Save the date for our AGM!
2025-01-30 17:00 - 19:00 UTC | The Birmingham & Midland Institute, 9 Margaret St, Birmingham B3 3BS, The Birmingham & Midland Institute, 9 Margaret St, Birmingham, B3 3BS
Thursday 30th January 2025
5pm for 5.15pm
The Birmingham & Midland Institute, 9 Margaret St, Birmingham B3 3BS
Join us in the new year for the Birmingham Civic Society AGM on Thursday 30th January, 5 for 5.15pm, being held at The Birmingham & Midland Institute.
Following the formal part of the evening, 5.15 – 6pm, join us for refreshments as we focus on our year ahead. We will hear more on the Society’s key initiatives and why your membership really matters.
We would like to thank you for your continuing support and look forward to seeing you in the new year. We hope that you will be able to attend and would be delighted if you wish to bring guests.
RSVP by e-mail to info@birminghamcivicsociety.org.uk by Monday 27th January.

Explore the Victoria Law Courts – A Guided Heritage Tour
2025-09-18 15:00 - 16:30
Step into Birmingham’s rich civic history with a guided tour of the Victoria Law Courts, an architectural gem built between 1887 and 1891 by renowned designers Aston Webb and Ingress Bell. This late Victorian public building, celebrated for its national significance, showcases striking red brick and terracotta on the exterior, while its interior glows with sandy-yellow terracotta—a material that became fashionable in the city thanks to this very landmark.
Constructed during Birmingham’s transformation into a “great city,” the courts were part of a broader civic vision. The city was officially granted status in 1889, midway through the building’s completion. Inside, the Great Hall features grand windows at either end, adorned with depictions of local luminaries—from Shakespeare to Matthew Boulton—and trades that shaped Birmingham’s industrial legacy.
Tour Details
The tour begins outside the main entrance with a brief historical overview, followed by a visit to the Great Hall and public corridors. While courtrooms will be in session during the tour, access to a heritage courtroom may be possible if proceedings have concluded.
Security Information
Visitors must pass through airport-style security, including an archway detector and handheld scanner. Please allow extra time for this process. Phones and cameras may be brought inside, but photography and video recording are strictly prohibited. For full details on permitted and restricted items, visit GOV.UK’s court entry guidelines.
Booking
Reserve your place via Eventbrite. Tickets are £5.
Meeting Point
The tour, led by Irene de Boo of the BCS Heritage Committee, begins at 3pm on Thursday 18 September outside the main entrance of the Victoria Law Courts, 153A Corporation Street, Birmingham, B4 6PH.

Is there a lack of civic realm and civic space in city of Birmingham?
2026-02-12 16:00 - 18:00
The Birmingham Civic Society is concerned that recent and ongoing developments lack adequate open spaces, schools, medical centres and community amenities. We aim to champion a vision for a better city life through an improved civic realm.
Birmingham should not serve only professionals or entertainment; it must offer spaces and facilities that attract families and encourage young people to build their lives here.
Currently, many move to the suburbs for such amenities. Unlike European cities with vibrant squares and boulevards, Birmingham has few examples beyond St Philip’s Square.
Join in the debate to explore whether limited civic realm is reducing the city’s appeal.
Arup Office, Public Space One Centenary Way, Birmingham B3 3AY.
Thursday 12th February 2026 starting at 4pm.
Find out more BCS 12.02.26 Event Flyer
