Britain's Second City?

Crikey; didn't know it was from Brum [must watch it now]. Not sure why Birmingham is 'the second city' but it's always been called that from what I can remember. Althoughit's always been way down the pecking order in just about everything other than name.

I think Birmingham is second only to London population wise but all the cities vie to be the biggest, best, oldest, whatever even competing for second place! It is a matter of municipal pride which has gone on for centuries. Edinburgh, the Athens of the North and Capital of Scotland, Glasgow, 2nd City of the Empire, Aberdeen, the oil capital and so on. The competition was particularly fierce in the 19th Century when e.g. Glasgow built their spectacular City Chambers and various other cities bankrupted themselves attempting to outdo them.

As a country and village girl I find it hard to understand the mind set behind this drive to be 'bigger and best' but I suppose it is the same impulse of civic pride which prompts us to enter our towns and villages into 'Britain in Bloom' or even to support a local football team.

I love in the First Garden City so we are the first the second is Welwyn Garden City, not sure what I think about Birmingham

You love there, Flower, but do you live there too?

Any of you who have been to Brum in the last few years will see that it has a right to be proud. It has much to boast of including more miles of canal than Venice, the invention of the Balti and of course Symphony Hall which is the best concert hall in Europe. No, I'm not a Brummie, far from it but it is a great city.

It is a centre to the enormous West Midlands conurbation. The only other candidate for 2nd city would I guess be Manchester, also surrounded by many satellite "cotton" towns.

It's a lovely city with great shops and some lovely buildings. The new library is amazing and the German Market worth a visit in December, to name just a couple of attractions.

Brum ,as not only been the choir the revamp Town Hall also hosted the Songs of Praise Gospel Choir TV as well.
The City Centre is a lively place despite Birmingham New Station having a rebuild.
You have the German Xmas market taking place shortly maybe on now , if you watch the One Show tonight, this occupies top end oof New St, and Victoria Sqaure.
Mick

Birmingham has always been the second city, although Manchester has had a go at claiming the 'title'. I have lived in Brum all my life. It's fab.

Well, it did host a very successful Gransnet get-together
P.S. Wouldn't it be nice to have another one there? [hopefulemoticom]

Next year perhs? But somewhere with a licence?

I like Birmingham and the people ---very friendly !!

I love Birmingham - but as a Mancunian, it's obvious, it's Manc, init.

Oh yes please OGM; I can go any day now [unless there's racing on the telly or I'm doing the school run].

I always thought Manchester was the second city, and I am a Londoner, so have no bias.

DD lives in the First Garden City. She chose to live there because of her interest in the development of the Garden City movement and social changes in housing in the 20th century.

Galen Tegan* I think we should try for a reprise of last year! But settle for the hotel where we ended up (and frightened the young waiter) Perhaps in the New Year?

Yes; I could take in the National Trust 'back to backs' as well and stay over with my cousin in Bordesley Green .

Both Anno, just seen my typo, but certainly love there