I discover the true beauty of Birmingham at the Christmas Market in Pigeon Park

I moved to Birmingham over two years ago and began working for BirminghamWorld just as the Commonwealth Games began.

It was an amazing experience. I thought the city was incredible because of its diversity and the buzz about town. 

It’s a big city with a lot of big city issues and doesn’t always get a good press. But there’s so much to love about Brum - and I got a whole new glimpse into the real beauty of the city on a visit to the Christmas Market at Pigeon Park.

Just up the road from the renowned German Christmas Market with its authentic Frankfurt wares there’s so much to see here - and people to meet.

One of the first people I get talking to is stall holder Mike Allison from 100 Views of Birmingham. While the artist lives in Stourbridge, he makes art about Birmingham. When I asked why he decided to make prints about Birmingham, he said: “In Stourbridge, there would be at most 20 views but there is so much more to capture in Birmingham - it’s an amazing place.” 

Mike sells prints showcasing literally 100 different views of Birmingham, most of them of iconic and most recognised landmarks.

From the mundane to the iconic, he has prints of The Electric Cinema, the Rotunda, and has been creating a different view in the series each month.

Next up I get talking to Robert Geoghegan of Funny Brummie Pictures. Rob practises and teaches art and makes oil paintings of outdoor views - mainly of Birmingham’s parks, canals and green spaces.

Rob says: “My pictures make ideal surprise gifts for people who have left Birmingham (how dare they!) and need to be reminded of its charms.”  

In Rob’s funny prints, you can see wildlife on NXWM buses, gorillas in Santa hats and Santa driving a bus as well.  

These artworks showcase the Brummie spirit and might be a bit on the expensive side but these are thoughtful gifts that can last forever. 

You can also catch Rob at the Moseley Arts Market, Kings Heath Farmers’ Market and Edgbaston Artisan Market. He has a great collection for Aston Villa fans too. 

But my journey through the market discovering the real beauty of Birmingham isn’t just about how it looks - it’s also about how it tastes.

Another unique Brummie gift shop at the market is by the Birmingham Balti Bowl Co - which celebrates the authentic and historic recipe that originated in the city.

With reports claiming our Balti restaurants are dying out, gifting someone a Birmingham-made and award-winning Balti can be one of the unique ways to spread Brummie spirit - and keep this iconic traditional dish alive. But, that’s not all that they are selling. You can find pretty bento boxes, hand-painted spice tins and tiffin boxes as well. 

The Baltis are created in Jewellery Quarter and what can get more Brummie than this?

The stallholder told me: “I’m so proud of Birmingham’s balti dish. It’s a privilege to be able to offer people a chance to celebrate it as a gift for Christmas.”

The real beauty of Birmingham - its diversity, warm welcoming nature and creativity - shines through all of the stalls. And it’s brilliant to be able to wrap up a slice and give it as a Christmas present to someone.

What else is at the Christmas Market at Pigeon Park in Birmingham -and when is the market open?

Of course, a trip to Christmas in Cathedral Square wouldn’t be complete without visit the popular Pigeon in the Park pub. There’s the iconic Helter Skelter too as well as more than 60 local independents. You can find the full list of vendors here.

Between the cute snow dog statue, the beautiful Christmas tree and live music - this cosy market created a wonderful place to warm our hearts during the cold months - bringing the beauty of Birmingham alive. 

The Pigeon Park celebrations will continue until Sunday, December 17. The market will open Monday to Wednesday from 11am to 8pm, Thursday to Saturday from 11am to 9pm, and Sunday from 12.30pm to 8pm.