The Lord Mayor of Birmingham opened The Vegan Society’s exhibition, Veganism: Past, Present and Future, at a prestigious event at the city’s main library on Friday 6 June
The Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Zafar Iqbal MBE, opening The Vegan Society's 80th anniversary exhibition, alongside (L-R): Dr Sam Calvert (Vegan Society Head of Communications and Fundraising); Harjeet Kaur (exhibition organiser); Libby Peppiatt (Vegan Society CEO): Qian Zephaniah (widow of Benjamin Zephaniah); Jenifer Vinell (Chair of The Vegan Society's Council of Trustees).
Councillor Zafar Iqbal MBE cut the ribbon at the exhibition, which celebrates the Birmingham-based society’s 80th anniversary, saying:
“Birmingham has had a pivotal role in shaping both the vegan and vegetarian movements and remains a focal point for those advocating for plant-based lifestyles.
“Research estimates that there are around 90,000 people in the West Midlands following vegan or plant-based diets. It’s wonderful to have the opportunity to celebrate this vibrant community with a fascinating look at its history and future.”
The exhibition explores the history of veganism, from the pioneering vision of the first President of The Vegan Society, Donald Watson, to the movement as it is today and looks forward to how vegan lifestyles might change in the future.
Visitors can discover Birmingham’s early connections to the vegan movement, while learning about inspiring ethical eaters, including the city’s very own Benjamin Zephaniah, The Vegan Society’s much-missed Ambassador.
The Vegan Society’s Chief Executive Officer, Libby Peppiatt, said: "We were honoured to have the Lord Mayor open our 80th anniversary exhibition and are equally delighted that the Library of Birmingham is providing such a wonderful home for The Vegan Society to showcase our history and work."
Veganism: Past, Present and Future features activities for all ages and visitors can slip on a VR headset and enter a vegan future in an immersive virtual reality experience, or have fun creating nutritious vegan recipes and playing food-sorting games in our play kitchen. (The virtual reality experience is free and will be available to audiences on Saturday afternoons, between 2pm and 4:30pm, throughout the exhibition.)
The exhibition is free to attend and is open to the public until Saturday 23 August 2025 at the Library of Birmingham, on the 3rd Floor in The Gallery. The exhibition is open during library opening hours: 11am–7pm Monday and Tuesday; 11am–5pm Wednesday to Saturday. The library and exhibition are closed on Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays.
