The Conservative Party Conference returns to Birmingham this week, bringing significant disruption to the city centre. The event, expected to draw thousands of attendees, begins on Sunday, 4 October and runs until Wednesday, 7 October.
Broad Street will be closed from Sunday, 4 October until 12.30pm on Thursday, 8 October to accommodate conference activities at the ICC and Hyatt Regency hotel. This closure affects ten local National Express West Midlands bus services over the course of five days.
Despite these changes, tram services will continue to operate normally between Wolverhampton and Edgbaston Village throughout the conference period.
READ MORE: Ben Whittaker to Face Conor Wallace in IBF Final Eliminator at Utilita Arena
READ MORE: Calls for tougher Motability Scheme reforms amid welfare shake-up
Security will be heightened with armed police patrolling the city centre as part of Operation Pelkin, a major policing initiative designed to ensure the safety and security of the event.
Additionally, temporary drone restrictions will be in effect across Birmingham city centre from 6am on Saturday, 3 October until 4pm on Wednesday, 7 October.
National Express West Midlands bus services will be diverted from the start of service on Sunday, 4 October, with normal routes expected to resume by 12.30pm on Thursday, 8 October, unless the closure concludes earlier. Temporary bus stop changes will also be in place, with notices displayed to inform passengers of the adjustments.
Residents and visitors are advised to plan accordingly and check for updates on service changes throughout the conference period.