Hello Solihull 💙

Half-term is here, the evenings are starting to feel a touch lighter, and we can sense everyone itching to do something — without having to scroll for an hour to find it.

Whether you’re planning a family day, a low-key date night, or just want a solid “get me out of the house” idea, here’s a quick hit of what’s happening locally.

In today’s edition:

• Mell Square redevelopment plans approved (new name + big ambitions)
• Touchwood Solihull hosts a Lunar New Year celebration (free)
• Family-friendly shows + exhibitions at The Core Theatre Solihull
• Solihull Moors at home this Saturday

— Max

If you’ve walked through town recently and thought, “This bit could be so much better”… you’re not alone. Plans to transform Mell Square have now been approved — with proposals including new homes, refreshed retail, and new public spaces designed to make the town centre feel more like a place to hang out, not just pass through.

This is one of those “slow burn” stories that’ll shape Solihull for years, so it’s worth a quick read if you care about the future of the town centre.

👉 Click here: https://solihullobserver.co.uk/news/green-light-given-to-turn-mell-square-masterplan-to-reality/

If you’ve got a birthday, half-term treat, or “bring something nice” moment coming up, this week’s sponsor Build Your Bake is one to know.

They make custom brownies, rocky roads, cupcakes (and more) — perfect for gifting, sharing at work, or just stocking up for the weekend. Order is simple: drop them a message on Facebook and they’ll sort the details with you.

👉 Click here to order / enquire: https://www.facebook.com/buildyourbake

If you want something colourful and different to do this half-term weekend, Touchwood is putting on a Lunar New Year celebration on Saturday 21 February — with workshops, performances, and a lion dance parade.

It’s the kind of event that’s great for families, but also just a fun drop-in if you’re in town anyway.

Click here: https://www.touchwoodsolihull.co.uk/whats-new/lunar-new-year-2026

A few easy wins for the rest of the week:

If you’re trying to avoid the “we ended up in Tesco again” half-term routine, here are a few low-effort ideas that feel like a proper outing:

*(Events marked (Tickets / £) may require booking — double-check details before heading out.)

Family & Theatre 🎭

The Core Theatre Solihull:

Treasure Island | Fri 20 Feb (7:30pm), Sat 21 Feb (2:30pm & 7:00pm), Sun 22 Feb (2:30pm) (Tickets / £)
Location: The Core (Studio)
Description: A swashbuckling, family-friendly pirate adventure with songs and audience fun.
More info / tickets: https://www.thecoretheatresolihull.co.uk/whats-on/all-shows/treasure-island/27758/

Talks & Daytime ☀️
From Captivity to a Castle with Tom Hart Dyke | Wed 18 Feb (2:00pm) (Tickets / £)
Location: The Core Theatre
Description: A wild true story — kidnapping, survival, and building a “world garden” back home.
More info / tickets: https://www.thecoretheatresolihull.co.uk/whats-on/all-shows/from-captivity-to-a-castle-with-tom-hart-dyke/27580/

Community 🎊

Lunar New Year Celebration | Sat 21 Feb (daytime; see schedule) (FREE)
Location: Touchwood
Description: Mahjong, calligraphy, performances + lion dance parade.
More info: https://www.touchwoodsolihull.co.uk/whats-new/lunar-new-year-2026

Sport ⚽
Solihull Moors vs Hartlepool United | Sat 21 Feb (3:00pm) (Tickets / £)
Location: Solihull Moors (home)
Description: Proper Saturday football — if you’ve not been this season, this is a great one to pick.
Fixture info: https://www.solihullmoorsfc.co.uk/matches/first-team/fixtures/

Day out idea 🚗
February Half-Term at Packwood House | 15–22 Feb (Daytime) (Admission applies)
Location: Packwood House
Description: Hands-on conservation activities + a wellies-friendly walk.
More info: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/warwickshire/packwood-house/events/3764ae0e-a32c-4153-9c2e-e96fcee69548

Thanks for reading Solihull Spotlight 💙
Reply and tell me what you want more of: family stuff, food, deals, walking routes, live music, sport, or “hidden gems”.

P.S. Want your business in front of local Solihull readers? Reply with “SPONSOR” and I’ll send over the simple options. [email protected]