At a time when Birmingham is featured heavily in the national news, a new edition of the Discovering Birmingham guidebook is here to offer a positive perspective. The new guide celebrates the city with high-impact photography and accessible and informative text. It explores both the city’s rich history and its dynamic modern developments. It invites readers to rediscover Birmingham through fresh eyes.
The new book starts by looking in detail at Digbeth, highlighting how this historic area is once again evolving to serve the city of the future.
The guide will be officially launched at SIFA Fireside, the Digbeth-based charity supporting people experiencing homelessness. The event will feature opening remarks from The Lord Mayor of Birmingham, followed by Natalie Allen, CEO of SIFA Fireside, and Michele Wilby, CEO of Colmore BID — all highlighting the importance of collaboration in shaping the city’s future.
“It felt right to hold the event somewhere rooted in Birmingham’s compassion and community spirit,” says Jonathan. “This book isn’t just about landmarks — it’s about how we see our city and our working together to take it forward.”
The 80-page, full-colour guide is priced at just £8.00, and is available from local bookshops, online at www.discoveringbirmingham.co.uk, and through internet bookshops.
Discovering Birmingham is Jonathan’s 13th book about the city. His first, Positively Birmingham, was published in 1994 and sold out over five editions.
About SIFA Fireside:
Founded in the 1980s, SIFA Fireside was created by two charities coming together (The Fireside Charity and SIFA, then Supporting Independence From Alcohol) and focuses on supporting adults who have experienced or are at risk of homelessness through long-term, move-on support as well as meeting their immediate needs.