The celebrated author read for three hours to 2,000 Brummies on a stormy night
Birmingham Town Hall has received a prestigious blue plaque from the city’s Civic Society commemorating the spot where Charles Dickens did the first-ever public reading of his beloved novella ‘A Christmas Carol’ on December 27, 1853.
The plaque was unveiled on Monday, December 15, by acclaimed Birmingham-born actor Anton Lesser – known for Wolf Hall, Endeavour, and Game of Thrones – and Lord Mayor Councillor Zafar Iqbal MBE.
The ceremony coincided with a special performance of ‘A Christmas Carol’ by Lesser and the Orchestra of the Swan, blending Dickens’ words with live music in the very venue where the author first shared his timeless tale.
Dickens chose Birmingham for this landmark event, delivering a three-hour reading to nearly 2,000 attendees, including many working-class families, on a stormy night.
Seats were removed to maximise capacity, reflecting his commitment to accessible literature.
Dickens continued his public readings until his death
The success marked the start of his public reading tours, which he continued until his death.
Rachel Cranny, head of development and impact at B:Music, which manages the venue, highlighted Dickens’ special bond with Birmingham.
He said: “He wanted these performances for working men and their families, which was unusual and deeply important to him.”
Nicola Gauld, co-chair of the Birmingham Civic Society Heritage Committee, added: “This was a significant event in Birmingham’s past that deserved commemoration and celebration.”
National Lottery Heritage Fund
The plaque is part of the Amplify Town Hall project, a refurbishment and archive initiative funded by £123,650 from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Volunteers helped compile over 1,500 items of memorabilia, including programmes from iconic performances by The Beatles (1963) and Black Sabbath (1970), plus historical posters featuring Dickens.
A new permanent archive installation and digital archive, which launched this month, make the venue’s 191-year history accessible worldwide.
Jez Collins, of Birmingham Music Archive, said: “We’re passionate about celebrating Town Hall’s heritage and protecting its future for generations.”
This recognition underscores Birmingham’s rich cultural legacy, linking 19th century literature to modern performances in one of the city’s oldest venues.
