Celebrating Cultures across the University of Birmingham
The British Empire Exhibition was opened on 23 April 1924 by King George V and Queen Mary at the Empire Stadium. The King gave a speech on the opening day which was broadcast by the BBC, becoming the first broadcast made by a British monarch on radio. The exhibition was described as a successor to … Continue reading “British Empire Exhibition 100th anniversary”
Post contributed by Lorna, Student Experience Ambassador Lord Byron was an influential literary figure who helped influence the Romantic movement inthe late 18th and 19th centuries. The Romantic movement focused on the human condition,emotion, imagination and individualism as a rebellion to the rationalism and order of theEnlightenment period. George Gordon Byron, commonly known as Lord … Continue reading “200th anniversary of the death of Lord Byron”
Post submitted by Caitlin, Student Experience Ambassador 16 April marks the centenary of the birth of Henry Mancini, American composer, conductor, arranger, pianist and flautist. He is often cited as one of the greatest composers in the history of film. On this day, we celebrate a musical genius whose compositions shaped the very fabric of … Continue reading “Henry Mancini – centenary”
50th anniversary of Sweden’s very first Eurovision Song Contest win in 1974 with ABBA (Björn & Benny, Agnetha & Anni-Frid) singing ‘Waterloo’. The victory in Brighton ended up launching the career of one of the most successful acts in the history of music. The rest, as they say, is history!
Established in the aftermath of World War Two, NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organisation) is the organisation that implements the North Atlantic Treaty, signed in Washington, D.C. on 4 April 1949. It is a collective security system, with its independent member states agreeing to defend each other against attacks by third parties. Also called the North Atlantic … Continue reading “75th anniversary of NATO”
Post contributed by Lorna, Student Experience Ambassador The Terracotta Army is one of the most significant archaeological discoveries in history, offering a captivating glimpse into ancient China’s military and cultural prowess. This vast collection of life-sized clay soldiers, horses and chariots was unearthed 20 March 1974 by local farmers drilling a well near the city … Continue reading “50th anniversary of the discovery of the Terracotta Army of Qin Shi Huang”
On 4 March 1824 John Cadbury opened his first shop selling cocoa, tea and coffee on Bull Street, Birmingham. In 1861 Richard and George Cadbury took over the family business and created the UK’s first totally pure drinking cocoa. In 1871 Cadbury was among the first to introduce bank holidays for its workers, something which … Continue reading “Cadbury 200th birthday”
15 February marks 150 years since the birth of Ernest Shackleton, the Anglo-Irish Antarctic explorer who attempted to reach the South Pole. He is most associated with four expeditions exploring Antarctica, particularly the Trans-Antarctic (Endurance) Expedition (1914–16) that he led, which, although unsuccessful, became famous as a tale of remarkable perseverance and survival. Born in County Kildare … Continue reading “150th anniversary of the birth of Ernest Shackleton”
Bagpuss, the most magical, saggy, old, cloth cat in the whole wide world, is 50. The children’s show first aired on 12 February 1974. Made by Peter Firmin and Oliver Postgate, Bagpuss lived in a shop that was a home for lost property. Only 13 episodes were ever made, the programme and it has remained … Continue reading “Bagpuss is 50!”
29 January 2024 marks the 50th anniversary of the death of HE Bates. Herbert Ernest Bates (1905-1974) was an English novelist and is widely recognised as one of the finest short story writers of his generation. His first novel The Two Sisters was published in 1926, with a collection of short stories ‘Day’s End, and … Continue reading “H.E. Bates 50th anniversary”
