Celebrity quotes
The Tory party conference in Birmingham this week is full of people who haven't been to the city for decades - or at all - and are going round saying things like “Isn't it nice here?” or “This isn't nearly as awful as I expected”, or (and you keep hearing this) “Aren't Birmingham people friendly?” in tones of mild surprise.
The Symphony Hall, where, as I write, David Cameron is due to speak, is amazing: a modern wonder and one of the finest auditoriums I've seen in Britain.
There's an openness about the wide public spaces, the architecture, and the people too - who, if asked for help or directions go to great pains.
The stone-paved squares and grand 19th-century neo-classical sandstone and white Portland stone buildings have all been cleaned up and opened out.
Matthew Parris - Times Online
So far as I can tell, representatives like being in Brum. So does the media. We like the ICC conference centre and the security is not oppressive. This is my fourth visit to the city this year. I am starting to know my way around.
"Watch out, London," Karren Brady, the Birmingham City FC capo, said this week. Steady on there, Karren, don't get carried away. But two cheers for Brum.
Michael White - Guardian.co.uk
You only have to look further than the end of your nose to realise how much Birmingham has to offer as a weekend city destination.
Most people don’t know you get amazing Victorian and Georgian architecture, outstanding multicultural food, really cool eclectic art and fabulous designer shops all within a few square miles.
These days, there is a real creative buzz and vibe about the City – last time I went I did Gothic fashion, Bollywood and an Art house movie all within 12 hours. Every time I go, I see and experience something totally different!
Russell Amerasekera, Travel writer and TV personality
To me Birmingham is the greatest place in the world.
Mark Lewis Francis, Olympic athlete
Birmingham’s food and drink scene is bursting with award winning restaurants, creative talent and fresh local produce. With over 200 restaurants serving cuisine from 27 countries, the city certainly has something to suit everyone’s taste buds.
James Martin, chef
Birmingham is a major city with a strong retail offer. Several big names have opened in the city in the last few years to put Birmingham firmly on the shopping map, propelling it to a position as the best city in the UK for shopping outside London.
Mary Portas, TV’s ‘Queen of Shops’ and retail marketing expert
Birmingham has lots of style. And it is even better now, just look at the Bullring
Gok Wan
Wow what a day! Balti houses have been a fixture of Birmigham's
nightlife for 25 years. I'm so glad I experienced my first on the Balti
Break. I learnt so much. Did you know that Balti, the spicy Kashmiri
dish, actually means 'bucket' when translated?? The Balti triangle
attracts 20,000 visitors a week. Well make that 20,001 now!!!!! I'm
hooked.
Steve Denyer, DJ on Heart
I’m proud to be from Birmingham, and often come back to visit family and friends. I’ve travelled the world, but think Birmingham’s really got the whole package for families. There’s plenty to entertain the kids, such as Thinktank, as well as the adults, with Birmingham’s fab bars and restaurants.
Jamelia