BIG BRUM OPEN TOP BUZ SIGHTSEEING TOUR

In 2009 the buz has taken part in the following events:

Friends of the Big Brum Buz initiative – advertising, sponsoring a seat, annual pass, promotional packages – see Friends of the Big Brum Buz page

The bus took part in the Jazz Festival, Jewellery Quarter Festival, Gay Pride Festival, Arts Fest, Taste of Birmingham,

Tour by Lady Mayoress, private hire tours for various companies including Curtins who have been involved in building over 20 of the major buildings within the city.

Kidney Appeal for Birmingham’s Children Hospital

Open Days for present and future students at Birmingham University, Aston University, UCB.

Themed events – Christmas Lights and Ghostbusters Tours

Tickets donated for various events including charities such as St Mary’s Hospice

BIG BRUM BUZ LAUNCH 2009

The Big Brum Buz – Birmingham’s first Big Brum Open Top Bus since the mid 1990’s is back to promote the city’s popular tourist attractions and unique heritage sights. This venture is a joint operation between Sue Behan operating as Birmingham Tours and Central Connect.

On Friday 24^th April Sue Behan and Ian Jelf made an early start meeting Phil Upton of Radio WM who broadcast his breakfast show live from the top of the bus. First stop was the ICC and then the NIA to promote the possible development of an Olympic size swimming pool. At the Cricket Ground we were treated to a much appreciated comfort stop, tea and biscuits and finally we parked at the markets. At this point Midlands Today arrived to film the launch of the bus which was broadcast on the lunch time and evening news – Ian Jelf’s remark regarding Birmingham being like an onion has gone down in history – it must have been the influence of the market!

At 10.45 we arrived at Church Street, Colmore Row for the official launch. The Rector of St Martin’s Stewart Jones blessed the bus, Phil Upton cut the ribbon and was presented with an annual bus pass and everyone got on board. Ian’s tour was magnificent as always and I know that everyone enjoyed themselves. Finally, we finished at the Hyatt Hotel for a lunch time reception. It was a great day helped along by the sunshine.

Sue Behan 27^th April 2009

Watch the Big Brum Buz - Video courtesy of Phil Vinter Birmingham Mail