Hello Solihull 👋
One of the nicest things about building Solihull Spotlight is seeing just how much local pride there is in this community — from favourite walking spots and hidden gems to the events, businesses and places that make this area feel like home.
In today’s edition, we’ve got a major local consultation to know about, two lovely Community Spotlight messages from readers, and a packed roundup of ideas for the days ahead.
Let’s get into it.
— Max
Local News
Local residents are invited to comment on major Knowle and Shirley housing plans
Two new housing consultations have opened in Solihull, with residents invited to share feedback before detailed planning applications are submitted this spring. In Knowle, Taylor Wimpey is consulting on Cuttlebrook Grange, a proposal for up to 200 homes off Warwick Road. In Shirley, south of Dog Kennel Lane, the proposed Hares Croft development would bring up to 700 homes, along with public open space, a primary school, community facilities and older care living. Both consultations run until Wednesday 25 March.
Why it matters:
Big plans like these can shape everything from traffic and school demand to green space and the character of an area, so this is one of those moments where your feedback really matters!
A message from Marston Green Netball Club
Based at Marston Green Tennis Club, Marston Green Netball Club offers sessions for a range of junior age groups as well as adults across the week. A great local option for anyone looking to play, improve, or get back into netball. To join, head to their Facebook page. And for a bigger netball day out, the Birmingham Panthers are in action at the Utilita Arena Birmingham on Sunday 22 March against Manchester Thunder.
✨ Community Spotlight ✨
One of our favourite things about Solihull Spotlight is hearing what local people love most about where they live.
What’s your favourite Solihull pleasure? A walk, coffee spot, hidden gem, local view, weekend ritual? Hit reply and tell us — we’d love to feature more of you in future editions.
This week, we’re shining a light on two lovely notes from readers:
Eleanor - Olton
Eleanor messaged in to tell us her “favourite thing is canal walks in the sunshine and walks around the Mere.”
Honestly, that’s hard to argue with. Once the weather starts playing nice, those slower, sunnier local walks just feel better. I walked down to Knowle Locks the other day, and it’s one of those places that makes you stop for a moment and appreciate what’s right on our doorstep.
Sanket - Blossomfield
“I love how peaceful and green this place is. I am looking forward to exploring all the jogging and walking trails here.”
It’s a lovely reminder that one of Solihull’s real strengths is how easy it is to find somewhere peaceful, green, and good for a head-clearing walk or jog. And speaking of jogging, keep an eye out for our upcoming feature on Solihull run clubs, we are spoilt for choice!
The Weekend Food Nudge:
Kibou
If you’re after a meal that feels a little bit special, KIBOU is always a strong option. My then fiancée, now wife, and I went for Valentine’s Day last year and absolutely loved it — especially their famous Volcano Roll, which fully lived up to the hype. It’s one of those places that feels great for a date night, celebration, or just when you want something a bit more memorable than the usual dinner out.
Beleza Rodizio
One of Solihull’s newer openings, Beleza Rodizio opened in November and has brought a fresh Brazilian option to the area. If you like the idea of a lively meal with plenty to try, it’s a fun choice — with the classic rodizio experience giving it more of an occasion feel than your standard dinner booking. A good one to have on your radar if you fancy trying somewhere newer in Solihull.
Coming up this week:
A couple of dates worth having on your radar: Mother’s Day is this Sunday, 15 March, and St Patrick’s Day falls next Tuesday, 17 March. Across Solihull and Birmingham, that means plenty of last-minute lunch plans, family-friendly outings, a few crafty things to do, and some lively music options if you fancy making a weekend of it.
Arts & Crafts 🎨
Mother’s Day Craft Workshop in Edgbaston — Sunday 15 March. If you don’t mind heading a little further into Birmingham, there’s a Mother’s Day craft workshop at Cake & Culture in Edgbaston. £22.
Creative Craft Show at the NEC — 12-15 March. We mentioned this one last weekend, but honestly, we couldn’t not give it another mention. Celebrating a wide range of crafts including paper-craft, knitting, jewellery making, mixed media and more.
Family & Theatre 🎭
Drayton Manor – March Madness
This is a standout if you want a proper day out. Drayton Manor is running its March Madness weekends on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 March, with Thomas Land, the zoo, a small selection of extra rides, and a new 4D cinema show. Tickets start from £19.90
Boogie Lights Express
This one is a bit different and works well for families with kids who’d enjoy something visual and memorable. The Boogie Lights Express has it’s last trip of the season this Friday night - 13 March, with a sound-and-light show on board a Severn Valley Railway steam train, departing from Kidderminster Station. It’s a bit more of a trip, but definitely more unique than the usual weekend activity.
Move Your Body 💃
Sips & Strides at Boston Tea Party — A nice low-pressure one for Sunday morning: Sips & Strides is a free feel-good net-walking event in Solihull on Sunday 15 March, starting from Boston Tea Party. A good shout if you want movement plus a coffee rather than a full workout.
Solihull Triathlon Club — If you’re looking for something a bit more energetic, Solihull Triathlon Club runs weekly run, cycle and swim sessions in and around Tudor Grange Park. It’s a great local option if you want to train with others, build fitness, or just mix up your usual weekend routine.
Hot Tribe Solihull — For something more studio-based, Hot Tribe Solihull has a Sunday 10:00am class listed at its Solihull studio. It’s a good shout if you fancy a proper sweat session and want something a little different from a walk or run.
Live Music:
Declan Nerney Live in Concert — The Core, Solihull. Irish country star Declan Nerney is at The Core Theatre on Friday 13 March with his live band. A strong local pick if you’re after an easy night out close to home with plenty of nostalgia and singalong appeal.
High Line Live Music Nights — Resorts World Birmingham Live band night. If you want something more relaxed, High Line at Resorts World has live music nights on Friday 13 and Saturday 14 March. It’s a good option for drinks, food and a bit of atmosphere without committing to a full theatre show.
Sport ⚽🏉🏒
Solihull Moors:
Wealdstone vs Solihull Moors — Sat 14 March, 12:30pm
Fixtures + match info 👉 https://www.solihullmoorsfc.co.uk/first-team-fixtures
Solihull Barons Ice Hockey (Planet Ice Solihull)
Sheffield Scimitars vs Barons — Sat 14 March, 6:40pm
Barons vs Billingham Stars — Sun 15 March, 5:30pm
Full fixtures 👉 https://solihull-barons.net/new/calendar/2025-26-fixtures/
Extra Events:
Dream Extreme Allstar Cheerleading Championships (NEC) — Sat 14 Mar – Sun 15 Mar. A huge weekend of stunts, tumbling, dance and big arena energy. A fun one for families — even if you’ve never watched cheer before.
Thanks for reading Solihull Spotlight 💙 let’s chat again on Sunday! Hit reply and tell me what you want more of next week: family, events, 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 our options.
