Birmingham in Lockdown: A City Stood Still
The Covid-19 pandemic brought the world to a halt in ways no one could have imagined. Cities once bustling with life became eerie ghost towns, their usual hum of activity replaced by an unsettling silence. Birmingham, the UK’s second-largest city, was no exception. This stock footage clip captures a surreal and haunting moment in history: a low gimbal shot at dusk, following a tram into Birmingham city centre past New Street Station. These streets, usually alive with commuters, shoppers, and nightlife, are completely empty—an unthinkable sight just months before.
The Unprecedented Stillness
Birmingham’s city centre, a hub of culture and commerce, was transformed overnight. Grand Central, a place synonymous with movement and connection, stood deserted. The Bullring Shopping Centre, typically teeming with thousands of shoppers, lay silent. The city’s public transport, while still running, carried only a fraction of its usual passengers. This clip encapsulates that eerie, almost dystopian reality—showcasing how a city so full of life became void of its usual energy.
The Numbers That Defined the Pandemic
During the peak of lockdown in April 2020, the UK recorded some of its highest Covid-19 case numbers. Streets across the country emptied as the government enforced stay-at-home orders to curb the spread of the virus. In Birmingham, pedestrian traffic fell by over 80%, and businesses shut their doors indefinitely. This moment in time is now a significant part of history—a stark reminder of the pandemic’s profound impact on daily life.
A Unique Historical Record
This 4K UHD footage serves as more than just a striking visual—it is a vital piece of documentary history. Whether for news reports, documentaries, or creative projects reflecting on the Covid era, this clip provides an authentic, cinematic look at a city frozen in time. Shot by a professional videographer, it ensures the highest quality and realism, making it a valuable asset for any production.
No extra fees for 4K UHD Unlike many stock footage providers, this clip comes with a wide-usage license and no additional costs for 4K resolution, TV, or film use. What you see is what you get—high-quality, professionally shot footage with full flexibility. Full terms apply.
A low gimbal shot at dusk, following a tram into Birmingham city centre past Birmingham New Street station during the Covid-19 lockdown. These streets, usually full and busy, are eerily empty, creating a cinematic and haunting atmosphere.
🎥 Shot in stunning 4K UHD
✔ No extra fees for TV, film, or online use
✔ Shot by a professional cinematographer
✔ Smooth, stabilised gimbal movement
Full terms apply.
🔹 Also available within Clip Pack #40 – Empty Birmingham Streets During Covid-19 Lockdown in 2020 – Stock Video Footage.
Also Available: Clip Pack #40 – Empty Birmingham Streets During Covid-19 Lockdown in 2020
£3500
A stunning and rare collection of 83 high-quality stock video clips, totaling 21 minutes and 18 seconds of footage (8.52GB), capturing a surreal moment in history: Birmingham’s empty city streets during the first Covid-19 lockdown in April 2020.
An Unbelievable Scene
Birmingham, one of the UK’s busiest cities, transformed into an empty, eerie landscape. Ordinarily bustling locations such as:
Library of Birmingham
Bullring Shopping Centre
Grand Central Railway Station
China Town and The Arcadian Centre
St. Philip’s Cathedral
Centenary Square
…are seen completely deserted, a sight that will never be witnessed again. From the daylight calm to the dusky golden hour and into the quiet, glowing streets at night, this footage offers an unparalleled and haunting glimpse into a city paused in time.
Footage Highlights
This pack includes:
Empty streets and cityscapes with only the occasional masked pedestrian, highlighting the unprecedented quiet.
Iconic landmarks and locations, normally teeming with life, in stunning stillness.
Daytime, dusk, and night sequences to cover a range of moods and atmospheres.
Smooth gimbal shots that glide through Birmingham’s streets, creating an unsettlingly surreal tone.
Why This Footage is Essential
This rare video collection is a valuable asset for producers, filmmakers, and content creators. Whether you're producing a documentary, TV drama, historical feature on the Covid-19 pandemic, or news coverage, these clips offer a unique visual record of an extraordinary time in history.
Licensing
The footage comes with a wide-use license and no maximum circulation limit, making it suitable for projects of any scale. Full details can be found in my terms and conditions.
A Unique Perspective
As a professional videographer, my focus is on capturing the extraordinary, and this pack embodies that mission. These clips showcase a once-in-a-lifetime moment when Birmingham, a city known for its vibrancy, stood still. This collection is as much an artistic achievement as it is a historical document.
Discover the power of these surreal visuals and bring a unique perspective to your next production.
A stunning and rare collection of 83 high-quality stock video clips, totaling 21 minutes and 18 seconds of footage (8.52GB), capturing a surreal moment in history: Birmingham's empty city streets during the first Covid-19 lockdown in April 2020.
An Unbelievable Scene
Birmingham, one of the UK’s busiest cities, transformed into an empty, eerie landscape. Ordinarily bustling locations such as:
Library of Birmingham
Bullring Shopping Centre
Grand Central Railway Station
China Town and The Arcadian Centre
St. Philip’s Cathedral
Centenary Square
are seen completely deserted, a sight that will never be witnessed again. From the daylight calm to the dusky golden hour and into the quiet, glowing streets at night, this footage offers an unparalleled and haunting glimpse into a city paused in time.
Footage Highlights
This pack includes:
Empty streets and cityscapes with only the occasional masked pedestrian, highlighting the unprecedented quiet.
Iconic landmarks and locations, normally teeming with life, in stunning stillness.
Daytime, dusk, and night sequences to cover a range of moods and atmospheres.
Smooth gimbal shots that glide through Birmingham’s streets, creating an unsettlingly surreal tone.
Why This Footage is Essential
This rare video collection is a valuable asset for producers, filmmakers, and content creators. Whether you're producing a documentary, TV drama, historical feature on the Covid-19 pandemic, or news coverage, these clips offer a unique visual record of an extraordinary time in history.
Licensing
The footage comes with a wide-use license and no maximum circulation limit, making it suitable for projects of any scale. Full details can be found in my terms and conditions.
A Unique Perspective
As a professional videographer, my focus is on capturing the extraordinary, and this pack embodies that mission. These clips showcase a once-in-a-lifetime moment when Birmingham, a city known for its vibrancy, stood still. This collection is as much an artistic achievement as it is a historical document.
Discover the power of these surreal visuals and bring a unique perspective to your next production.