The International Day of Birmingham (IDOB) returns on Wednesday, September 24

Alright bab - Birmingham’s biggest celebration is back.

The International Day of Birmingham (IDOB) returns and the whole city is invited to join in.

Expect laughs, cobs, Curly Wurlies and a whole lot of Brummie pride, all fronted by comedian Joe Lycett, the unofficial president of the United States of Birmingham.

Watch the video to see last year’s event in full swing

This year’s programme is packed. The action kicks off at Zellig in the Custard Factory with a free photography exhibition from Joe’s “United States of Birmingham” road trip (running until 31 October). From there, it’s a whirlwind:

Flashbab (1pm, Colmore Square) – grab an alternative Brum itinerary from Joe, chant “Alright Bab!” with the Lord Mayor, and watch the USB flag raised in Victoria Square.
Brummie Bazaar (3–8pm, Custard Factory) – indie makers, foodies and artists show off the city’s creative side.
Industry Chinwag (5–6.30pm, The Old Rep) – the team behind Joe’s Sky/NOW series spill filming secrets.
Bab’s Big Blowout (5–11pm, The Old Crown) – Barbara Nice, Tat Vision, live music and even an egg-decorating workshop.
6K International Day Run (6.30pm, The Goodsyard JQ) – lace up for a guided jog past Brum landmarks, finishing with a cob at The Jeweller’s Arms.
Thunderbirds 60th Anniversary Double Bill (7pm, Mockingbird Digbeth) – Brummie-born puppets in 4K with Trevor Beattie and Marc Silk.
Headline Show: Who Loves Ya Bab? (8–10.30pm, The Old Rep) – Professor Carl Chinn hosts a screening of Telly Savalas Looks at Birmingham and the premiere of Joe’s United States of Birmingham, plus a Q&A with Joe and the crew.

All day long, keep an eye out for Mr Egg tributes across Digbeth, and at 7pm the city’s landmarks - including the Library of Birmingham -will light up in IDOB colours.

Local hospitality is in on the fun too: Medicine Bakery has created a Curly Wurly Salted Caramel Brownie and a Custard Factory Donut, available for one week only. Say “I’m here to honour Mr Egg” on the day and any egg dish will set you back just a fiver.

Last year’s debut IDOB saw the Lord Mayor and Joe Lycett hoist the United States of Birmingham flag for the first time. This year promises to be even bigger. As Joe puts it: “I am looking forward to once more celebrating this incredibly precious day in the global calendar by shouting ‘alright bab’ aggressively at the Lord Mayor before sinking 6–8 pints and inhaling a King Kebab at 3am.”

For the full programme and tickets, head to idob.co.uk.