Birmingham celebrates the vital role played by its independent stores with a series of events across the city.

This week, the main shopping streets will be home to an open-air exhibition featuring more than 40 portraits of local shopkeepers. Called Celebrate Independents, the displays have been organised by Retail Birmingham with photos by renowned photographer, Steve Gerrard, whose portfolio includes Kings of Leon, Girls Aloud and Bon Jovi. The collection is inspired by the tradition of days gone by when shopkeepers were regularly photographed standing proudly in front of their stores, alongside their employees and products.

As well as the exhibition, a free shopping guide featuring more than 100 independent retailers will be published. With a foreword by ‘Queen of Shops’ Mary Portas, the booklet will be available from the shops included. Retail Birmingham has also produced a new map and series of Celebrate Independents flags to signpost shoppers to the independent stores across the city centre throughout the summer.

Alan Chatham, Chair of Retail Birmingham said: “This new collection of photographs brings to life the huge variety of retailers in our city. Birmingham’s independent sector offers a fantastic range of products from stylish menswear to handcrafted jewellery, music and vintage wear, and many of the stores have traded in the city for decades.

“Birmingham has gained an international reputation as a leading shopping destination, and our aim is to ensure that visitors discover the full range of shopping opportunities the city centre has to offer. Throughout the summer, we’d encourage shoppers to go out and explore Birmingham’s stores and beautiful arcades. These are difficult times for many but we hope that this exhibition and the Independent Retailers Guide will encourage shoppers to support the passionate individuals who help create a special and distinctive experience in our city.”

The Celebrate Independents exhibition launched yesterday (Wednesday July 1) at High Street and New Street, and runs until the end of the month. A special fashion show featuring independent retailers will take place at Radisson SAS Hotel, supported by Harvey Nichols, on Wednesday July 8.