Birmingham Tram Named After Peaky Blinders Creator Steven Knight
A West Midlands Metro tram has been officially named in honour of Steven Knight, the acclaimed writer and creator of the hit television series Peaky Blinders. The unveiling ceremony took place in Birmingham's Centenary Square on Monday, March 2, 2026, as part of the build-up to the world premiere of the new Peaky Blinders feature film, Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man.
Tram Features Iconic Peaky Blinders Imagery
The newly-branded tram, designated as tram 58, showcases a striking image of Cillian Murphy in his role as Tommy Shelby, accompanied by the message 'Home of the Peaky Blinders'. This design celebrates the deep connection between the show and the West Midlands region, highlighting Birmingham as the spiritual home of the franchise. Steven Knight's name will be permanently displayed on the front of the tram, ensuring lasting recognition of his contributions.
Knight Expresses Pride in Birmingham Honour
At the ceremony, Steven Knight, a native of Birmingham, expressed his deep pride in receiving this honour. He stated, "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." He also emphasized his commitment to supporting the cultural growth of the West Midlands.
Mayor Highlights Creative Industries Growth
Mayor Richard Parker attended the event and praised Knight's role in elevating Birmingham and the West Midlands on the global stage. He identified the creative industries as a key sector in his West Midlands Growth Plan and noted that Knight has provided advice for 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." He added that they share an ambition to make the region the best place in the UK for film and television production.
Premiere Event and Cast Attendance
The unveiling occurred outside Symphony Hall in Birmingham, which hosted the world premiere of Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man later that evening. The event attracted numerous cast members, including:
- Academy Award winner Cillian Murphy
- Rebecca Ferguson
- Academy Award nominee Tim Roth
- Ned Dennehy
- Packy Lee
- Director Tom Harper
Tram Joins Other Local Icons
Steven Knight now joins other notable West Midlands natives, such as Ozzy Osbourne, Jasper Carrott, and Cyrille Regis, in having a tram named in his honour. This tribute underscores his impact on the region's cultural landscape and his support for the local film industry through his Digbeth Loc Studios.
Future Metro Expansion Benefits
The expansion of the West Midlands Metro network will further enhance the tram's significance. From later this year, tram 58 will begin passing the Black Country Living Museum, a key outdoor filming location for Peaky Blinders. Additionally, the ongoing Eastside extension will bring the Metro close to Steven Knight's Digbeth Loc Studios, fostering greater connectivity for the region's creative hubs.
Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man is scheduled for release in cinemas from March 6, 2026, and will be available on Netflix from March 20, 2026.
