My first football game experience - Aston Villa vs. Sunderland (6-1)

On the 29th April 2013 I experienced going to my first football game!

Ever since I moved to Birmingham last year, me and my friends have said that we HAVE to go and watch Villa play as we walk or drive past the stadium every day. 

I'm not a huge football fan... I'll watch it if it's on and join in with whatever team the majority are supporting, but I have no clue about Premier Leagues and other leagues and who is in what. Plus, I think everyone should go to a football game at least once in their life, even if their not a fan, because the experience so good!

Waiting for the game to start

We were seated in the Upper Holte end, therefore we had a good overall view of the pitch. We sat down about 40 minutes before the game started so we were able to have a look around, take some photos, learn the rules... (!) and start to get excited! Both teams were warming up so that was also fun to watch. 

The game started at 20:00, and the stadium went wild as Aston Villa ran out of the tunnel and took their places on the pitch. I was already over excited and started to pick up the chants and songs that the Villa supporters were singing... often laughing my head off at what they were saying before joining in....

Not long in to the game, Villa scored! Now... I expected everyone to cheer loudly, a few hands in the air, maybe a high five to a friend. But no. Every Villa supporter was on their feet, jumping in the air, screaming, shouting, cheering, hugging anybody around them. So obviously we joined in...

After the excitement died down, the Villa suporters were hyped up at the fact we were ahead so early in the game, and it became clear that we were in the rowdy end of the stadium. Sunderland was next to score making it 1-1, and everyone in the stadium booed them... which I felt a bit mean for at first but then I remembered how much they get paid for kicking a ball around so joined in ;)

Aston Villa stadium

Before half time, Villa scored twice more bringing the score to 3-1! Every time they scored, the whole stadium (minus the Sunderland supporters) erupted with cheers and jumped up and down!

The second half began and so did the songs. Vile names were sung at the Sunderland manager, fingers pointed, and other random chants, that we slowly began to (unfortunately) pick up. However, we all found it hilarious and it got us even more excitable for when Villa scored again twice!

With the score at 5-1 to Aston Villa, our rowdy lot were chanting "we want six" and after about 10 minutes, we got six! 6-1 to Villa and everybody was screaming, shouting, cheering, jumping, and we even had a group hug with the guys in front who looked like they were almost in tears of joy!

My first experience at a football match was definitely one I'll never forget. The actual game was great, and there were loads of goals which made it a lot more interesting, especially as "our team" won. Looking back, the whole thing was so funny. I always comment on how 'in to the game' guys get when they watch football, but actually, I'll have to admit that being there amongst that many people who have so much passion for the team really makes you get involved and join in with the enthusiasm

Let me know if you were at the game if you've been to any similar!

Gemma x

TYLER JAMES - A Place I Go

Last night I went to see Tyler James perform in Birmingham on the second night of his tour. Tyler James recently rose to fame in this years series of The Voice where he was runner up, and most popular for singing a cover of the well known Higher Love.

He released his first song Single Tear on 7th October, followed by his album, A Place I Go, on 29th October 2012, which he wrote in just 11 weeks. 

The gig was held at The Glee Club in the centre of Birmingham; a small intimate setting, which was perfect for the mood of his songs. As Tyler stept on to the stage, a huge cheer from the smallish crowd erupted, and he began singing a selection of songs from his album. After the first three songs he welcomed us to his gig and modestly told us how lucky he was to be here and how his first year as a successful music artist has been. The crowd went on with an "aww" as he explained how he's been ill for the past two weeks, although his voice still sounded incredible live.

His singing was amazing, as he varied from his normal tone to falcetto, with me and the rest of the crowd attempting to join in! He was one of the best artists I've seen performing as he was pitch perfect, as well as being so modest which made him so much more attractive! He ended with his first single Single Tear which had the crowd cheering until he left the stage.

If you haven't heard his songs then get on to Youtube or buy his album from Itunes or Amazon. For a first album, it is really good and has some great songs that will leave you wanting more!

Gemma x

Christmas Comes to Birmingham

Today is the opening of the well know Frankfurt Christmas Market, which runs through the high street in Birmingham.

The German Market is lighting up the centre of Birmingham with it's range of stalls, rides and plenty of Christmas spirit to go around. But is it too early to be thinking about Christmas?

I went to the market last year with a few friends, and it really got us in the Christmassy spirit! The colourful lights, yummy food and the handmade gifts all amongst the hustle and bustle, was a great experience and I'll definitely be going back again this year.

The 180 wooden chalets selling handmade toys, candles, gifts and tasty treats have attracted visitors from all over the country, making the market one of Birmingham's favourite Christmas events.

Personally, I am very excited to go back to the market, especially for the chocolate pancakes and also to try some of the Glühwein, which is the traditional German mulled wine. 

The market is also a good place to buy a few Christmas gifts and a lovely place to go with your friends or family for a day or evening out. Let me know if you go and how your experience is! Enjoy!

Gemma x