearly took out the guy on the mixing desk we were beginning to wonder if American Football could come calling for Pat and then the t-shirt climax came when he took off his top, signed it, got the rest of the band to sign it and threw this treasure into the crowd. Brilliant.

Patrick Monahan, lead singer of Train, performs hit songs for the crowds in Birmingham (Photograph: Anthony Stanley)

>> GALLERY: Train (supported by Natasha North and The Magic Numbers) at the Barclaycard Arena in Birmingham <<

Save me, San Francisco predictably was very popular and when Marry Me began to play I fully expected yet another cheesy “un-expected proposal”, but thankfully not this time.

Instead it was “Bruises” that really brought it all home as a real treat for the front row fans when Pat Monahan left the stage to sing the entire song as he walked slowly along the pit-wall. Luckily there was a burly security guy to assist him, not for security reasons, no, these fans were never going to cause trouble, it was just that sometimes their eagerness to join in nearly knocked Pat over and the security guy had kept a firm hand in the centre of his back keeping him upright. Injury averted, phew.

The crowd-hugging opportunities had to end and a “lipstick stained” Pat rejoined the band on stage and began the rousing Hey Soul Sister. With Mister Mister playing the nearby o2 (oops, I mean Chic) the fans went delirious, once again belting out the words to a very un-marmite band.

With stage lights closing down following a stellar performance there was a “soul sister” rushing to leave the Arena. With supporting band The Magic Moments and the gorgeous Natasha North in tow, their wait (Weight) was well worth it as Train bounced back on stage to sing an old classic themselves Take a load off Annie was beautifully sung.

The ultimate crowd pleaser Drops of Jupiter cemented my decision not to go to see Chic. For diehard fans, this definitely outshone the recent Solar Eclipse.

I’m still wondering if Nile Rogers has given these guys a few tips, as they can sure put on a show.

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Anthony Stanley

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The Birmingham Spider-Man has brought the issue of homelessness in Birmingham to a global audience through his work (Photograph: Adam Yosef)

Having become an international sensation earlier this month, the Birmingham Spider-Man has received a seal of approval from charities and organisations working with the homeless and vulnerable in the city.

The young super-hero Samaritan – who caught the world’s imagination after handing out food and clothes to rough sleepers in central Birmingham while wearing a comic-inspired costume – has been warmly welcomed by those he helps, fellow outreach workers and even by celebrities!

After I Am Birmingham broke the story of the 20-year-old bar worker giving up his time and money to help those in need, it fast became national news before making headlines as far afield as Germany, the United States, India, Brazil and even Thailand.

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Insisting he’s not in it for the fame or glory but for raising awareness about the plight of the homeless in the Midlands, the real-life hero has refused to reveal his identity.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, the masked do-gooder said: “The first time I went out, the people I handed the sandwiches to had a massive smile in their face. Passers-by would ask for a photo, when I told them what I was doing, they would say that’s really cool. People have said they were going to go out with their friends and do the same. People have posted on Twitter, could I go to Coventry and do it?”

“It sounds surreal. When I go home, I have to look in the mirror and say ‘I’m not Spider-Man’.”

“I noticed we would get a lot of people coming up after we had run out of food. I thought why don’t we go out a lot later at night because people are still out and asking for spare change – they obviously don’t have anywhere to go. At the start of 2014, I used to see people who had almost passed out from the cold and people walking straight past them.”

Follow @BrumSpiderman and help shine a light on homelessness. #RealHeroes pic.twitter.com/3eZVcQRcKQ

— Christopher Gorham (@ChrisGorham) March 25, 2015
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Brum’s very own Spidey, who has lived all over Birmingham, has been assisting the homeless and vulnerable since he was 17, when he joined a city centre church group distributing food in the area.

Since adopting the identity of one of Marvel’s most famous costumed crusaders, the youngster has worked with local charities and organisations to aid those surviving on the streets. Having recently worked with the The Albert St Project, Midland Langar Seva Society, the Birmingham Food Drive, and The Give Warmth Project, he hopes to continue to work closer with others to help eradicate the struggles of the homeless.

Good night handing food out with @AlbertStreetPro and on my own after #FeedTheHomeless #BrumSpiderman pic.twitter.com/kF8lBnX3sS

— Birmingham Spiderman (@BrumSpiderman) March 18, 2015

Massive shoutout @BrumSpiderman & Elisha,Ben,Gareth @TRJFPBrum for a fun, inspiring, informative show @NewStyleRadio pic.twitter.com/NVsQIXjoA3

— Charmaine (@DifferentAnglez) March 26, 2015
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“I do what I can as Spider-Man but work closely with others too,” he said.

“Those who work with the homeless have a duty to work as a team, communicate their concerns and solutions and share advice and ideas. I have seen some amazing work being carried out by so many of the organisations I have worked with, and would also like to work with Let’s Can Hunger UK, Socks and Chocs, The Red Bag Co., the Amirah Foundation and so many others.”

“I’ve been chatting online with the ‘Busking Bobby‘ Ian Northcott too. He’s an amazing guy and has done some incredible work. I’d like to meet him and get tips from him and how to take this further so we can all achieve much more as one team of people.”

The Birmingham Spider-Man recently set up a JustGiving page to help fundraise for his chosen charity, St Basils, who work with young homeless individuals in Birmingham and the Midlands.

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What other volunteer organisations are saying…
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The Give Warmth Project chat with Birmingham Spider-Man at a recent food drive in the city (Photo still: TGWP)

“If you see Spider-Man, don’t be alarmed, he is doing some good out there.
Just look at the good work he’s doing, in a Spider-Man costume, just doing good. It’s amazing, amazing to see everyone here together.” – The Give Warmth Project.
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Vimal Korpal, Birmingham Food Drive

“What Brummie Spider-Man is doing for Birmingham is wonderful, what it does is it highlights the very importance of  helping people who are vulnerable and in need.
Everyone who helps, whether it’s buying these people a sandwich on the streets or even simply asking them if they’re okay is a super-hero.
People in Birmingham are passionate, caring people and earlier in the year we at the Birmingham Food Drive arranged an event with several organisations, where we  provided food, clothing, haircuts, sleeping bags and advice  to people who were living on the streets.
Just to see these people with smiles on their faces and them being so grateful was humbling. What ‘Spidey’ has done is great as it highlights an issue many of us Brummies care about and is also an issue that politicians and councillors need to address. ‘With great power comes great responsibility'”
– Vimal Korpal, Birmingham Food Drive.
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Ozma Karim, Let’s CAN Hunger UK

“Let’s CAN Hunger UK thinks Spider-Man is doing a wonderful job of highlighting the big problem that is homelessness in Britain’s second city.
He wants to make a difference which is exactly what we are about, he is bringing a unique bit of cheer to people who appreciate what he is doing for them.
Some may think that he is belittling or making light of the issue, but he has in fact done the opposite.
He has drawn a worldwide audience and is making people talk, and we need to talk about this.
We are proud of someone doing something to help those in need and if he wants to do so anonymously then that is his perogative. We love you Spider-Man!”
– Ozma Karim, Let’s Can Hunger UK

Ben Jones, The Real Junk Food Project Birmingham

“Birmingham Spiderman is great, because he’s not only helping people eat, he’s helping people feel good.
Homelessness is not only a problem of getting fed, there are the issues of depression stemming from social exclusion.
The fact that a guy is willing to don a costume to help cheer up the people on Birmingham’s streets and highlight hunger is a very good thing. He cheers us all up!
I really like what he’s doing, one of my immediate thoughts was, how can spiderman and The Real Junk Food Project work together!”
– Ben Jones, The Real Junk Food Project

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Ian Northcott, the ‘Busking Bobby’ (Photo: Blue Monday/Socks and Chocs)

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“Lots of people doing a little is better than a few doing a lot!”
– Ian Northcott, the ‘Busking Bobby’

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The Birmingham Spiderman joins The Albert St Project, the Midlands Langar Seva Society and The Give Warmth Project in Birmingham to hand out food and supplies to the homeless and vulnerable (Photograph: Adam Yosef)

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You can find the Birmingham Spider-Man on Twitter @BrumSpiderman and on Facebook: www.facebook.com/BrumSpiderman

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The Birmingham Comics Festival will be held at Edgbaston Cricket Ground on Saturday 18th April

After a bevy of MCM branded conventions here in the Midlands over the last two months, April 18 (Saturday) sees the arrival of the first proper comic focused event of the season, with the launch of independent comic con The Birmingham Comics Festival, situated at Edgbaston cricket club.

As a big music fan, I cannot help myself from also mention that this date coincides with Record Store Day too, so no-one can argue that there’s nothing to do this weekend, whether in Brum Town or elsewhere in the world. You can support your local comic book creators as well as your independent record store too.

Between the two, I’ve got my hands full so I have left very little time to perfect that cloning technology I’ve put to one side for far too long. It’s lucky I know my local record storeowner, then, isn’t it, as this con is not something I would want to miss. And why would I?

With a guest list including Mark Buckingham (Miracleman, Fables), Ian Edginton (2000AD, Kingdom of the Wicked) Phil Winslade (All-Star Western, Convergence: Crime and Punishment) and inker extraordinaire and local boy, Mark Farmer (Captain Britain, The Avengers; you name it, he’s done it) it promises to be a first time con with a lot of top division talent on show.

DC Comics are hosting a superhero cosplay World Record Attempt on the day of the Birmingham Comics Festival

Add to this the partnership with The Midlands’ Arts Centre (mac Birmingham), just across the way, who will be screening the under-rated Scott Pilgrim vs. The World movie in the evening, as well as a number of panels across two different rooms to include many of the attending guests (for example, Edginton, along with co-conspirators D’Isreali, Mike Carroll and Richard Elson will be discussing the past, present and future of 2000AD, while later that day Buckingham and Farmer and co. will be exploring the evolving role of the superhero in a media landscape fast becoming saturated with the cape and cowl brigade) and you have a very, very full schedule for a first time event.

Exhibition halls and suites at the Edgbaston Cricket Ground will be hosting events during the Birmingham Comics Festival, as will be the nearby mac Birmingham venue

The panels themselves cover a wide range of comic related genres and issues from horror, the lack of female creators in comics, to creating your own comic, all part of a huge schedule that kicks off at 11am and finishes with the cosplay competition; more reason for me to perfect my cloning technology sooner rather than later.

Speaking of cosplayers, you are more than encouraged to come down, especially as the organizers are planning for any DC themed cosplayers to be included in DC Comics’ record breaking attempt on that very day to get as many people as possible, all across the globe, to dress as their favourite DC character; good or bad. Cosplayers, with your presence being such an integral part of comic-cons these days, not only can you add a splash of colour to the day, I can imagine, should you wish to venture across the road and into Birmingham’s spectacular Cannon Hill Park, you are sure to double up as a walking, talking promotion for the day too. Hmmm, that gives me a good idea for a photoshoot methinks. Anyone up for it, as the park offers an abundance opportunities for some great photos?

There will be several show premieres and launches at the Birmingham Comics Festival

Of course, comic conventions of this nature, I have always found at least, are a great opportunity to take up new and unexpected reading material from independent creators. It has been at such events in the past that I have been introduced to some great new talent (well, new to me, and I am a jaded and aging comic book fan who thought I’d seen it all) such as the wonderful and gregarious Jessica Martin (IT Girl, Vivacity) and the work of Geeky Comics and Time Bomb Comics all in attendance. Both, Birmingham based comic book producers and publishers.

And, it would be very churlish of me not to mention that Steve Tanner (Time Bomb Comics) and partner-in-crime, Victor Wright (Geeky Comics) are two of the main organizational driving forces behind the whole jamboree. They sum up for me the nature of these smaller, but far more comic centric events. As with many smaller, independent comic cons in the UK, you find that these are organized with an energy and passion for the medium, it’s history and it’s future, by fans that put together an immense menu of talent, speakers and peripheral satellite events while juggling full-time jobs too.

Guests attending the Birmingham Comics Festival include Philadelphia writer Jonathan Maberry and Malaysian artist Sonia Leong

For example, last Easter weekend saw renowned artist and one of the 75 European Masters of Cartooning of the 20^th Century (French Comics Academy) Hunt Emerson nestling in the Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park drawing ‘cwazy wabbits’ for one and all as part of an Easter Egg Hunt/cross promotion that pleased young and old alike and goes a long way in promoting not only the festival, but also Birmingham itself, which in recent months have come under fire from a prejudice, right-wing media (Muslim Birmingham, anyone?).

This is an event that is good then, for Birmingham, for comics, creators big or small, and for fans of all generations too. All I would wish for now is the sun. Hopefully, whichever deity is looking down at us that day is a comic book fan.

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For more details, check out their Facebook page or their official website.

The Birmingham Comics Festival will be held at Edgbaston Cricket Ground on Saturday 18th April

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Olly MacNamee teaches English and Media, for his sins, in a school somewhere in Birmingham. You got a comic you want reviewing? Get in touch through Twitter @ollymacnamee or Facebook.

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Olly MacNamee

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