2025 marks 125 years since Queen Victoria granted the University of Birmingham a Royal Charter; in essence, our birthday.
For generations of alumni, the University of Birmingham is the place where they discovered their passions and built their career. It’s often their first home outside their parents’ home, and the place where lifelong friendships were formed (or even a campus romance).
There is so much to be proud of. Our global community of alumni is making the world a better place, solving problems and supporting their communities. And on campus, our researchers are addressing major challenges, from developing better healthcare treatments to creating a fairer world.
This year, you can celebrate our 125th anniversary celebrations with us in six different ways:
1. 125th Anniversary Community Weekend and Concert. Come and see the anniversary exhibition in the Aston Webb Building, take a campus tour and see interactive research and student performances. If you have a ticket, stay on campus for an unforgettable celebratory concert with a special Birmingham twist; from the music of ELO to Elgar, pop to rock, classical to folk, and everything in between.
2. Attend a Global Alumni Gathering. Every year, our Global Alumni Gatherings range from outdoor fun days and rooftop drinks to park picnics, beer tastings and quiz nights. Last year 47 alumni hosted gatherings for their local alumni; can we make it past 50 for our 125th year? We have 57 gatherings planned this year. Look for Global Alumni Gatherings happening near you.
3. Bake a birthday cake. 
Student Erin Babington won The University Baking Society’s 125th anniversary baking competition with an adapted Victoria Sponge, chosen in honour of the Queen who granted the University’s royal charter, filled with raspberry jam to evoke our redbrick campus and decorated fresh flowers for the famous Winterbourne House and Gardens on campus. Download the recipe and tell us how your cake turns out.
4. Make your own party hat. Our party hat is designed to print easily at home – show us how you look wearing your hat on social media using @birminghamalum.
5. Share your story. Throughout our anniversary year, we are featuring stories that celebrate the people, events and achievements from the last 125 years, and highlight those that are fuelling our success today. Whether it’s a cherished memory, a favourite spot, or a moment that made this University special to you, your story is a part of Birmingham’s history; all stories shared will be included in a special archive on campus at Edgbaston.
6. Birmingham Gives. Join your Birmingham community around the world for a 36 hour on-the-clock event on 19 and 20 June, to raise awareness and fund vital initiatives that will transform lives at Birmingham and beyond. Your support during Birmingham Gives will help provide more young people with a life-changing education at Birmingham or could help make the next medical research breakthrough possible. Watch out for an email in May to see how you can take part.