Brummies react to calls for the Commonwealth Games to return to Birmingham in 2026

The 2022 Commonwealth Games was a huge success for Birmingham and the West Midlands.

For two weeks, the city and wider region showcased its brilliance to the world when the Games came to Birmingham for 11 days from July 28 in 2022. Millions of people came to the city for the historic event, with even more watching at home around the globe.

With the news that Victoria in Australia pulled out of hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Games this week, many are now calling for the Games to return to Brum once again in three years time.

Birmingham Local Conservatives have called for talks around the possibility. The party stressed how Birmingham already has much of the infrastructure needed to host the Commonwealth Games – and has shown that it is a city capable of hosting such an event successfully. They claimed that, as a result, the cost of hosting the Games would be reduced in Birmingham compared to other cities.

West Midlands Mayor Andy Street has responded to calls for the games to return too - and he hasn’t ruled it out. Although Birmingham City Council issued a statement stating that “it’s now someone else’s turnto stage thsi amazing event.”

So, should the Games return to the city in 2026? we asked BirminghamWorld’s readers what they thought about the idea on Facebook and there were many people in favour, although some weren’t so sure due to the financial costs involved.

Responding to the question, Malcolm said: “Of course Birmingham should hold it again in 2026 . It was the most successful and best attended Commonwealth Games ever in its history in Birmingham last year, and despite all the usual moaning it was something this city should be proud of.

“Everything is in place for a 2026 re-run and put the focus back on Birmingham once again to go along side Birmingham hosting the European Athletics Championship also in 2026.”

Dave wrote: “I think a nationwide effort would be good, we have fantastic facilities the UK.” Helena, who volunteered at the Games last year, said: “Still got my volunteer uniform! I’d do it again in a heartbeat. Two of the best weeks I’ve ever had!” Another person said: “Yes, Birmingham should most certainly do, everything is already setup, it was amazing success.”

Although not everyone agreed it was a good idea. Jane wrote: “No Birmingham should not, we have our own economy problems at the moment.” Suzie wrote: “No, let another city have a chance.” While Chris said: “I think it’ll be a long time to settle the last bill (of the Games), but would be lovely to see the spirit of it again.”

What has West Midlands mayor Andy Street said Birmingham City Council said about the Commonwealth Games return?

West Midlands mayor Andy Street hasn’t ruled out the possibility of the city hosting the Games once again.

He told ITV News: “Of course it’s too early to say if we can recreate Birmingham 2022 but I’m well aware that lots of people will be saying that.

“We would of course need the support of the British government because they invested in the city as well as Birmingham City Council.

“But I think that’s a very premature question to ask at this stage but we know we did it really well and I’m sure we’ll do other events in the future equally well.”

A statement from Birmingham City Council said: “The Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games were a huge success for the city and wider region – providing a major boost to the city’s economy in terms of new jobs, inward investment and tourism - but it’s now someone else’s turn to stage this amazing event.”