Spearheaded by Brummie comedian Joe Lycett, the designated date of 24 September has been chosen for Birminghams worldwide to celebrate their heritage with a collective chant of “Alright Bab”.

‘Friendship Agreements’ have been built between Birmingham, UK, and namesake cities, towns and villages across North America as part of the initiative, forming the ‘United States of Birmingham’.

The inaugural celebration will be marked by a civic reception this afternoon, hosted by the Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Councillor Ken Wood, who will be joined by Lycett and other notable figures from Birmingham including members of legendary bands Black Sabbath, UB40 and Dexy’s Midnight Runners.

Festivities are also taking place in Victoria Square, culminating in the hoisting of the ‘United States of Birmingham’ flag.

International Day of Birmingham forms part of a new Sky TV show ‘Joe Lycett’s United States of Birmingham’ in which the Hall Green-born comedian embarks on a road trip across North America to unite places named Birmingham.

Lycett said: “International Day of Birmingham should be something we already celebrate, but I am thrilled to be joining the Lord Mayor in our inaugural celebration.

“I have travelled thousands of miles around niche and rural parts of America to help create this lasting legacy for all Birminghams, the greatest place on earth, better than dumps like London, Paris and New York, and link Birminghams with the other Birminghams so that all Birminghams are friends with Birmingham.”

Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Cllr Ken Wood, said: “The creation of the ‘Friendship Agreements’ with other Birminghams in North America not only strengthens international bonds but also reinforces the values of friendship, inclusivity and community that define our great city.

“I invite all Brummies, near and far, to join us in Victoria Square for this extraordinary celebration and to proudly raise their voices as we celebrate the first ever International Day of Birmingham.”

Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce chief executive Henrietta Brealey said: "As a self-certified Birmingham nerd, I am delighted that Joe Lycett is flying the flag for all things Brummie brilliance with the inaugural International Day of Birmingham.

"This is a phenomenal place and we often hear calls from the business community for the city to 'Be Bold' and shout about itself. 

"So head on down to Victoria Square this afternoon, join in the fun and celebrate what it means to be the original and (in my hugely biased opinion) best Birmingham in the world."