Greek Community in Birmingham

Where they come from

Greece lies at the southern tip of the Balkans, with thousands of islands in the Aegean and Ionian seas. It is the birthplace of democracy, philosophy and the Olympic Games. Greeks in Birmingham include students, academics, doctors, professionals and families, many of whom have come since 2010.

The community in numbers

At the 2021 Census, out of a city population of 1,144,919, 1,463 Birmingham residents described their ethnic group as Greek; and 1,534 residents gave Greek as their main language. Main language figures leave out the many bilingual residents who use English day to day, so the number who speak the language at home is higher still. Many Greek Cypriots are counted separately, so the Greek-speaking community is larger than the Greek figure alone.

Working for Birmingham

Greek doctors, dentists, engineers, academics and students are well represented in Birmingham, and Greek students are a large and lively group at the city's universities. Greek-run restaurants and businesses serve customers across the city.

Healthcare, education and the skilled trades are three of the pillars of the city's economy. The NHS is one of Birmingham's biggest employers, its universities teach tens of thousands of students, and there is steady demand for electricians, plumbers, carpenters, decorators and handymen in every neighbourhood, alongside business, transport, hospitality, retail and the city's growing digital and creative industries. People from every background keep these sectors running, and the Greek community shares in that effort.

Culture and community life

The Greek Orthodox Cathedral in the Jewellery Quarter is at the heart of community life, and Easter, with its midnight service and red eggs, is the most important festival of the year. Moussaka, souvlaki, spanakopita and baklava are loved across the city.

For anyone who wants to learn more, the best introduction is the simplest one: say hello. Birmingham's communities are at their best when they meet, share food and learn from one another, and the Greek community is a warm part of that everyday exchange.