Good Evening Solihull 👋

Happy Sunday!

Today is Remembrance Sunday, a time for communities across Solihull to come together, reflect and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Whether you attended a local service, observed the two-minute silence or simply taking a moment to remember, we hope you’ve had a peaceful Sunday.

Elsewhere, there's plenty of good news to brighten your morning! Solihull Hospital has reached an exciting medical milestone, local charities could receive up to £20,000 in funding, and we've found two lovely countryside spots serving up the perfect winter warmers.

And dare we say it… Christmas is officially on its way! Touchwood's festive lights switch-on is just around the corner, alongside plenty of local events, live music and activities to keep your calendar busy.

We've also rounded up the latest local sport and found two tempting European getaways from Birmingham Airport. So, get comfortable and enjoy this week's dose of everything good happening in and around Solihull.

Let’s get into it.

— Max

Some fantastic news from Solihull Hospital this week, as its specialist surgical team has successfully performed its first robotic-assisted operations for women receiving care through gynaecological cancer services!

Led by consultants Dr Ravinder Kalkat and Dr Mohan Kumar, the pioneering procedures use advanced robotic technology to help surgeons perform complex operations with incredible precision, through much smaller incisions.

For patients, this could mean less pain, shorter hospital stays and a quicker recovery, helping them get back to everyday life sooner.

Even better, the development means more women can access cutting-edge specialist treatment right here in Solihull, without needing to travel further afield.

A huge congratulations to the surgeons, nurses and wider hospital team behind this achievement. Another brilliant step forward for healthcare in our borough! 💙

👉 Read the full story — University Hospitals Birmingham

Who says learning has to happen behind a desk? 📚🌿

Pupils at Ninestiles Academy in Acocks Green have a fantastic new place to learn, after a once-overgrown area was transformed into a beautiful outdoor forest school!

Complete with mature trees, a reading circle, natural planting and even a fire pit, the new space allows children to swap traditional classrooms for fresh air, wildlife and hands-on learning.

And here's our favourite part — one of the pupils helped design it! The school is now incorporating outdoor lessons into its weekly timetable, while local residents are sharing their knowledge of the area's wildlife.

It's a wonderful initiative that encourages creativity, confidence and a connection with nature. A big well done to everyone who helped bring it to life! 💚

👉 Discover more about Ninestiles Academy

Some brilliant news for the community groups and charities making a difference across Solihull!

Severn Trent has reopened its Community Fund, offering grants of between £5,000 and £20,000 to help eligible charities and not-for-profit organisations keep doing their incredible work.

Unlike funding that's only available for exciting new projects, these grants can cover the everyday essentials that keep organisations running — including staffing, rent, utilities and administration.

The fund particularly welcomes applications from established organisations supporting vulnerable people, providing food or emergency assistance, or helping those facing difficult circumstances.

Eligible organisations must have been operating for at least three years, have an average annual income of no more than £250,000 and meet other funding criteria.

📅 Applications close Monday 30 November 2026.

Know a local charity that could benefit? Please share this with them — it could make a real difference! 💚

👉 Find out more and apply — Severn Trent Community Fund

Old Warwick Road, Lapworth, B94 6JU

There's something special about escaping to a cosy countryside pub when the temperature drops, and The Boot in Lapworth is the perfect place to do just that!

Nestled beside the canal, this charming country pub serves up comforting British classics with a modern twist, from seasonal dishes to hearty Sunday roasts with crispy potatoes, proper gravy and all the trimmings.

Whether you're stopping off after a crisp autumn walk or settling in for a leisurely Sunday lunch with family and friends, it's a lovely spot to escape the November chill.

And if you're planning a visit, Sunday lunch is served from 12–6pm. Booking ahead is recommended!

👉 Explore The Boot's menu & book a table

Newlands Bishop Farm, Berry Hall Lane, B91 2RY

A warming bowl of homemade soup, a delicious slice of cake and a little countryside charm, what's not to love?

Tucked away at Newlands Bishop Farm, Berry's Café is one of Solihull's lovely hidden gems, serving comforting light lunches, homemade soups, freshly baked cakes and hot drinks.

But there's something extra special about this café! It's run by the Family Care Trust, providing valuable work experience and employment opportunities for adults with learning disabilities.

Families can also enjoy a wander around the farm, where you'll find goats, ponies and an animal walkway, making it a lovely little outing for everyone.

They even offer Sunday roasts on the first Sunday of selected months, so keep an eye on their social media for upcoming dates.

A delicious way to warm up while supporting a brilliant local cause!

👉 Discover Berry's Café

Looking to meet other local parents? Head to @Sage Coffee House & Kitchen in Shirley on Tuesday 10 November, 10:30am–12pm for its friendly Baby Network Café. A lovely chance to enjoy a cuppa, have a chat and meet other parents and little ones in a relaxed setting. The group meets every Tuesday during term time at 3 Oxhill Road, Shirley.

👉 Baby Network Café — @Sage

Fans of feel-good music are in for a treat as singer-songwriter Myles Smith heads to bp pulse LIVE on Thursday 12 November, from 7pm! Known for hits including Stargazing and Nice to Meet You, he'll be joined by special guests Chance Peña and Sebastian Schub. Expect an evening of heartfelt lyrics, catchy tunes and plenty of singalong moments. Tickets are from £31.25 plus fees.

👉 Myles Smith Live — bp pulse LIVE

Calling all car enthusiasts! The Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show returns to the NEC from Friday 13 to Sunday 15 November, bringing together more than 3,000 classic cars, over 450 exhibitors, motoring celebrities and the UK's biggest indoor autojumble. Whether you're a fan of vintage motors, restoration projects or simply love admiring beautiful cars, there's something for everyone. Tickets are from £37.25.

👉 Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show

Fancy a little time for yourself? The Mind Body Spirit Festival returns to the NEC from Friday 13 to Sunday 15 November, offering three days of relaxation, inspiration and wellbeing. Explore yoga and meditation sessions, holistic therapies, inspiring talks and a huge wellbeing marketplace. Perfect for discovering something new or simply taking a break from the everyday rush. Standard adult day tickets are £21 in advance, with additional booking fees.

👉 Mind Body Spirit Festival

Christmas is officially arriving in Solihull! Head to Touchwood on Saturday 14 November from 2pm for a magical afternoon of festive music, family entertainment and chances to win prizes. Then, at 4:30pm, the cast of The Core Theatre's Peter Pan will lead the big countdown as Touchwood's Christmas lights are switched on! Santa's Grotto also opens for the festive season. Best of all, the lights switch-on is completely free! 🎅

👉 Touchwood Christmas Lights Switch-On

Wine lovers, this one's for you! Head to Millennium Point in Birmingham on Saturday 14 November for an afternoon or evening of festive wine tasting. Sample around 250 wines and spirits from across the world, discover new favourites and enjoy artisan cheeses and freshly made pizza. Choose between two sessions, 12–3pm or 4–7pm, with unlimited tastings included. Tickets are £30–£35pp. A lovely early Christmas treat for couples or friends! 🥂

👉 Birmingham Christmas Wine Fair

Think you've got what it takes to be Knowle's quiz champions? Gather your cleverest friends and head to Knowle British Legion on Friday 27 November, from 7pm for an evening of trivia, laughs and friendly competition. Teams of four to six people can enjoy a variety of quiz rounds, with a fish and chip supper included! Tickets are £15pp, with Visit Knowle Rewards members receiving 10% off. Advance booking required.

👉 Visit Knowle Quiz Night

It's a huge afternoon of international rugby as England take on Australia on Sunday 8 November, kicking off at 3:10pm in the new Nations Championship! Fancy watching with a crowd? The Masons Arms on Solihull High Street is showing the action live across its screens, with food and drinks available throughout. England also face Japan on Saturday 14 November at 4:40pm, followed by New Zealand on Saturday 21 November at 2:10pm. Come on England! 🌹

👉 Watch the Rugby — Masons Arms Solihull

There's reason to celebrate at Damson Park! Solihull Moors secured back-to-back National League victories after a thrilling 2–1 win over Kidderminster Harriers last weekend. Despite conceding after just three minutes, Ben Wodskou equalised before an own goal completed the comeback. The Moors travel to Sutton United on Saturday 14 November, 3pm, hoping to keep their winning run going!

👉 Read the match report — Solihull Moors

Get behind our local team as Solihull Moors welcome Altrincham to Damson Park on Saturday 21 November, with a 12:30pm kick-off! Whether you're a regular supporter or fancy experiencing live football, it's a great opportunity to cheer on the Moors. Adult tickets are £22, with discounts for younger supporters and over-65s. Under-12s can attend for just £1! 💛💙

👉 Solihull Moors vs Altrincham — Tickets

Love football but fancy something a little gentler? Solihull Moors Foundation runs walking football sessions for adults aged 50+, offering a fantastic way to stay active, meet new people and enjoy the beautiful game without the running! Sessions take place on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at Damson Park, with groups catering for different ages and abilities. Whether you're returning to football or trying it for the first time, everyone is welcome to enquire. 💙

👉 Discover Solihull Moors Walking Football

Fancy escaping Solihull for a few days? We've had another look at cheap direct flights from Birmingham Airport and there are some seriously tempting fares around.

Birmingham → Dublin
📅 Friday 11 → Monday 14 December
✈️ Ryanair — Direct
💰 £35 return

A festive weekend in Dublin for just £35 return? Go on then! 🍀🎄 Enjoy two full days exploring Dublin's lively pubs, cosy cafés, Christmas decorations and famous Temple Bar. Perfect for a spontaneous December getaway without breaking the bank!

👉 Have a look at Birmingham to Dublin flights

Birmingham → Milan Bergamo
📅 Saturday 28 → Monday 30 November
✈️ Ryanair — Direct
💰 £28 return

Two nights in beautiful northern Italy for less than the price of a meal out? Yes, please! 🇮🇹🍷 Wander the cobbled streets of Bergamo's historic Città Alta, enjoy authentic Italian pizza and pasta, and soak up the atmosphere of this gorgeous medieval city. Milan is also within easy reach if you fancy exploring somewhere bigger!

👉 Birmingham to Bergamo flights

• Bin collections: https://digital.solihull.gov.uk/BinCollectionCalendar/
• Council news + updates: https://www.solihull.gov.uk/news
• Travel disruptions (West Midlands): https://disruptions.tfwm.org.uk/

Thanks for reading Solihull Spotlight 💙 let’s chat again on Thursday! 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.

Thank you for being a part of Solihull Spotlight. If you've been enjoying Solihull Spotlight, one thing you can do to help us out, is forward this to a friend. When they subscribe using your personal link below, you’ll earn rewards from us as a thank you. Here's what's on offer: