THE BRIGHT lights of Birmingham are calling this Christmas as the city makes a big push to attract visitors from across Worcestershire – online or in person.

But with it comes a plea that tourism and hospitality businesses across the West Midlands need targeted government support and that the next few weeks are critical for survival.

The second city is putting on a mix of virtual and physical events as part of its #ChristmasinBham campaign to entertain people from home, as well as in person.

From a virtual pub quiz hosted by Selfridges to a Michelin-starred festive feast delivered to your door, Birmingham’s biggest and best attractions say they are preparing to put on a big show.

Highlights include:

• Birmingham Hippodrome and Qdos Entertainment producing Robin Hood pantomime from January 15-31 at the Alexandra Theatre, starring Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel-Horwood.

• Birmingham Ormiston Academy has made an exclusive recording of The Snow Queen available to watch now.

• Birmingham Hippodrome hosting Van Gough Alive art exhibition until January.

• The NEC will host the The Luna Drive-In Winter Cinema, with classics such as Love Actually, Home Alone, It’s A Wonderful Life, The Holiday, Elf and Frozen 2 from the comfort of their own car.

• Michelin-starred Peel’s Restaurant in Solihull is offering deliveries of special meals on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.

• South American rodizio bar and grill Fazenda is offering an ‘at home’ service.

• Birmingham Museums Trust has created The Virtual Christmas Gifts Market, enabling independent stores to showcase their wares.

• In the Bullring Selfridges are hosting virtual and physcial. Visitors can go online to enjoy The Queen’s Head Pub Quiz and a number of crafty workshops, while in-store events include a Breakfast with Santa, tutorial for personalising gifts, and a Santa reindeer hunt.

Becky Frall, Head of Visitor Attraction at the West Midlands Growth Company, said:

“It has been a tough year for many of us and we all need some festive fun to cheer ourselves up over the winter months.

Councillor Patrick Harley, from the West Midlands Board for Tourism, said:

“Our tourism and hospitality businesses need targeted support that recognises the challenges Tier 3 restrictions will create over the festive season - a period that is critical to the bottom-line of this sector.

“As Christmas approaches, we’re also taking the opportunity to celebrate the wonderful community spirit of the West Midlands. The array of festive offerings in the West Midlands, despite the challenges, is truly inspirational.”

To find out more, go to visitbirmingham.com/christmas.