International Day of Birmingham returns to city

The second International Day of Birmingham (IDOB), featuring comedian Joe Lycett, is being held.

The tribute to an alliance of places called Birmingham around the world comprises events on Wednesday, including the raising of a 'United States of Birmingham' flag in Victoria Square.

The comedian, who last year presented TV programme Joe Lycett's United States of Birmingham, is to make a balcony appearance at about 13:45 BST.

Events include a 6k guided running tour of the Midlands city's "quirkiest landmarks" from 18:30, organisers said, and some landmarks including the Library of Birmingham and Kings Heath High Street would be illuminated in the IDOB colours from 19:00.

The comedian said the day was a real celebration of the city and all the other Birminghams

As part of a so-called Flashbab, an "Alright bab" chant will be led by Lord Mayor councillor Zafar Iqbal at 13:30, followed by a procession down Colmore Row with special guests and at 13:45 the flag raising.

The evening schedule includes the headline event featuring historian Prof Carl Chinn hosting a screening of Telly Savalas Looks at Birmingham and the first episode of Lycett's series at The Old Rep Theatre.

This will be followed by a Q&A with the comedian, director Nicola Silk and Brummie historian Randell H Spackman from Birmingham in Pennsylvania.

Last year, Lycett travelled to 18 locations in North America and a "treaty that joined them" was signed, he said.

In the US, people "were just so charming and welcoming everywhere", he said.

Ahead of Wednesday, the comedian said: "[There's] loads happening in Digbeth, then these events in the evening, the Flashbab, lots of stuff for the family."

Joe Lycett addressed the crowds from the Council House balcony

Also speaking about being a new dad, Lycett said it had been "amazing" and "exhausting".

"There's been some 4am moments where I've sort of spiralled into 'just go to sleep please'.

"But I mean he's about to turn one and it's just such a magical age... What an experience."

Asked if he was back at work, the comedian replied "ish".

"I can't help myself. I end up doing things.

"But I am actually starting up next month... I'm gonna start doing shows again, just little work in progress shows that I do at The Glee Club, so I'll be doing sort of one a week, just easing my way in."

Lycett said the day would include "lots of stuff for the family"

Initiatives on Wednesday include Brummie Bazaar from 15:00, with Birmingham Artisan Markets showcasing "local traders and creatives" at the Custard Factory.

People can also celebrate 60 years of the Thunderbirds TV show from 19:00 at the Mockingbird in Digbeth, with two newly restored episodes in 4K followed by a Q&A with Birmingham voice actor Marc Silk.

Joe Lycett said he will keep championing the city until he was "stopped by the authorities"