Rod Fox (Gandalf the Grey) prepares for more than 5,000 Tolkien fans who are expected in Birmingham this weekend for a series of events retracing the footsteps of the great author.
Birmingham City Council and local community groups have organised a series of themed walks taking in many of Tolkiens childhood haunts to celebrate one of the citys most famous sons.
Sarehole Mill in Moseley will be the starting point for the different events which will take in all the sites across the city that inspired novels such as Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit.
Coun Ian Ward (Lab, Shard End) cabinet member for leisure, sport and culture, said: Tolkien and Sarehole Mill are such an important part of the citys heritage and it is very encouraging to see local groups come together to celebrate our heritage and history in this way.
Peter Bennett, of the River Cole and Chinbrook conservation group, said the events would help boost the citys bid for the European capital of Culture 2008.
He said: These type of celebrations show the deep culture of Birmingham.
Tolkien was born in South Africa but raised in Moseley on Wakegreen Road which was opposite the Sarehole Mill. He admitted that the surrounding countryside gave him his ideas and creativity for the Two Towers.
