Merry Christmas, Birmingham!... Visitors to New Street station will be greeted by a lifesize Lego recreation of one of the Midlands’ most famous musicians this Christmas.

Slade frontman Noddy Holder – best known for writing the Christmas anthem Merry Xmas Everybody – has been recreated in his famous yellow and red 1970s glam-rock suit using more than 43,000 Lego bricks, taking over 260 hours to build.

  

The colourful Noddy sculpture has been commissioned by Retail BID Birmingham, the Business Improvement District for the city centre retail area, and is in aid of the work of Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity, with Noddy selfie-snappers encouraged to donate to the charity and support the Moments of Magic Christmas campaign.

Noddy, from Walsall, has one of the most recognisable voices in rock music and his ‘It’s Christmas!’ chant during Merry Xmas Everybody has become an instantly recognisable seasonal staple.

Alongside Retail BID, Noddy is keen to raise vital funds for Birmingham Children’s Hospital where ‘Moments of Magic’ happen every single day. 

Whether it’s a ground-breaking piece of medical research, the sound of a patient giggling as they’re entertained in their bed or the sight of them playing in a newly-refurbished playroom, this Christmas the hospital’s charity is on a mission to make sure even more of these magical moments happen – not just at Christmas, but all year round.

Noddy Holder said: “I’m really chuffed! It’s a great honour to have the statue made and I know a lot of hours have gone into it. The fact that it is helping to raise funds for Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity at Christmas time makes it feel extra special.”

Serena Daw, Public Fundraising Manager at Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity, said: “We are so incredibly grateful to Noddy Holder and Retail BID Birmingham for supporting the 90,000 sick kids treated at our hospital every year in this truly magical way.

“Noddy is a local legend who is synonymous with Christmas and this iconic Lego statue is sure to put a smile on everyone’s face as they walk past. We would like to urge everyone who takes a moment to enjoy Noddy’s lifesize statue to think about the sick kids in our hospital this Christmas and to consider making a donation to help us make every moment magical for them.”

Steve Hewlett from Retail BID said “The retailers wanted to create something fun that everyone visiting the city could enjoy and also raise money for the children’s hospital. The statue has been designed from an original band photo of Slade and it’s a tribute to a much-loved song and made from one of the most popular toys at Christmas.”

For more information on Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity’s Christmas campaign, Moments of Magic, visit bch.org.uk/christmas or text MAGIC to 70456 to donate £5.