The global premiere of Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man is taking place in the West Midlands this week, marking a significant cultural and economic moment for the region and reinforcing Birmingham’s status as the birthplace of one of the world’s most recognisable television franchises.
Inspired by the people, industry and streets of Birmingham and the Black Country, Peaky Blinders has become a global phenomenon, broadcast in more than 180 countries and supported by an international fanbase numbering in the millions. The latest instalment returns to its roots, with filming taking place across the region and the world premiere hosted here on Monday.
During production, which included 20 days of preparation and 10 days of filming in the West Midlands, an estimated £1 million was spent with local businesses. This included regional supply chain companies, hotels, restaurants, crew and extras, delivering direct benefit to the visitor economy and creative industries.
A Gateway Moment at Birmingham New Street
To mark the premiere, a major public activation has been delivered at Birmingham New Street station in partnership with Visit Birmingham and West Midlands, Production Central WM, the It Starts Here campaign, Network Rail, Netflix and Banijay.
Ozzy the Bull has been given a specially commissioned Peaky Blinders flat cap, creating a striking tribute to the Birmingham-born story at one of the city’s most prominent gateways. Period-inspired scenic elements on the station concourse further enhance the atmosphere, providing a moment of civic pride for residents and a memorable welcome for visitors. The installation will remain in place for six weeks.
Neil Rami, Chief Executive, West Midlands Growth Company, said:
“Hosting the world premiere of the new Peaky Blinders film is a landmark moment for Birmingham and the West Midlands. This is a story that started here and continues to captivate audiences across the globe. Through our ‘It Starts Here’ campaign, we champion the region as a place where world-class creativity, culture and ideas are born. This celebration at New Street Station gives residents and visitors the chance to share in that pride and celebrate a globally recognised story that truly starts here.”
Patrick Power, Network Rail, added:
“Birmingham New Street is the gateway to the city and we’re proud to host this special celebration on the station concourse. It’s a great opportunity to welcome visitors arriving for the premiere, create a memorable experience for passengers and showcase the city at such an exciting moment.”
Leveraging Global Cultural Impact
Alongside the physical activation, Visit Birmingham has launched a dedicated content programme highlighting the locations and heritage that inspired the series, alongside a public competition offering tickets to the premiere. Free portrait sessions at New Street station provide an additional opportunity for residents and visitors to engage with the moment.
Further activity linked to the premiere will follow in the coming days, ensuring sustained visibility and continued engagement beyond the event itself.
Peaky Blinders represents a powerful example of how screen production, cultural storytelling and place promotion intersect in the West Midlands. Through Production Central WM, the region continues to strengthen its position as a destination for high-end television and film, supported by a skilled workforce, diverse locations and strong infrastructure.
From industrial heritage to contemporary screen success, this is a story that began in the West Midlands and continues to shape global culture, demonstrating, once again, that it starts here.
