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Birmingham has been a surprise for many as it changes shape over the past two decades. The redevelopment of the Bull Ring, expansion of the gay village and the inclusion of an annual Gay Pride is putting one of Britain's largest cities back on the map.

Following a successful Shout Festival in November 2009 Birmingham Pride has got bigger. A parade through the city centre around midday followed by a street festival from mid-afternoon inclusive of excellent and exuberant Pride After parties suiting all tastes.

I had heard about Birmingham Pride for several years as it's built itself up to cover a much larger area and move from the back of a truck for a stage to a large construction for multiple artists over a 2day weekend schedule. While the artists are mainly caberet performers they have managed to clench some touring minor celebrity artists to add more flair.

There's definitely something for everyone in a small village area which provides a focal point for the whole event. Food, drinks, novelty gifts are among the stalls as well as health and NGO promotional stands. Rainbow Bus from Milton Keynes also makes it way to the event.

One a wile pub tour the night before we found Birmingham to have an excellent gay scene and the gay bars and clubs are filled with the whole LGBT mix as well as the odd straight friend counterparts. It all gets going at the Prie event from 3pm and starts to bustle around 6pm.

Birmingham Gay Pride - one to watch for!