Birmingham's history is defined by its role as a manufacturing powerhouse during the Industrial Revolution, earning it the nickname "the city of a thousand trades". Its canal network, more extensive than Venice's, was vital for transporting goods and has since been transformed into a vibrant hub for leisure and recreation.

The city's culture is rooted in this independent, industrious past, nurturing influential music scenes like heavy metal with pioneers such as Black Sabbath and the iconic reggae band UB40. A cornerstone of Birmingham's identity is its rich multicultural fabric, enhanced by centuries of immigration which created a diverse food scene, including the creation of the Balti curry in the famous Balti Triangle.

The modern Birmingham lifestyle balances this heritage with extensive urban regeneration and a forward-looking, cosmopolitan energy, supported by a diverse arts scene and a famously welcoming community.