Peaky Blinders Creator Steven Knight Celebrated with Tram in Birmingham
In a vibrant celebration in Birmingham, Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight received a distinctive Brummie accolade—a tram named in his honor. The event took place in Centenary Square, where crowds gathered to witness the unveiling of the newly-branded West Midlands Metro tram.
Tram Features Iconic Peaky Blinders Imagery
The tram showcases an iconic image of Cillian Murphy as Tommy Shelby, accompanied by the message 'Home of the Peaky Blinders', highlighting the show's deep connection to the West Midlands. This tribute recognizes Knight's commitment to championing Birmingham on screen and his support for the region's film industry through his Digbeth Loc Studios.
Steven Knight, a native Brummie, expressed his pride during the ceremony. He said, "This is a great honour for me, on a day when the world's gaze is on my home city, Birmingham. I am immensely proud of where I am from, and everything that goes on in this great city and look forward to help develop the cultural growth of the West Midlands as a whole."
Event Coincides with Film Premiere
The unveiling occurred outside Symphony Hall, which hosted the world premiere of the new movie Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man. Many cast members attended, including Academy Award winner Cillian Murphy, Rebecca Ferguson, Tim Roth, Ned Dennehy, Packy Lee, and director Tom Harper.
West Midlands mayor Richard Parker, who identifies creative industries as a key sector in his Growth Plan, sent a message praising Knight. He stated, "Through his vision, energy and amazing storytelling, Steven has put Birmingham and the West Midlands back on the world stage – the film premiere and celebrations here today prove that."
Tram to Travel Across the Metro Network
Tram 58, featuring the striking Peaky Blinders images, will travel the West Midlands Metro network, promoting the region as the spiritual home of the franchise. Knight's name will remain permanently on the front of the tram.
With the expansion of the Metro network, the tram will soon pass the Black Country Living Museum, a key outdoor location for Peaky Blinders. The Eastside extension, currently under construction, will bring the Metro close to Knight's Digbeth Loc Studios.
Broader Context of Birmingham's Growth
City leader John Cotton, who was nearby ensuring his Budget was supported in a council meeting, commented on the event's significance. He said, "What's happening today is incredibly exciting for the city. Peaky Blinders is a global brand rooted in Birmingham, which really celebrates our city."
He added, "We have big firms like Goldman Sachs doubling their workforce, which is a huge vote of confidence in Birmingham. There is so much here that is really positive and investors are still voting for Birmingham."
Knight joins other West Midlands celebrities, including Ozzy Osbourne, Jasper Carrott, and Cyrille Regis, in having a tram named in his honor. Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man is set to release in cinemas from March 6 and on Netflix from March 20.
