The Next Chapter: A Fairy Tale of the Great Region Experience the magic at New Street Station, Birmingham.
Date: 11 April 2025
Author: jackprophotographypictures
Tags: Arts, Birmingham, photojournalism, Nikonz9, West Midlands, photographer, photography, pr, event Nikonz8
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It’s hard to believe that three years have already passed since Birmingham hosted the Commonwealth Games. The event not only showcased world-class athletic talent but also left a lasting legacy for the city, boosting its cultural and economic vibrancy. One of the most remarkable outcomes of the Games has been the transformation of Birmingham’s community spirit. From the thousands of dedicated volunteers who offered their time to the local businesses that thrived due to the influx of visitors, the event brought people together in an unprecedented way. This sense of unity continues to resonate, inspiring new initiatives and collaborations across the city even years later.
Immerse yourself in an interactive exhibition where you’ll meet courageous volunteer knights, take your place on the legendary Throne of Legacy, and hear captivating tales beneath the enchanting Echo Wood Radio Tree. Share your dreams for the future at the Wishing Well, nestled beneath the iconic Ozzy the bull 🐂 Bull.https://unitedby2022.com/the-next-chapter/
{9 - 12 APRIL, 10AM - 6PM, NEW STREET STATION
The Next Chapter
THE GREAT REGION'S FAIRY TALE
Let us tell you the story of the community legacy since the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
Step into our interactive exhibition where you can meet the brave Volunteer Knights, take a seat on the Throne of Legacy, and listen to incredible stories beneath the Echo Wood Radio Tree. Share your hopes for the future in the Wishing Well and help us write the next chapter underneath Ozzy the Bull.
GET INVOLVED
Make a Wish
Share your hopes for the West Midlands in our Digital Wishing Well.
Write Your Next Chapter
Shape the region's future by sharing your vision at our Ink & Quill station.}
United by 2022 Charity, inspired by the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, bridges the gap between businesses and community groups to empower the West Midlands. With a £5 million fund, it champions five core programmes that uplift volunteers, support young people, and empower grassroots organisations—promoting inclusion and creating a legacy of pride for generations to come.
In 2023, United By 2022 secured £4.7 million in funding from the Commonwealth Games Legacy Enhancement Fund, managed by the West Midlands Combined Authority. This grant was designed to address regional health disparities and skill development challenges at the grassroots community level.
Drawing from insights gained through an external evaluation of legacy projects conducted during Birmingham 2022, alongside community consultations held in early 2023, United By 2022 developed five interconnected initiatives known as the Trailblazer programmes. These initiatives include Bring the Power, Critical Mass, Gen22, Social Value, and the Volunteers Collective.
This report highlights the significant impact these Trailblazer programmes have made throughout 2023 and 2024.
The Volunteers Collective
Launched in June 2023, The Volunteers Collective was created to honor the legacy commitment made to the volunteers of Birmingham 2022 while supporting regional growth through a robust pipeline of events.
This initiative connects event organizations with passionate and experienced volunteers through an online portal, simplifying the process of finding enthusiastic individuals eager to support local events.
A dedicated Volunteer Engagement Officer ensures the smooth operation of the program. Currently, 2,171 volunteers are registered on the portal. Among them, 921 have expressed interest in at least one event, and 348 have actively participated in one or more events.
So far, 79 events have utilized The Volunteers Collective, filling 777 positions and contributing an impressive total of 24,270 volunteer hours.
A towering steampunk-inspired mechanical bull, originally created for the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony, quickly became the star of the show. With its billowing steam and glowing eyes, the colossal beast captivated audiences. Following the event, the bull was temporarily displayed in Centenary Square, where it won the hearts of the public. Though never intended as a permanent outdoor sculpture, overwhelming public demand led the Games organisers to reconsider. The bull was later removed and re-engineered for long-term display. Affectionately nicknamed 'Ozzy' in tribute to Birmingham’s legendary son, Ozzy Osbourne, this iconic creation has now found its new home indoors at New Street Station. Beyond its striking appearance, 'Ozzy' has become a symbol of Birmingham’s industrial heritage and creative ingenuity. The intricate design, blending Victorian-era aesthetics with modern engineering, pays homage to the city’s rich history as a hub of innovation during the Industrial Revolution. Visitors from near and far gather to admire the craftsmanship, turning the bull into more than just a sculpture – it’s a celebration of Birmingham’s spirit, resilience, and forward-thinking mindset.
The 2022 Commonwealth Games, officially titled the XXII Commonwealth Games and widely known as Birmingham 2022, was a global multi-sport event uniting members of the Commonwealth of Nations. Held in Birmingham, England, the event ran from 28 July to 8 August 2022. Birmingham 2022 was notable for its emphasis on inclusivity, featuring the largest integrated para-sport program in the history of the Commonwealth Games. This significant step forward ensured that athletes of all abilities had the opportunity to compete on a global stage, fostering greater representation and diversity. The event also hosted a record number of women's events, further cementing its commitment to gender equality and setting a new precedent for future sporting events.
The Commonwealth Games 2022 successfully brought together an extraordinary total of 4,822 highly skilled athletes representing 72 nations, who competed fiercely in an incredible 283 events spread across an impressive 19 sports disciplines.
{Chapter 1
A NEW CHAPTER BEGINS
After the Great Games, the people of the West Midlands found themselves at a crossroads: would 2022 be remembered as a single moment in time, or the start of something bigger? In the heart of the Great Region, where leaders gathered, the Throne of Legacy stood. It was here that the United By 2022 Charity declared, "Though the Great Games have ended, our mission continues. We must take the friendships, memories and inspiration they sparked, and use them to shape the future. Let's turn this pride into new possibilities for our Great Region."
From this day on, communities, volunteers and young people from all corners of the Great Region have come together to share their skills and their time, creating lasting memories, friendships and sharing in their pride. This is the story of how the West Midlands created something greater. Sit on the Throne of Legacy and feel the impact.}
Chapter 4
CROSSING INTO THE FUTURE
At the heart of the Great Region stood the Bridge of
Possid lities. Unkino oast achlevements with futung opportunities. Across the bridge, the voices of 546 young people rang out, each one breaking barriers and creating pathways for a better future. Buit by l4 organisations and 14 young leaders, the bridge was a symbol of progress. Together, they laid the first stones toward a stronger future where confidence and resilience fourished. Stepping onto this bridge meant stepping into brighter tomorrow
{Chapter 5
A FUTURE FOR ALL
Like a lion leading with strength, the Great Region's commitment to inclusivity was its guiding force. Hundreds of young people came together with courage, united by a shared passion for movement and performance.
As they danced together, they embraced their differences and celebrated their similarities, learning new skills both in dance and in life. They created a space where everyone, regardless of disability, can thrive - growing in skills, confidence and resilience}
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