The event was held yesterday at Birmingham City Football Club, ahead of the International Day of Birmingham happening next week.

It was hosted by GBCC CEO Henrietta Brealey.

Speaking to an audience of over 100 guests, chair of the Birmingham 2027 Invictus Games Victoria Gosling, said: “Birmingham has been through its share of knockbacks, but it keeps coming back stronger, and that unconquerable spirit is something we should be incredibly proud of.”

Victoria was speaking about the Invictus Games, taking in Birmingham next year, where 550 competitors will compete over seven days across 12 sports, with an expected 160,000 people attending.

She continued: “Birmingham was chosen because it has demonstrated such a strong culture of diversity, care and dedication towards wounded and injured personnel.

“Service personnel have been coming to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, where some of the country’s leading experts, doctors and surgeons have helped them recover, while Fisher House has provided accommodation and support for their families.

“The NEC also gives us a world-class venue capable of bringing so much of the Games together in one place.”

Other panellists include Nicola Silk, the writer, producer and director behind award-winning Sky Series ‘Joe Lycett’s United States of Birmingham’, CEO of Birmingham Royal Ballet Paul James, head of site at Deutsche Bank Rob Nagra, and Anthony Isherwood, director of Birmingham City FC Foundation.

Nicola spoke about the journey behind International Day of Birmingham, which she created for television, but unexpectedly grew to an event celebrating Birmingham and its namesake cities.

She said: “This year’s event is taking place next Thursday and Friday at Birmingham Council House, celebrating the creativity of our city, and it is completely free to attend.

“At 1pm, we’ll raise the International Day of Birmingham flag and come together for the communal ‘Alright bab!’ chant.

“We’ve also created an official treaty of friendship with other Birminghams around the world, which is a wonderful way of celebrating the connections our city has internationally. International Day of Birmingham is the finale to a series of events that have been building throughout the year.”

Paul highlighted how Birmingham Royal Ballet is flying the flag for Birmingham while touring the world.

He said: “Birmingham has an incredible international reputation, with world-class institutions such as the CBSO, Birmingham Rep and Birmingham Royal Ballet. We are proud to play our part in showcasing the talent and creativity that comes from this city on stages around the world.”

Anthony mapped out the work carried out by Birmingham City FC Foundation, using the reach of the football club to bring people and communities together.

He said: “For Birmingham City, we have significantly increased our impact and there are still huge opportunities ahead of us. We know the city faces challenges, but those challenges also create opportunities to do things differently and build something better. If we get that right, Birmingham can really flourish over the next 10 or 20 years.

“The thread that connects all of us in this room is simple: we are proud to be Brummies. That pride gives us a powerful foundation to build on, and we should be confident in telling Birmingham’s story.”