The latest news, updates and events in Birmingham
West Midlands mayor Andy Street has unveiled plans for a massive global ‘Tech’ festival – and predicted that the region’s booming innovators can help it overtake London in terms of growth. ‘FutureFest’ will supercharge and provide an ambitious global showcase for the West Midlands Tech sector, he claimed, which is worth over £15.3 billion and…
Peaky Blinders actor Paul Anderson has been fined for possession of drugs after being found with crack cocaine on Boxing Day. The TV and film star was found with cocaine and other illegal substances last month, throwing the future of the hit BBC show into question.
The West Midlands Fire Service is in deep mourning following the sudden death of their Chief Officer, Wayne Brown. Discovered at his home on Wednesday, Brown’s passing has left an “enormous void” in the organisation, says Chief Deputy Fire Officer Jo Bowcock.
Police arrested four people who were “involved in antisocial behaviour” earlier today, ahead of a Tommy Robinson protest in Telford town centre. Around 500 people showed up for a public protest and film screening by far-right activist Tommy Robinson in the Shropshire town, which was met with a counter protest from around 100 anti-racism campaigners.
Two cousins have been jailed for more than 30 years after police seized up to £20 million of hidden cocaine from a van in the West Midlands. Drug blocks were discovered within concealed compartments – opened by a sophisticated system – which we unearthed after stopping and searching the vehicle.
Wayne Brown, the chief officer of West Midlands Fire Service, has been found dead at his home. Brown was discovered early on Wednesday but his death was not being treated as suspicious by police, Greg Brackenridge, chair of West Midlands Fire and Rescue Authority, confirmed.
Construction work has started on the Birmingham terminus of the HS2 line – a new rail hub that will play a vital role in the long-term economic future of the West Midlands. Curzon Street is a key part of phase one of the high-speed rail project, linking Birmingham and London.
The high profile HS2 rail project has been branded with a red rating and declared “unachievable” by a government watchdog. The beleaguered HS2, which has been bogged down by spiralling costs and serious delays, is once again under a negative spotlight and facing an uncertain future.
Fans of former Blues player Trevor Francis have been leaving tributes outside Birmingham City football club all week long. Trevor Francis sadly passed away on Monday 24 July, and fans have been visiting St Andrews – the home of Birmingham City FC – and paying their respects to the legendary footballer.
Respected British artist Sonia Boyce OBE, whose work has been a regular fixture at Birmingham art galleries, will receive an Honorary Doctorate from Birmingham City University. Boyce, who has been practising art for around forty years, is being recognised for her influential contributions to the Black British art movement and her exploration of race, gender, and…