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September Highlights from Solihull
What a fantastic summer we've enjoyed across Solihull! While the children are heading back to school and the evenings are beginning to draw in, there's still plenty happening across the borough as we ease into the cosy autumn season.
From exciting local events to inspiring new creative courses at The Core, we've got it all. We're also sharing some great news stories from across Solihull, including award nominations for a thriving independent business in Knowle and exciting birthday celebrations at Touchwood as the popular shopping destination marks a major milestone.
Whether you're looking for things to do, places to explore or uplifting community stories, we hope you'll find plenty to inspire you in this month's newsletter. Enjoy!
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Dorridge Day returns to Dorridge Park
Dorridge Day returns to Dorridge Park on Sunday 6 September for a full day of family entertainment and community celebration.
This year's event has a vibrant Brazilian Carnival theme, with spectacular samba dancers and musicians, a colourful carnival parade, entertainment throughout the day and activities for all ages.
Visitors can enjoy a large selection of inflatables, a climbing wall, children's games, craft activities, classic cars, community stalls, artisan traders, food and drink from local vendors, a licensed bar and much more.
Organised entirely by Knowle & Dorridge Round Table, the event raises money to support local good causes and community projects. Every ticket purchased helps fund charities and initiatives across the local area.
Whether you're looking for a great family day out, fantastic food or simply a chance to support your local community, Dorridge Day has something for everyone.
Further information and tickets are available at the Knowle and Dorridge round table website. Book in advance for discounts.
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Calling all Dancing Queens!
Manor Hotel Solihull is inviting guests to enjoy an afternoon of Greek flavours, live entertainment and ABBA classics at its Mamma Mia Brunch on Saturday 19th September 2026.
Guests will be welcomed with a Mykonos Mimosa before enjoying a two-course Greek buffet featuring Mediterranean-inspired dishes. An energetic ABBA tribute act will then bring the group’s most-loved hits to life, followed by a DJ playing feel-good favourites and party tunes until 6pm.
Arrival is from 12.30pm, with food served from 1.30pm.
Tickets are £49 per person, including the welcome drink, Greek buffet, ABBA tribute and DJ entertainment.
For those looking to make a weekend of it, the Brunch & Stay Package is £198 for two people, including two event tickets, an overnight stay and full English breakfast the following morning.
With great food, an ABBA tribute performance and plenty of dancing, the Mamma Mia Brunch offers the perfect excuse to gather friends and enjoy an afternoon of feel-good entertainment at Manor Hotel Solihull.
Mamma Mia Brunch Tickets
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September at The Core Theatre – your next great night out!
September is packed with entertainment at The Core Theatre, offering an exciting mix of theatre, comedy, live music, film and more.
The month begins with The HandleBards’ energetic outdoor-style production of Macbeth on 2 September, followed by Aston Villa legends Lee Hendrie and Andy Townsend on 3 September, sharing stories from their football careers. Irish folk favourites The Kilkennys perform on 4 September, while Funny to The Core returns on 5 September, headlined by Andy Parsons.
From 8 to 12 September, Coleshill on Stage presents the much-loved musical Calamity Jane. Music fans can then enjoy an evening with Bev Bevan and Des Tong on 14 September, exploring the Midlands’ rich musical heritage.
The acclaimed ELO Experience takes to the stage on 15 and 16 September, before John Barrowman brings My Life in Musicals to Solihull on 17 September.
A weekend of musical nostalgia follows, with Rave On – The Ultimate 50s & 60s Experience on 18 September, The Hound of the Baskervilles in the Studio on 19 September, and The Johnny Cash Roadshow in the main theatre the same evening. The Bootleg Beach Boys perform on 20 September, while The Dionne Legacy celebrates the music of Dionne Warwick on 21 September.
Art lovers can enjoy Exhibition on Screen: James McNeill Whistler on 23 September. Country music arrives with The Stars of Irish Country Show on 25 September, followed by Buddy Holly and The Cricketers’ Rock ’n’ Roll Legends Show and Harvest, celebrating Neil Young’s iconic album, on 26 September.
The month concludes with Oasish on 27 September, NT Live: The Misanthrope on 29 September, and the feel-good Legends of the 60s Show on 30 September.
Gather your friends and family, choose your favourites and book your tickets today.
Find out more and book on the Core Website.
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Creative courses at The Core
This September, make time for yourself, discover a new passion or develop an existing talent at The Core.
For adults, Creative Writing is a friendly 10-week course, perfect for beginners and aspiring writers, on Mondays at 6.30pm. If you’re ready to take your writing further, The Write Space offers the chance to develop your craft, on Wednesdays at 6.30pm for 10 weeks.
Fancy stepping onto the stage? Introduction to Acting builds confidence and performance skills through improvisation, drama games and acting techniques, while Intermediate Acting – Creating a Character helps those with some experience explore new ways to create compelling characters. Both run Thursdays at 7.30pm for 8 weeks. If you’ve ever wanted to get on stage and make people laugh, Find your Funny – Stand Up Comedy Course is the perfect first step! On Tuesdays at 6.30pm for seven weeks.
For budding photographers, Light 52 Photography is a beginner-friendly course to help you master your camera and improve your photography, on Thursdays at 6.30pm for 10 weeks.
There’s plenty for younger creatives too. Young Solihull Writers (Ages 7–11) encourages children to explore storytelling, characters and creative expression. Every Wednesday at 4.30pm for 10 weeks. Solihull Teen Writers Academy (Ages 11–15) helps teenagers develop their creative voice through stories, poetry and new writing techniques. Every Monday at 4.30pm for 10 weeks. Meanwhile, Core Youth Theatre develops acting, teamwork and stage skills, with groups for ages 7–10 at 4.30pm and 11–16 at 5.45pm on Thursdays, both for 8 weeks.
Whether you want to build confidence, learn a new skill, meet people or simply enjoy being creative, The Core has a course for you this autumn! Find out more and book on the Core Website.
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September at Castle Bromwich Hall Gardens
Birmingham Heritage Week 12th-20th September
Join us as we explore Medieval Castle Bromwich with Dr. Mike Hodder on the 16th September on a 1.5-mile walking tour, and an ‘Edwardian Sunday’ on 20th September. This is in partnership with St. Mary’s and St. Margaret’s Church and will involve hearty singing!
Harvest Moon Circles 26th
Tid Mona Coven bring their evening of manifestation, folklore and communal spiritualism to the Gardens with their Moon Circles on Saturday 26th September. Whether you’re a seasoned pagan or just dipping your toes in, it’s a wonderful opportunity to explore what it means to be on this Earth and part of the realm of Mother Nature.
Fun Harvest Festival 27th
A bit of fun where we judge scarecrows, flowers and vegetable animals, all to raise money for the Gardens. Beorma Morris also performing at 14:00 to bring some loud and punky merriment to the occasion.
to find out more and book, visit the Castle Bromwich Hall Gardens Website
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Ride a piece of British motorcycling history
Looking for a unique experience right on your doorstep? Discover the National Motorcycle Museum at J6 of the M42, home to the world’s largest collection of British motorcycles, with more than 1,000 machines on display.
This September, motorcycle enthusiasts have the rare opportunity to go one step further – and ride one.
On Saturday 26 September, the Museum’s exclusive Classic Bike Tour will see Friends of the National Motorcycle Museum take historic motorcycles from the collection out onto the open road for an escorted ride through the Warwickshire countryside.
With iconic machines including a 1949 Vincent Black Shadow, 1959 Triumph T110 and 1965 BSA C15 Sport Star available to ride, it’s a unique chance to experience British motorcycling history from the saddle.
You can become a Friend of the National Motorcycle Museum from just £35 a year, with membership including Museum entry, discounts and access to exclusive events and experiences like the Classic Bike Tour.
Discover a hidden gem on your doorstep – and perhaps even ride a piece of history.
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Back to School Deals at Resorts World
It's almost time to hit the books and head back to the classroom for the new school year.
From stationery supplies at The Works, to uniform essentials at Trespass, Nike and The North Face, discover everything you'll need to prepare them to head back to school, at our outlet stores.
We've also got plenty of after school and weekend activities along with family-favourite restaurants and so much more!
PETTING ZOO
Looking for a fun and memorable outing with your little one? Come and get up close with a range of friendly animals as Nature’s Burrow brings their FREE Mobile Petting Zoo to our atrium, 11am - 12pm, on selected Mondays.
This hands-on experience is perfect for young animal lovers! With the help of expert animal handlers, children and grown-ups alike can meet, handle, and learn about a variety of amazing creatures, from the fluffy and feathered to the scaled and slithery. There will also be plenty of animal handling and photo opportunities for you to enjoy!
ECO MARKET
Don’t forget…the next market is on 19th – 20th September in our Atrium.
You'll be able to enjoy an Eco Artisan Market with plenty of handmade and unique items, delicious cakes and sustainable gifts.
LIVE MUSIC AT HIGH LINE BAR & LOUNGE
Catch the thrill of a live gig while kicking back with show-stopping cocktails and mouth watering dishes in plush, stylish surroundings designed for nights to remember this September.
Late night DJs from 8pm and live performers and bands from 9pm join us every Friday and Saturday – with free entry!
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Celebrating at Touchwood
It’s our birthday! Touchwood celebrates a major milestone on the 5th September, our 25th Birthday at the heart of Solihull.
Since opening, Touchwood has become much more than a shopping destination. Designed by master planner Eric Kuhne and his firm CivicArts, the centre was created with a unique vision: combining the intimate scale and intricate detailing of traditional English market towns and boutique arcades with the space and convenience required for modern retail. Twenty-five years later, that vision continues to make Touchwood one of the most distinctive and successful retail and leisure destinations in the region, if not the country.
To celebrate both our anniversary and the architecture that makes Touchwood so unique, we're delighted to welcome local artist Cris Wong, who has been commissioned to create three exclusive lino carvings inspired by some of the centre's most recognisable architectural features. Visitors will have the opportunity to create and print their own artwork from the carvings, taking home a special limited-edition keepsake as part of the celebrations.
We'll also be offering a limited run of commemorative Touchwood mugs, with all proceeds from sales being donated to Acorns Children's Hospice, our Charity of the Year.
Adding to the excitement, the much-loved Touchwood Tornado will be back on-site, giving visitors the chance to win an array of fantastic prizes generously donated by our retailers. If you're planning a visit on 5th September, be sure to join in the celebrations and help us mark this important milestone.
September also brings some exciting new additions to the centre. We're delighted to welcome Hot Tribe Yoga, Crown & Bezel, the luxury watch retailer, and Hypnotic Desserts to the Touchwood family. We encourage you to pay them a visit and discover everything they have to offer.
Thank you for being part of the Touchwood story over the past twenty-five years. We look forward to celebrating with you and welcoming you throughout September.
Visit the Touchwood Website for more Information
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Slow Century Records shortlisted for national music industry award after successful summer neighbourhood event
Knowle-based vinyl specialist Slow Century Records has been shortlisted for Best Independent Record Shop at the 2026 Independent Music Awards, just nine months after opening.
The recognition follows the success of the store’s inaugural Slow Century Records and Friends Summer Jam, which took place on Saturday 29 August in partnership with neighbouring independent businesses The Ale Rooms, Café Viola and The Vaults. The event brought together music lovers, local businesses and the wider community for a day of live music, food and drink.
Slow Century Records is also a finalist in the Best Breakout Business category at this year’s Solihull Chamber of Commerce Awards, with winners due to be announced next month.
Summer Jam featured live performances and DJ sets across all four venues, showcasing indie, rock and pop-punk artists including Slackrrr, Marc Cjifer, Ellen Egan, Takeaway Thieves, Rats in the Belfry and the Slow Century Records Allstars.
To mark the occasion, The Ale Rooms brewed nine special craft beers, including Look Back in Amber, Hoppy Mondays and Fools Gold. Visitors also took part in a chart-inspired Top of the Hops vote to determine the most popular brew.
John Ellis, owner of Slow Century Records, said: “As we approach our first birthday, we are immensely proud of our achievements and the community we are building here.
“To be nominated for two awards just nine months in is incredible. We’re grateful for the support of our customers and neighbouring businesses. Following the success of Record Store Day, we wanted to create something the whole High Street could enjoy, bringing people together through music, food and drink.”
Founded in November 2025 by former mental health nurse and DJ John Ellis, Slow Century Records is named after a documentary about influential US rock band Pavement. The store also offered discounts on records and merchandise throughout the Summer Jam event.
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Celebrate Life’s Special Moments at Crowne Plaza Solihull
From milestone birthdays to anniversaries, make your special occasion one to remember at the Crowne Plaza Solihull. Set in picturesque grounds, our hotel brings everything together under one roof. We have elegant event spaces, delicious food and drink, dedicated event planning support and comfortable accommodation for you and your guests.
Whether you're planning an intimate gathering or a celebration for up to 120 guests, our experienced team will take care of the details, so you can focus on enjoying every moment. You bring the reason to celebrate and we’ll take care of the rest.
Private events for up to 80 guests from £3,000 - to Find out more and enquire visit the Official Crowne Plaza website
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Solihull Station welcomes new interactive Wayfinding Unit
Residents and visitors arriving at Solihull Station can now access information about local attractions, amenities and services through a new interactive Wayfinding Unit installed at the station entrance.
The touchscreen unit, the first of its kind in Solihull and only the second in the UK, features a detailed map of the borough alongside information on local events, restaurants, entertainment venues, visitor attractions, transport links, shopping destinations and council services.
Councillor Wazma Qais, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Communities, said:
"I’m delighted to unveil Solihull’s first Wayfinding and Local Information Unit, which our visitor economy team, Visit Solihull, has worked closely with Bauer Media to bring to life.
"It’s important that information about our borough is as accessible as possible. This unit will be a fantastic asset for visitors, residents and local businesses, helping everyone arriving at Solihull Station easily find what they need, from parks and transport links to local events, attractions and places to eat.
"Solihull Station is a key gateway to our town centre, and this innovative installation will help support visitors and residents while showcasing everything the borough has to offer."
The council worked with Bauer Media Outdoor UK to identify the most suitable location for the unit. Bauer Media funded and installed the equipment and will be responsible for its ongoing maintenance through a combination of remote monitoring and regular inspections.
Will Ramage, Managing Director at Bauer Media Outdoor UK, said: “This new Wayfinding Unit demonstrates how public information infrastructure can support local authorities, residents, visitors and businesses. By providing useful, real-time information at a key arrival point, we’re helping people navigate Solihull more easily while creating new opportunities to promote the borough’s events, attractions and services.”
The new installation provides a central source of information at one of Solihull’s busiest transport hubs, helping people make the most of their visit to the borough.
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Why AvantGlamp Is Solihull's Coolest Place to Stay This Autumn
Autumn is when things really get going at the NEC, and if you're heading to an exhibition, a show, or just fancy a change of scenery, AvantGlamp might just be the best-kept secret on your doorstep.
Forget stuffy hotel corridors and identikit rooms. At AvantGlamp, you get your own luxury glamping pod, tucked into woodland just steps from the NEC, BP Pulse Live and Resorts World. Think private hot tubs, hotel-style comfort, and a setting that feels a world away, even though you're minutes from the action.
It's the little extras that make the difference too… a Nespresso machine, fluffy towels, your own en-suite, and high-speed Wi-Fi, all wrapped up in a setting most people don't expect to find on the edge of Solihull.
Unlike traditional camping or many glamping sites, every Avant Glamp pod is fitted with air conditioning that you control, allowing you to enjoy a comfortable night’s sleep no matter what the British weather decides to do.
And this September, there's even more to love. AvantGlamp is soon unveiling its next wave of pods, expanding the collection alongside the show-stopping Presidential Suite, so there's never been a better time to book. Halloween is also coming to AvantGlamp, with some seasonal surprises planned.
Whether you're in town for an event or just want somewhere different for the weekend, why settle for an ordinary hotel when you could wake up among the trees?
Book your September stay on the AvantGlamp Website
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BHX partners with young talent to build future skills
Birmingham Airport (BHX) has partnered with students from WMG Academy Trust on a project exploring the future of its Air Rail Link, challenging young people to develop innovative and sustainable ideas for one of the airport’s key transport connections.
Part of the airport’s wider work with schools and education providers across the Midlands, the initiative helps students develop skills that support the region’s growing economy while encouraging careers in engineering, infrastructure and aviation.
The 585-metre Air Rail Link, which connects Birmingham International Station to the airport terminal, serves millions of passengers and staff each year. Students from the Solihull and Coventry-based academy were tasked with reimagining the system, focusing on sustainability, accessibility and customer experience.
The challenge also supports Birmingham Airport’s ambition to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2033. After hearing from BHX Chief Executive Nick Barton about the value of collaboration and innovation, students worked in teams to create and present their proposals to a panel of airport specialists.
Ideas included renewable energy generation, rainwater-powered solutions, accessible mobility improvements, sustainable construction methods and new ways to enhance the passenger journey.
Tom Denton, Head of Sustainability at Birmingham Airport, praised the students’ creativity and confidence, saying their proposals demonstrated the innovation needed within the industry and highlighted the enthusiasm young people can bring to the future workforce.
The winning team was rewarded with a two-week summer internship with BHX’s infrastructure team, giving them first-hand experience of how major projects are developed and delivered.
Andrew Kyprianou, Strategic Lead for Business Engagement and Partnerships at WMG Academy Trust, said the collaboration gave students valuable insight into real-world asset management and the opportunity to present their ideas to senior industry leaders.
For the latest Birmingham Airport news, please visit the Media Centre here.
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