From its earliest origins, Birmingham has fostered a visionary and entrepreneurial
approach, not merely adapting to trends, but actually driving change. The ambition
and tireless industry of its people has resulted in the development of a city today
whose discoveries and innovations have created a worldwide impact.
Known as the 'workplace of the world', Birmingham began as a small rural manor.
First mentioned in the Domesday Book as being worth 20 shillings, the town was established in 1166 with the granting of a market every Thursday. Over time
Birmingham
has been known by a variety of names originating for 'Bermham'
in
the Saxon times,
Berm being the family name and ham meaning home.
The National Exhibition Centre (NEC) is the seventh largest exhibition centre in Europe, located in Solihull, near Birmingham, England. It is near junction 6 of the M42 motorway,
and is adjacent to Birmingham International Airport and Birmingham International railway station. It has 20 interconnected halls, set in 628 acres (3 km²).
The NEC Arena, host to large music concerts, is part of the complex. The 11,000 capacity NEC Arena was the largest multi-purpose arena in the UK when opening in the mid-1980s and although not the largest it is still a popular venue for touring acts. In the 1980s and
on
it hosted performances by Bruce Springsteen, Whitney Houston, U2, Shania Twain,
Tina Turner, The Who, and Neil Diamond. Several artists and groups have played at the
NEC Arena on more than one occasion including the American rock band R.E.M.,
Fleetwood Mac and Australian pop princess Kylie Minogue.
Together, The NEC and The NEC Arena host over 5 million visitors each year.
