We ask Birmingham: Is Birmingham or Manchester the UK’s second city?

Since World War 2 Birmingham has been known as the UK’s second city. Manchester often tries to take the crown, though recent data shows that Birmingham is marginally bigger by population. But taking other factors into account - should Birmingham still be considered the UK’s second city?

Birmingham has clearly experienced a renaissance of sorts over recent years - a huge regeneration coinciding with the Commonwealth Games which put the city in the global spotlight.

However Manchester has historically drawn in more international visitors, with a musical legacy known throughout the world. As things stand now though - which of the two cities do outsiders recognise the most? Here’s wnat the people of Birmingham told us.

Sandra says: “I definitely think Birmingham is still the UK’s second City, especially as a Mancunian because Mancunians are always trying to get that job for themselves.

“But I actually think Birmingham has got a lot more to offer than sometimes it thinks it has. And I sometimes think that we like to put ourselves down and be quite self deprecating, but I actually think Birmingham is a fantastic city to live in and to work in.”

Jeffrey says: “No, I think it should be considered the first city as we have such a rich history of music. With artists such as Judas Priest, Black Sabbath, people like that. It’s just very underappreciated in my opinion.”

Alice says: “I don’t really think it should be the second city because it’s a bit… it just lacks in some sort of culture. Like when I think of say, Liverpool, there’s art galleries, there’s culture, and it’s quite historic.

“And there are historic things in Birmingham as well, but it just doesn’t feel as alive in some ways. Yeah, I just think it’s a bit boring as a city.”

Justina says: “I think people prefer Manchester to Birmingham. And even with the Commonwealth Games, it looked really busy - because I worked myself in Utilita arena while it was happening - and we were expecting way more people to be there but it was only spectators and it wasn’t that much. It looked like it would be really big.

“But I don’t think Birmingham got enough attention as it’s supposed to. But the opening was fantastic. I think I will remember that day as something really cool.”