Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight has unveiled a West Midlands Metro tram named in his honour ahead of the Birmingham premiere of a feature film based on his blockbuster TV show.
The tram also features an iconic image of Cillian Murphy as Tommy Shelby alongside the message ‘Home of the Peaky Blinders’, celebrating the show’s deep connection to the city and wider region.
Crowds gathered in Birmingham’s Centenary Square today (Monday, March 2) as Steven revealed his name on the newly-branded tram, recognising his commitment to championing Birmingham and the West Midlands on screen and his support for the region’s film industry.
The unveiling took place outside the city’s Symphony Hall, which is hosting the premiere of Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man, and where members of the film’s cast are attending the screening.
The acclaimed filmmaker and native Brummie said he was ‘deeply proud’ to receive the honour in the city that inspired his show – especially on the day that stars and die-hard fans were coming together for the premiere.
He said: “This is a great honour for me, on a day when the world’s gaze is on my home city, Birmingham, for the world premiere of Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man. 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.”
Following the tram naming ceremony and the film premiere, Metro Managing Director, Sophie Allison, commented: “This was a fantastic day for the city, and we were proud to have played a leading role in celebrations to mark the return of the Peaky Blinders!
“Like the film, we’re sure the eye-catching tram will prove a huge hit with fans and the wider travelling public, and having Steven’s name on the side of tram 58 will act as a permanent reminder of the creative talent to be found in the communities we serve.”
The region’s Mayor, Richard Parker has identified the creative industries as a key sector in his West Midlands Growth Plan and sought advice from the filmmaker on the region’s new film production agency, Production Central WM which opened last year.
The Mayor said: “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.
“We have a shared ambition to make this the best place in the UK for film and TV production. And we’re working together to open more doors for the next generation of filmmakers right here in our region, creating exciting new careers for thousands more local people.
“I am proud to call him my friend, and this tram is a fitting tribute to his contribution to our region’s success.”
Steven Knight joins other well-known West Midlands natives including Ozzy Osborne, Jasper Carrot and Cyrille Regis in having a tram named in his honour.
The striking Peaky Blinders images will be seen on tram 58 as it travels the West Midlands Metro network for the next year highlighting the region as the spiritual home of the franchise.
The expansion of the Metro network will see the tram later this year passing the Black Country Living Museum, a key outdoor location for Peaky Blinders, while the Eastside extension, currently under construction, will bring the Metro close to Steven Knight’s Digbeth Loc Studios.
Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man is in cinemas from March 6th, and on Netflix from March 20th.