Need to know
It may sometimes feel like the news is all doom and gloom, but it’s important to remember that great things do happen
A round-up of great things that have happened across the Midlands in 2025
2025 has been a year of remarkable community spirit across the Midlands. From record-breaking pensioners and young life-savers to historic cultural honors for local legends, the region has celebrated numerous uplifting moments.
Key Community Heroes of 2025
Black Sabbath: Freedom of the City
In a historic June ceremony, the founding members of Black Sabbath—Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward—were awarded the Freedom of the City of Birmingham.
- The Honor: They were presented with scrolls and medals produced in Birmingham’s own Jewellery Quarter.
- The Legacy: Their names are now permanently engraved on the Freedom of the City marble board in the Council House.
- The Farewell: The honor coincided with the massive “Back To The Beginning” farewell weekend at Villa Park in July, drawing fans from across the globe to the band’s home turf in Aston.
Academic “Firsts”
August’s A-level results highlighted stories of perseverance, with many Birmingham students becoming the first in their families to enter higher education:
- Nadia Duwane: Achieved 4 A grades and secured a place to study History at the University of Oxford.
- Armanul Haque: Gained 3 As to study AI and Computer Science at the University of Birmingham.
- Masoomah Akbarali: Secured A, A, B* to pursue Psychology, aiming to give back to her community as a clinical psychologist.
Birmingham’s Culinary Wins
The city’s food scene dominated the British Burger Awards 2025, proving it remains a national leader in hospitality:
- BRGR BOX (Southside): Named the Best of Birmingham.
- Boo (Moseley): Won the Outstanding Achievement title.
- HANBAO (Deritend): Officially Recognised for Excellence.
- Libertine Burger (Leamington Spa): Crowned Best of the West Midlands.
Acts of Kindness & Resilience
- Siobhan Clayton: A Birmingham teacher who opened her family home to those experiencing homelessness through the Standing Tall organisation.
- Emmanuel Boamah (19): After spending years in the care system, he used the Youth Guarantee Trailblazer scheme to land a career helping other vulnerable young people in Walsall.
- Ben & Sam Griffin: Two brothers with autism who successfully campaigned against benefit cuts, earning a nomination for Young Person of the Year at the Sense Awards.
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