New Year Honours List 2025 - Dozens of unsung heroes from the West Midlands get their just rewards
Unsung heroes from across the region have been rewarded for their work in a variety of voluntary pursuits and for worthy causes.
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Over 60 people from the West Midlands received honours in HM The King’s New Year Honours List 2025, published on Monday by the Cabinet Office.
This year’s recipients have been awarded for their outstanding contributions across all sectors, but in particular people considered community champions and those who selflessly give are recognised.
The list ensures that people from underrepresented communities and a wide variety of work backgrounds are rewarded, to celebrate the fantastic contribution of people throughout the country.
Recipients from the West Midlands make up five per cent of the total number of recipients receiving honours this year.
Balbir Singh Khanpur from Smethwick receives a BEM for services to Bhangra Music and to Punjabi Culture in the West Midlands.
He is a world-renowned bhangra artist and one of the most important contributors to the UK’s Asian music scene.
Balbir has been continuously performing and recording music since 1967.
He formed the Bhujhangy Group in Smethwick in 1967 alongside his late brother and the band built a following of thousands from around the UK.
