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Solihull sparkling with festive delights!
As we edge closer to Christmas, November brings a vibrant array of events and activities that showcase the best of Solihull!
From enchanting Christmas lights to delightful shopping experiences, this month is packed with opportunities to celebrate the season. Join us as we highlight local attractions, exciting festivities, and community initiatives that make Solihull a wonderful place to visit and explore.
Let’s dive into the month’s highlights and get ready for a memorable November in Solihull!
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Rocket league is coming to Solihull - Tickets on sale now!
The 2025 Rocket League Championship Series (RLCS) will kick off its first arena event in Solihull, attracting thousands of fans. Esports, or electronic sports, refers to competitive video gaming that engages spectators similarly to traditional sports. Rocket League combines soccer with rocket-powered cars, making it a unique experience.
The RLCS Major 1 Birmingham will feature 16 top teams from around the globe competing for the season's inaugural trophy on March 29 and 30. General admission tickets will be available through Live Nation and AXS starting October 30 at 10 a.m.
In the lead-up to the main event, the British Esports Cup will invite the public to participate in a Rocket League tournament open to UK residents aged 13 and over, with a £5,000 prize pool. Additionally, a business Esports summit, WM Esports Unwrapped, will provide networking opportunities for industry leaders during the event weekend.
Read more here
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UK’S LEADING INDIAN STREET FOOD CAFÉ LANDS AT BIRMINGHAM AIRPORT
Chaiiwala, the UK’s leading Indian street food café, is set to open an outlet at Birmingham Airport's departures area in late October. Chief Executive Muhummed Ibrahim envisions Chaiiwala locations in all major UK airports by 2025, offering a unique dining option for travelers. "We’re thrilled to join Birmingham Airport, meeting a long-standing demand from customers and enhancing the airport’s food choices," said Ibrahim, adding that Chaiiwala’s vegetarian and halal-friendly menu will appeal to a wide range of passengers.
The 1,100 sq ft bespoke Chaiiwala kiosk will feature low-level seating and clear views of flight information, and a click-and-collect service through their app, making it easy for travellers to grab ‘chaii on the fly.’ Operated by EG On The Move, who manage several other Chaiiwala locations, the store will create 20 jobs, with operating hours from 4:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., accommodating early and late travellers.
Birmingham Airport’s Commercial Director, Richard Gill, welcomes the partnership, stating that Chaiiwala’s innovative menu will complement the airport’s catering line-up. Founded in 2015, Chaiiwala has become known for its fusion Indian street food menu, featuring signature items like Karak Chaii and Masala Chips.
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Wing Kingz and Yankee Candle among new stores opening at Touchwood this autumn
Touchwood Solihull is expanding its retail and dining line-up with four new openings: Wing Kingz, House of Tweed, Yankee Candle, and Indico Street Kitchen, alongside a newly upgraded Costa Coffee spread over two floors.
House of Tweed opens on November 1, offering luxurious handbags, accessories, and Scottish-inspired tweed fabrics—perfect for holiday shopping. Costa Coffee reopens on November 7, now with two spacious floors, allowing more visitors to enjoy their coffee and treats. On November 16, Wing Kingz arrives with mouth-watering wings (including vegan options), burgers, and a lively sports bar atmosphere featuring promotions like unlimited Wing Wednesdays.
Mid-November will also see Yankee Candle setting up shop, offering their beloved scented candles, an ideal choice for festive gifts. Soon after, Indico Street Kitchen will add to Touchwood's dining scene with its Indian street-food inspired menu, bringing a taste of vibrant Indian cuisine to Solihull.
Tony Elvin, Touchwood's General Manager, expressed excitement about the new additions, which bring Touchwood’s occupancy up to 99%, promising an enhanced shopping and dining experience. Learn more at Touchwood Solihull’s website.
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Solihull BID receives overwhelming support in business ballot
Solihull Business Improvement District (BID) will continue through 2030, thanks to strong support from local businesses. In a recent ballot, over 450 companies voted, with 93% backing the BID by vote count and 96% by Rateable Value, ensuring a fourth term from August 1, 2025, to July 31, 2030.
Chief Executive Melanie Palmer expressed excitement about delivering another five years of projects, with thanks to businesses for their ongoing support. The BID’s contributions include popular events such as the Solihull Food Festival, Solihull Music Festival, and holiday festivities, as well as vital services like town centre security, marketing, and business support.
Working closely with Solihull Council, West Midlands Police, and other key partners, the BID enhances the town's vibrancy for visitors and businesses alike. Prime Accountants Director and BID Chair Kevin Johns noted this result confirms the BID’s value to local businesses, while Vice Chair Tony Elvin from Touchwood looks forward to building on the BID's success. For more information, visit solihullbid.
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What’s on at The Core in November
‘The Indians Are Coming’ to The Studio at The Core on Friday 8th November. If you’ve never been to one of these comedy nights before then get ready for belly laughs that are big enough to burn off an entire Biryani!
On Sunday 10th November, Mr Sleepybum is a high energy silly comedy show for all the family to enjoy, with two matinee shows in The Studio.
Comedian and BBC radio star Alfie Moore comes to The Core on Friday 15th November with a matinee and evening show – very limited tickets available.
Enjoy some outstanding blues music as Jimmy Regal and the Royals come to the Core on Friday 22nd November. A tough and howlin’ harmonica-led three piece from South London, with a sound from Mississippi to New Orleans to Mali to Canvey Island.
Then on Saturday 23rd November, get ready for hilarious comedy spoof Is That a Whip in Your Hand. Think 'Indiana Jones' meets ‘National Treasure’ meets 'Lara Croft'…. you get the idea!
There’s lot more to look forward to at The Core – visit the core theatre website or call the box office on 0121 704 6962 for more information and to book tickets.
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Festive season is soon approaching and we can’t wait…
On November 16th and 17th, from 11am to 5pm, join us for the Festive Eco Market with Wild Earth Movement, featuring over 20 eco-friendly stalls perfect for holiday shopping. Then, from November 27th, savour seasonal delights from our special menus at Sky Bar & Restaurant, crafted for gatherings both grand and cosy.
Festivities kick off on November 23rd, with weekend family activities like children’s crafts, enchanting Christmas choirs, and our popular Christmas hunt—ideal for getting into the holiday spirit! Full event details are available here: Resorts World Events.
For New Year's Eve, bring in 2025 in style with a Gala Night at Sky Bar or a lively 80s and 90s throwback party at World Bar. Tickets are on sale now at NYE Gala Night and World Bar NYE Party.
Don’t miss our free mid-week pre-schooler activities: Fired Crafts (Nov 14), Earth Tots (Nov 21), and a Petting Zoo (Nov 27), plus soft play at Freddie’s Play Pad every Wednesday at Studio 36.
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Cookery School at Hampton Manor
In addition to bread-making and expert tuition in our ever-popular cinnamon buns, we've added a selection of workshops to enjoy in the run up to the festive season.
Learn how to make mince pies or stollen over a relaxed two-hours in our walled garden cookery school, with festive treats included. Or get creative and join one of our guest workshops.
Try your hand at wreath-making with local florist and all-round purveyor of beautiful things, Hedge. Or how about candle-making with Kings Heath apothecarists, Harvest. A relaxing way to spend a morning or catch up with a friend in the run up to busy season.
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The Barn At Berryfields will be full of festive cheer this Christmas!
Our Festive Menu launches on 18th November showcasing our newly awarded 2 AA Rosette food within our restaurant, including Christmas parties held in our private function room throughout November and December. Our very special guests are welcomed on Christmas Day to a glass of prosecco and canapé followed by a 6-course banquet. You can secure all of your bookings today via our website.
Our Father Christmas Experience event launches on 30th November. Guests enjoy seeing Father Christmas' Elves sing & dance and tell a Christmas story, decorate their own handmade gingerbread biscuit, meet Father Christmas, feed his reindeer and choose your favourite gift from our Elf Workshop. Tickets are available now via our website.
Our butchery is now accepting Christmas orders for all your poultry and meat requirements, including free-range turkey from 4 miles away, home-reared rib of beef and gammon & ham.
Whether you're hosting a Christmas party, catching up for a festive drink with friends, taking the kids to meet Father Christmas, or securing the highest quality meat & poultry, then The Barn is the place to be this Christmas. Head to our website now.
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Father Christmas Arrives for Knowle's Christmas Light Switch-On!
Father Christmas will be coming to Knowle on Wednesday 27th November for the hugely popular countdown for the Christmas Light Switch on, organised once again by Knowle Society with the support of Knowle Parish Church, Knowle And Dorridge Round Table, Arden Academy, Knowle and Dorridge Lions & Visit Knowle.
Proceedings start at around 4pm with the lights ceremony at around 4.30 when Father Christmas will be joining Knowle Parish Church, Knowle Society, Arden Academy, Knowle and Dorridge Lions and Knowle and Dorridge Round Table for the grand switch on.
Straight after, festivities will continue with many of our independent businesses open late for late night shopping.
As the Christmas Light Switch on in Knowle has grown in popularity, the High Street and Kenilworth Road will be closed during the event:
Kenilworth Road will be closed from 3.15pm to 6.45pm
Knowle High Street will be closed from 4.00pm to 6.15pm
Access to all public car parks will still be possible throughout the afternoon and evening.
Father Christmas will be visiting Knowle High Street on the morning of Saturday 14th December. Come into Knowle for your Saturday shopping or morning coffee & if you find Father Christmas walking around the village, feel free to ask for a selfie & to put in your wish list for Christmas!
head over to the visit Knowle website for more information
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Step Into the Magic of Christmas at Solihull’s Exclusive Lake Drive Private Estate!
Solihull Summer Fest is thrilled to announce a month-long Christmas Lights Trail & Festive Walk, running from 22nd November to 22nd December, at the Lake Drive Private Estate (formerly Tidbury Green Golf Club).
Visitors will be able to immerse themselves in a breath-taking landscape illuminated by the magic of Christmas. The experience promises captivating scenes and memorable activities for all ages, including:
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Illuminated Forest – Wander through a canopy of twinkling lights and embrace the peaceful beauty of nature in winter.
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Dazzling Light Tunnel – Step through a glowing corridor of vibrant lights and enter a truly magical realm.
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Pixel & Fire Floors – Interactive installations that add warmth and wonder to the night.
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Magical Moon Gates by the Lake – A serene lakeside display capturing the ethereal beauty of the full moon.
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Festive Food Village – Savour holiday treats and warm beverages as you indulge in the tastes of the season.
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Incredible Photo Opportunities – Snap the perfect holiday photo and create lasting memories with loved ones.
Adding to the magic, this event is also dog-friendly—so bring along your furry companions and grab a steaming hot chocolate as you explore!
Tickets are on sale NOW! Book early to secure your spot in this unforgettable festive adventure running throughout the holiday season.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit Solihull Christmas Lights Trail - Lake Drive Private Estate. Don’t miss the chance to be part of Solihull’s most magical event of the season!
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Sustainable Gardening & Winter Wildlife at Castle Bromwich Gardens
Green all year round..
It might not be peak growing season this month but Castle Bromwich Historic Gardens is celebrating becoming the first 'Growing Partner' of the national charity for organic growing, 'Garden Organic' based at Ryton Organic Gardens, Coventry. Although primarily a historic visitor attraction the Castle Bromwich Gardens work hard at sharing their expertise with visitors and users of all ages, promoting planet friendly techniques and helping to preserve heritage varieties of vegetables and fruit.
Garden Organic Members can also now enjoy 2-4-1 entry at Castle Bromwich Historic Gardens.
Winter wildlife experiences
Tickets for the Gardens Singing Santa visits don't go on sale until early November but the Gardens' other popular winter experience is already filling up. Owls by Candlelight is a charming outdoor experience led by Dan Mercer of Mercer Falconry. Seeing the gardens at night, with flickering candlelight and feeling close up to these beautiful nocturnal creatures has been a popular pre Christmas treat. Bookings online here - numbers limited -for the birds sake - but plenty of warming hot chocolate and mead for humans!
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Local sports star nominated for Sporting Champions Awards
Local taekwondo champion Daniil Banys has been nominated for the Regional Champion of the Year award at Everyone Active’s Sporting Champions Awards, taking place on October 30 at Porchester Hall, London. The 17-year-old, a British and European champion, trains at Tudor Grange Leisure in Solihull, close to his Coventry home.
Everyone Active operates over 230 leisure and cultural centres across the UK, supporting around 1,400 athletes through its Sporting Champions scheme, which provides access to training facilities nationwide. This year’s awards will celebrate athletes who have achieved career successes or inspired others through their involvement in the scheme.
The ceremony, hosted by former world record-holder Colin Jackson, will include a mentoring workshop led by elite athletes, including Richard Kilty and Maisie Summers-Newton, who will share their insights with the nominees.
Wayne Desmond, Everyone Active’s contract manager, expressed excitement about recognizing the achievements of young athletes like Daniil and the program’s growth in supporting emerging talent. To learn more about the Sporting Champions scheme, visit Everyone Active sporting champions or follow @easportingchamps on Instagram.
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Everyone Active encourages the older generation in Solihull to get active
Everyone Active is promoting physical and mental activity among the over-60s with its fourth annual "Age is Just a Number" campaign. Launched on October 5, coinciding with Silver Sunday, the initiative runs until November 17 and highlights the fitness journeys of seniors, demonstrating the benefits of staying active in later life.
Tudor Grange Leisure Centre and North Solihull Sports Centre, operated by Everyone Active in partnership with Solihull Council, invite the older generation to explore the variety of activities available. Wayne Desmond, Everyone Active’s contract manager, emphasized the importance of creating a welcoming environment that encourages people of all ages to participate in physical activity.
The campaign seeks to inspire seniors to try new exercises or engage in simple weekly activities at home, fostering social interaction and overall well-being. Everyone Active operates over 230 centres nationwide, offering a range of activities and specialized classes tailored for older adults.
By signing up, participants can discover local sessions, access motivational videos from fellow senior members, and enter to win a six-month adult membership. The campaign aims to showcase that fitness facilities are accessible and enjoyable for all ages.
Find out more from the Everyone Active Website
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Love Where you live competition!
Calling all Solihull residents! We’ve teamed up with the brilliant love Solihull to find out what you love most about our wonderful borough through our “Love Where You Live” Photo competition!
Focusing on showcasing our extraordinary parks, green spaces and heritage; the winning 12 images will be featured in a pop up display at Touchwood early next year. We would love a variety of images from all times of the year to really capture Solihull’s seasonal charm
To find out how to enter and all the T&C’s, head to our blogs page
We look forward to seeing your creativity! Good luck
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We’re a bouldering centre located in the heart of Solihull, but we are so much more!
Flash is dedicated to creating an inclusive climbing community, open to all ages and abilities, whether it’s your very first step into the world of climbing or you are already a seasoned veteran, climbing is available to everyone.
Boasting a brand-new Kilter Board (the only one for 100 miles!), grades ranging from VB to V10+, a new weights gym, clubs & classes for all abilities, with regular events and competitions throughout the year – what's not to love.
Flash are passionate about introducing climbing to the next generation of little crushers. Climbing is an amazing activity for children to get involved in and helps develop social, physical and mental skills.
Flash understands the importance of the social connections that develop through climbing and aims to nurture an environment where the community can thrive. That’s why they invest in local suppliers for coffee, cakes, and food, including homemade curry.
Whether you’re joining us for your first ever climb, new to the centre, or already an experienced boulder, all participants will need to complete our waiver. If visiting with a child, please ensure you have read and adhered to our supervision policy & ratios, and completed a waiver for yourself and your child. Find our more here
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UB40 FEATURING ALI CAMPBELL ANNOUNCED AS HEADLINERS AT SOLIHULL SUMMER FEST
The Ninth Solihull Summer Fest will bring reggae icons UB40 featuring Ali Campbell to Tudor Grange Park on Saturday, July 19, with a setlist full of classics like Red Red Wine, Kingston Town, and Cherry Oh Baby, alongside fresh material from their 2021 album, Unprecedented. Known for his signature voice and a career that has sold 70 million records, Ali Campbell’s ensemble will carry on UB40's mission to spread reggae vibes worldwide.
Solihull Summer Fest runs July 19-20 and is set to be a standout weekend of music, with Bananarama headlining Sunday, July 20, performing beloved hits like Cruel Summer, Venus, and Love In The First Degree. Alongside these headliners, the festival promises supporting artists, street food vendors, and bar service to create an unforgettable experience.
Super Early Bird tickets are available until November 10, starting at £51 (+ booking fee), saving £18.50 on full-priced tickets. VIP upgrades, starting at £106, include exclusive access, VIP areas, and premium stage views. Book your tickets now!
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