Birmingham

Birmingham

City Partnerships

Birmingham

Birmingham city view, Photo: West Midlands Growth Company
Birmingham city view © West Midlands Growth Company, Photo: n/a

19. April 1966

Birmingham is the economic heart of the West Midlands. From its beginnings in the Industrial Revolution, Birmingham's economy has changed over time, with the service and tourism sectors gaining in influence. Following the establishment of school exchanges in the 1950s, Birmingham became Frankfurt's second partner city in 1966, joining Lyon and later Milan in Frankfurt's European family of city friendships. The four-way alliance saw the creation of an early European network of cities.

The most successful Frankfurt export to Birmingham is the Frankfurt Christmas Market, which has been held regularly since 2001. Attracting over five million visitors from all over the UK, it is one of the city's main tourist draws.
The relationship with Birmingham has always been close and includes the involvement of schools, administrations and associations. Frankfurt's citizens have also been able to get to know their partner city on regularly organised citizens' trips.