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Five reasons why you should visit Birmingham

Katie GrantDec 18, 2014 The Rough Guide travel publisher has named Birmingham as one of the top 10 cities in the world to visit in 2015. Here are some of the reasons for giving the city a coveted spot on the list.

Diversity

This cultural melting pot is home to a diverse range of people and communities. According to the 2011 census, 42 per cent of Birmingham's population is non-white and 94 languages are in use, including Creole, Luganda and Yiddish.

Industry

Billed as 'the city of 1,001 trades', Birmingham was at the forefront of the Industrial Revolution. James Watt, Matthew Boulton and Joseph Priestley formed the Lunar Society in the 1700s and gas lighting is said to have been invented there.

Illustrious residents

Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai was flown to Birmingham's Queen Elizabeth Hospital for life-saving surgery in 2012 after she was shot by the Taliban and now lives in the city with her family.

Culture

Birmingham is renowned for its Symphony Hall, which is considered one of the best in the world, and Ikon Gallery, a contemporary art venue. The Library of Birmingham recently opened, built at a cost of £189m.

Accent

The distinctive Brummie accent was deemed the most unattractive in the UK in a recent YouGov poll of British adults. But judging by the number of foreign tourists who flock to the city, the locals' unique twang just adds to its charm.Keep reading...Show less

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