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Love is in the Air in Solihull!
January is finally behind us, and you've conquered the longest month and Blue Monday! It's time to celebrate, starting with the Lunar New Year at Touchwood.
Valentine's Day is also on the horizon, and whether you're celebrating with friends or a partner, there's something special for everyone in Solihull!
Keep reading to discover the exciting activities lined up for the kids this half term!
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What’s on at The Core in February
This February, banish the winter blues with music, dance and comedy performances in the Studio at The Core.
On Saturday 8 February, step into the Bollywood Time Machine and journey through the decades! From the groovy ‘60s to the hits of today, enjoy timeless melodies from legends like Kishore Kumar, Lata Mangeshkar, Arijit Singh, and more.
Award-winning, international touring comedian Nabil Abdulrashid brings his riotous new stand-up show to The Core on Friday 21 February - as seen on Live at the Apollo, Would I Lie to You and The Last Leg.
From Friday 28 February – Sunday 2 March, enjoy Silent, But Deadly presented by Harlequinade, a hilarious spoof comedy/murder mystery set in the silent film era.
Upcoming exhibitions in the Courtyard Gallery at The Core
From Wednesday 29 January – Saturday 22 February, Solihull artist Catherine Holland presents local views from the borough in her exhibition ‘Tranquility in a Landscape.’ Catherine shows detail in every area of her paintings so that the viewer feels like they can walk right into her landscapes, look around and explore.
Then from Wednesday 26 February until Saturday 15 March, marvel at the Holi Art Exhibition 2025, a collection of vibrant and colourful artwork from Art at the Heart’s community artists. This exhibition shares new interpretations of Holi, the Festival of Colour.
There’s lots more to look forward to at The Core, including the reopening of the main auditorium! For the full programme of what’s on, visit The Core website
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Happy Lunar new year!
To welcome in the Lunar New Year, on 1st February Touchwood will host a day of traditional celebrations for the whole family to enjoy.
The event will include a traditional Lion Dance around the centre at intervals throughout the day (starting from 12pm), Panda Dance, face painting, calligraphy and craft workshops including sweet dumpling making. What’s more, there will be live performances with dancing by Alderbrook School pupils and singing from Cranmore School Choir, Church Choir and the Inclusive Choir.
Lucy Burnett, Marketing Manager at Touchwood, said: “As we enter 2025, we have a varied schedule of events – from playing badminton to celebrating Lunar New Year – and we look forward to welcoming visitors both new and old to Touchwood to join in the fun.”
Touchwood visitors can also explore the wide variety of shops, restaurants and entertainment, taking advantage of the January sales.
For more information, visit the Touchwood website today!
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Valentine’s date night and February half term fun at Touchwood
This February, Touchwood Solihull has something for everyone, from a romantic date night for Valentine’s Day to family fun at half term.
If you’re looking to treat someone special this Valentine’s Day, the perfect date night awaits at Touchwood. Indulge in a romantic meal at one of the centre’s many eateries, with a range of cuisines from Italian at Emporio Artari, to Latin American at Tio Latino and Nando’s, which re-opens following refurbishment on 14th February. Why not follow it up with a cocktail at Slug & Lettuce?
Solihull’s only competitive socialising venue, Spinners, offers a fun date night activity – with bowling, crazy golf, interactive darts and curling. Or grab your popcorn, sit back and enjoy a movie night at Cineworld.
For those looking for the perfect present, Touchwood has over 80 shops to choose from. Whether they’re into cooking, clothes, or jewellery, there’s plenty of choice – from ProCook to Oliver Bonas and Fraser Hart. Jo Malone in John Lewis offers a bespoke experience to help you find a fragrance they will love, in a range of products including perfumes, candles, reed diffusers and luxurious bath and body scents – all gift wrapped and ready to go!
For families, Touchwood is hosting an out-of-this-world superhero activity trail to inspire local children during half term. From Monday 17th to Sunday 23rd February, experience the DC universe as six life-size superheroes will be located around the shopping centre.
Bring the kids along this half term for a day of exploration, where they can meet their favourite characters including Wonder Woman, Superman, Aquaman, Cat Woman, Batman and The Flash. They can even get up close and take a selfie!
For more information, visit Touchwood's Website
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Law Firm Expands with New Knowle Office
A rapidly growing law firm, FBC Manby Bowdler, has opened a new office in Knowle, near Solihull, following a £30 million investment. The firm, which already operates across the West Midlands and Shropshire, aims to extend its award-winning services to a broader area with this new location.
Three senior lawyers from the firm will provide their expertise in property issues, wills, and tax planning at the Knowle office. The opening comes at a timely moment due to recent changes in inheritance tax highlighted in the Budget.
Chief Executive Neil Lloyd expressed excitement about the new office, noting, "We’ll have three of our senior solicitors based at Knowle, including one of our partners, Sara Simson, who is an expert in all issues associated with inheritance tax." He added, "The Budget has certainly left a lot of people considering their options, and Sara is perfectly placed to meet some of the increased demand for the highest-quality legal advice."
Sara Simson, who heads the Wills, Probate, and Lifetime Planning Team in Redditch, is joined at Knowle by partners Laura Vernon and Gareth Ruddock. Laura specializes in property litigation, while Gareth focuses on commercial litigation and insolvency law.
Neil Lloyd commented, "The opening of the new office is a hugely exciting move for us and something which complements our existing network of offices across the whole of the region. We’re really looking forward to welcoming clients old and new to our new home."
The new office is located at Chester Court, 1673 High St, Knowle, Solihull B93 0LL. To make an appointment, call 0800 111 6144 or visit The FBC Manby Bowdler website for more information.
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The Gardens are open EVERYDAY during February half term: from Saturday 15th to Sunday 23rd
'Fires and smores' sessions in the woodlands will keep all ages cosy or hammer out your creative frustrations during a 'Family HapaZome' session.
The snowdrops, aconites and hellebores should be confidently waving their heads above the ground..
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VALENTINES, GALENTINES & FAMILY TIME - FEEL THE LOVE THIS FEB AT RESORTS WORLD
This Valentine's Day, make it a celebration to remember at Resorts World! With 17 bars and restaurants to choose from, you'll be spoilt for options to treat your loved one to a romantic dinner or drinks. Why not also surprise them with a special gift from one of our outlet shops, such as a beautiful fragrance from The Fragrance Shop, a thoughtful present from The Gift Company, or a stylish item from top brands like The North Face, Levi's, or Luke? And not to forget some sweet treats from Lindt!
To make the occasion even more special, book a stay at the luxurious Genting Hotel - be sure to book direct for the best price! Upgrade your free Santai Spa access when you stay to a relaxing treatment, perfect for a romantic or even Galantine’s celebration
Lego Half Term Event
FREE family fun this February with two fun-filled days of drop-in workshops with Bricks McGee, perfect for kids aged 5-11 years old. Join us on, 10am-3pm, to help build an amazing model of Birmingham's skyline.
Plus, the popular "Hunt" returns even bigger and better, with the chance to win not one, but two LEGO sets in a free prize draw - along with plenty of block-building fun for tiny tots to enjoy. Find out more from the Resorts world Website!
Monthly Eco Market in 2025- 15&16th Feb
Our Eco Markets return with a bang! Not only will the Eco Market be taking place every month, but we're thrilled to announce that vintage clothing suppliers will be joining the mix from March onwards. Building on the success of 2024, we can't wait to welcome back our beloved traders and introduce new ones to our community. Stay up to date with all the latest Saturday and Sunday dates and details here
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Solihull gets Surreal
Solihull’s links to the Surrealist art movement will be celebrated this Spring with a new exhibition in Solihull town centre.
‘Surreal Solihull’ takes as its starting point the work of Solihull’s pioneering Surrealist artist and poet Emmy Bridgwater who founded and worked with the Birmingham Surrealists throughout the 1930s and 40s. As well as featuring several pieces painted, drawn and collaged by Emmy Bridgwater, 30 local artists have been commissioned to create new Surrealist art works which will be shown for the first time at the exhibition.
Solihull Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities, Cllr Wazma Qais, said: “The ‘Surrealist Manifesto’ was published just over 100 years ago in 2024, but Surrealist art continues to influence contemporary art, fashion and interior design.
“‘Surreal Solihull’ will shine a light on Solihull’s very own Surrealist, Emmy Bridgwater, and also provide a space for emerging and established contemporary local artists to engage with this exciting and thought- provoking art movement. I am excited to see what they will produce!”
Contemporary artist, Helen Grundy, who regularly exhibits around the world, was thrilled to have been selected. She said: “Emmy Bridgwater was an important part of the Surrealist movement and I am delighted she is being rediscovered and her work is finding a new audience.
“My piece ‘Bird Land’ is a homage to her work and promotes my belief that she is an inspiration to modern artists. In my piece she is a hybrid – part human, part bird – and she towers over a surreal imagined landscape that represents a dreamlike version of Solihull.”
‘Surreal Solihull’ will take place from 6 March – 31 May 2025 in an outdoor gallery on Solihull High Street. Full details of all the artists and supporting events will be available in February.
Free to visit, it has been developed thanks to funding from West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and in partnership with Solihull Council, Visit Solihull, The Mayor Gallery in London, the Emmy Bridgwater Estate and Solihull BID.
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Birmingham’s newest elite sports team has arrived!
Happy February from the Panthers! 🐾
We hope you're all feeling energized and ready for another exciting month of netball! February is packed with fantastic opportunities to elevate your game, make new friends, and develop your netball skills on and off the court. From our Birmingham Panthers CUBs sessions to specialized masterclasses with our NSL players and coaches, there's something for everyone this month.
February Masterclasses – Level Up Your Game! 🎓
This month, we’re excited to bring you three specialized masterclasses to refine your skills, no matter your position on the court. Whether you’re an attacker, defender, or an all-around player, we have something to suit your needs!
Wednesday 19th February – DEFENCE with Gabby Coffey 10:30 AM - 2:00 PM, Ages: 12-15, Location: University of Wolverhampton
Join Gabby Coffey for an intensive session on defensive strategies, footwork, and critical interceptions. Improve your on-ball pressure, positioning, and decision-making to dominate the defensive end.
Thursday 20th February – ATTACKING/SHOOTING with Gabby Sinclair 10:30 AM - 2:00 PM, Ages: 12-15, Location: University of Wolverhampton
Improve your shooting accuracy and attacking strategies with Gabby Sinclair. Learn how to create space under pressure, improve shooting form, and become a more clinical attacker.
Wednesday 19th February – Connie Francis Masterclass 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Ages: 12-15, Location: The King's School Gloucester
Train with Connie Francis, focusing on ball handling, decision-making, and basic skill work. Build your netball IQ and push your skills to new heights.
Birmingham Panthers CUBs – Ages 8-12 🏐
Our CUBs programme continues in February! If you're between 8-12 and want to improve your netball skills while having fun, join us!
When: Mondays & Tuesdays, 5:00 - 6:00 PM Where: Walsall Sports Centre
A fun-filled hour of drills, games, and skill-building led by our experienced coaches. Build confidence, improve fitness, and make new friends!
Contact c.osullivan@birminghampanthers.com for more information and to sign up. Join the Panther family!
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Life's precious moments deserve a celebration and that's easy with the party package at the Crowne Plaza Solihull! ✨
🥂 Enjoy a drink on arrival, a delicious evening buffet and exclusive use of the De Limesi suite and private event bar.
From £2,500 for up to 60 guests - Some Friday and Saturday dates are still available* 🍾
Availability is limited, so don’t miss out - Call the events team on 0121 623 9988 or e-mail Conferences@cpsolihull.com
(* Selected dates, until end of November 2025 available and additional guests charged at £25 per person)
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Get Valentines Ready - A Beauty & Fashion Masterclass
Thursday 13th February 2025 6pm-7pm
John Lewis Solihull
Discovery Room, Ground Floor
Join us in store for a masterclass where you will learn all the best tips and tricks to achieve a Valentine's look.
Whether you are out with friends this Galentines, or going on a date with that special someone, you will get all the latest advice from techniques for a flawless make up look, to the perfect outfit.
You will hear from our own Personal Stylists, Bobbi Brown Beauty and GHD Hair Styling during this masterclass.
Tickets are £5 and include a complimentary glass of fizz on arrival.
Joining an in-store event
Please arrive at the store at least 10 minutes before the start of the session and make your way to the Discovery Room on the Ground Floor, as detailed in your confirmation email. Please bring your ticket with you, either printed or on your phone.
* Please note Terms and Conditions apply
* Our events are exclusive to members of My John Lewis. If you're not a member, it's easy to join
* You can see all upcoming events by visiting experiences at John Lewis
Book on Eventbrite
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Exciting Opportunity: FREE Accessibility Assessment & Detailed Access Guide! 🌟
Visit England is funding FREE accessibility assessments and Detailed Access Guides for businesses!
Act fast—funding is limited, and all assessments must be completed by the end of March with our partner AccessAble.
Don't miss this chance to enhance your venue's accessibility. Join one of AccessAble’s informative webinars to learn more:
Seize this fantastic opportunity to improve accessibility and inclusivity at your venue. Mark your calendars and get ready to join us for these valuable sessions!
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Boost your business – and be part of a greener West Midlands: Green Tourism membership offer!
Regional visitor economy businesses now qualify for fully funded Green Tourism membership!
Visitor economy business in the West Midlands Destination Development Partnership are eligible for an unmissable offer: you can get one year of fully funded membership of Green Tourism (or Green Meetings) along with 50% and 25% discounts in the second and third years respectively. This includes:
- user-friendly online assessment and review framework to review your sustainability standards and identify operational efficiencies.
- certification to evidence your sustainability credentials to customers and buyers.
- ongoing sustainability and marketing support
- BONUS: the first five businesses to submit for assessment get a free advertorial and social media promotion.
Apply now at: West Midlands - Green Tourism (green-tourism.com)
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BHX lands Birmingham Children's Hospital as its Nominated Charity
Birmingham Airport has officially announced Birmingham Children's Hospital Charity as its partner for the next three years. This partnership is part of the airport’s commitment to supporting local charities by investing funds, time, and resources.
The selection was driven by the airport's employees, who voted after meeting with several local charities during an open day. The overwhelming support for Birmingham Children's Hospital Charity highlights the recognition of its vital, life-changing work.
The new partnership will include fundraising, volunteering, and raising awareness of the charity's mission. Birmingham Airport aims to engage its employees and third-party suppliers in events to support the hospital's initiatives.
Nick Barton, CEO of Birmingham Airport, said: "We are thrilled to support Birmingham Children's Hospital Charity as our nominated charity for the next three years.”
"Our colleagues voted in droves, demonstrating their desire to support young people in need and recognise those that make that care possible day in and day out. We are extremely proud to be a partner and see what we can do to support this incredible charity that makes a difference to so many, every day.”
Mark Brider, CEO of Birmingham Children's Hospital Charity, said: "It’s an honour to be chosen as the official charity partner for Birmingham Airport.”
“One in eight children from the West Midlands is treated at our world-class hospital every year, meaning many of the airport’s employees have experienced the incredible care delivered daily.”
Today, Nick Barton met with Mark Brider and young patients to officially recognise the start of this collaboration, marking a new chapter in Birmingham Airport's commitment to community support.
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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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