Key to the City Brum, Fierce Festival, 2022

My next visits with #keytothecitybrum involved both a train station and a football ground. This is an account of my travels to two different venues.

New Street Train Station

Having passed through New Street Train station countless times, I wondered what surprise the key would provide.  The instructions were to go the end of platform one and announce your arrival at the door.   There was a wait as a prior party made the visit and then it was my turn.  There were two members of staff who took me down the stairs.  One of them, worked at the station but had never seen the underground tunnels.  We walked along an access tunnel and then we entered the area under the platforms.  Whilst you were allowed to take pictures along this access corridor, I was given strict instructions not to take pictures of the tunnels under the platforms.  These tunnels were originally used to connect with the Mailbox for mail delivery.  They are now used to deliver refreshments to the trains that pass through New Street. This was a good key location and gave access to a very interesting part of the City of Birmingham.

A trip to the Hawthorns

Taking part in the #keyofthecitybrum is not just about the places you visit. The key allows you to meet people who live and work in the West Midlands.  My journey with the key took me to the Hawthorns, the home of West Bromwich Albion Football club.  My key worked in the lock and when opened, the door led to a viewing platform where you could view the football stadium. The picture is of Leah who works in the WBA Club shop.  Leah opened the door to the ground and introduced me to the football club.  She and her colleague were good company.  We talked about her father who is a lifelong WBA football supporter.  In turn, I talked about my love of Manchester City.  Two of my boyhood heroes were Jeff Astle and Tony Brown even though they did not play for my beloved City.  I told Leah that I remember WBA winning the FA cup in 1968 as it was the year before City won the cup.  This stadium is a very friendly place and happens to be one of my favourite football grounds.  I just like the Hawthorns and thank you to “Key of the City Brum” for allowing me to visit once again.

Key to the City Brum, Fierce Festival, 2022
The Hawthorns, home to West Bromwich Albion

My Journey with the Key
If you wish to review my journey then I have published all my visits on my blog as follows.