100th Annual Rotary International Convention, Birmingham, UK

Home > Discover Birmingham & the Region

Birmingham, UK is proud and delighted to have been chosen as host city for the 100th Rotary International Conference in June 2009.

The city lies at the very heart of our country. Its transformation into a vibrant, cosmopolitan centre for 21st century life has been breathtaking and has won plaudits from across the world.

Our attractions rival the best that Europe has to offer. Our shopping beats anything outside London. Our arts scene stands proudly at the centre of the world stage. Our bars and restaurants give you the flavour of 27 countries in one city. Our stadia are the backdrop to some of the biggest events on the sporting calendar.

We are also one of Europe's busiest event cities, our accessibility and award-winning expertise making us the perfect setting to celebrate 100 years of the convention.

With Birmingham as your base, you're perfectly placed. Travel out of the city in any direction and you'll soon be treated to the rich culture and heritage the English Midlands has to offer.

Find out more at www.visitbirmingham.com

	Rugby Rugby holds the unique position as the birthplace of the game of rugby football. There’s more - Rugby School, an historic learning site and scene of Tom Brown’s Schooldays, Rugby’s Art Gallery and Museum, and a Blue Plaque Trail, commemorating over 30 places and people of significance. Rugby is only 25 minutes from the Convention Centre at the NEC – visit website.
	Solihull the Town in the Country Solihull Town Centre is one of the West Midlands top shopping destinations including the Mell Square Shopping Centre and the indoor Touchwood Centre which incorporates the only John Lewis Department Store in the West Midlands. In addition the town host an array of restaurants, hotels, cinema, award winning parks and the arts and entertainment venue, Solihull Arts Complex - visit website.
	Worcestershire The county town of Worcester is dominated by its magnificent cathedral, while other highlights of the county are best viewed from the windows of the Severn Valley Railway. A 22 mile, steam-powered journey back in time, it’s an experience not to be missed.
	Shropshire Explore the ten fascinating museums in and around Telford's Ironbridge Gorge, wander the grounds of Weston Park, one of England's most impressive stately homes and check out the hardware on show at The Royal Airforce Museum in Cosford, where entry is free.

	Staffordshire Ancient castles and historic houses litter the Staffordshire countryside, while the county is also famous for its pottery and is home to the Wedgwood china company. The surrounding Peak District is renowned for its majestic landscapes and picture-perfect villages.


	Warwickshire England's finest medieval castle at Warwick is simply unmissable and runs an imaginative programme of events throughout the year. It's also just a short drive from Shakespeare's Stratford, home of the Royal Shakespeare Company and gateway to the Cotswolds.


World famous Birmingham Jewellery Quarter Particularly unique to Birmingham is its historic Jewellery Quarter, which still makes over 40% of UK jewellery and has over 100 specialist jewellery retail outlets. With an award winning Museum of the Jewellery Quarter, Pen Museum, art galleries and over 30 restaurants and bars it is a 'must-see' for visitors to the City. For more information visit www.jewelleryquarter.net

For more information about the attractions of the Heart of England, go to www.visittheheart.com

Birmingham is officially ranked as the second busiest shopping centre in the UK after London’s West End.