Good evening Solihull 👋

Happy Bonfire Night! 🔥 Whether you're heading out to enjoy the fireworks, wrapping up warm with a hot chocolate, or staying firmly indoors with the pets, I hope you're having a lovely Thursday evening!

There's plenty happening across Solihull this weekend, with fireworks lighting up the skies, Christmas markets beginning to pop up (yes, already!), and some brilliant local events to get involved in.

Sunday also brings Remembrance Sunday, an important opportunity for our community to come together, reflect and pay tribute to those who have served and sacrificed so much. We've included information on local services and how veterans and serving personnel can travel free to commemorations.

Elsewhere in today's Spotlight, we're settling the all-important question of where to find a proper Sunday roast, celebrating our wonderful local pubs and sharing a couple of tempting escapes from Birmingham Airport.

So, grab a cuppa and let's see what's happening around Solihull!

Let’s get into it.

— Max

Big changes could be on the horizon for a corner of Solihull! Plans for 130 new homes on land off Old Station Road, near Hampton-in-Arden, have moved a step closer to becoming reality after receiving a recommendation for approval from council planning officers.

The proposed development, put forward by Cityheart, would transform approximately 17 acres of agricultural land, with around 50% of the new homes designated as affordable housing, potentially helping more local families and first-time buyers find somewhere to call home.

The location is also just a short distance from Birmingham Airport and Birmingham International railway station, making it an attractive spot for commuters.

However, not everyone is convinced! The proposals have attracted objections from residents concerned about traffic, noise and the impact on the Green Belt. Solihull councillors are due to consider the plans, with a final decision yet to be confirmed.

👉 Explore the Plans — Solihull Council Planning Portal

Everyone has a favourite local, whether it's the friendly faces behind the bar, a brilliant Sunday roast, or simply somewhere that feels like a second home! Now's your chance to give yours some well-deserved recognition.

Nominations are open to find the Best Local Pub in Solihull West and Shirley, celebrating the fantastic pubs at the heart of our communities. So, whether you've got a hidden gem or a long-standing favourite, why not show it some love?

📅 Nominations close Friday 11 December 2026.

👉 Find out more and nominate your favourite pub

A thoughtful gesture from West Midlands Railway this Remembrance Sunday, helping those who have served our country attend commemorations without worrying about the cost of getting there.

Veterans and serving military personnel can travel free on eligible West Midlands Railway services on Sunday 8 November, making it easier to attend Remembrance services and parades across the region.

With communities across Solihull coming together to pay their respects, it's a lovely way to support those who have given so much. ❤️

👉 Find out more about free Remembrance travel and eligibility

Calling all budding young artists! 🎨 Wythall Parish Council is inviting local primary school children to get creative and design its official Christmas card for 2026.

This year's theme is 'Christmas in Wythall – A Festive Celebration of Our Community', giving children the chance to showcase what makes their village special during the festive season.

The winning design will feature on the council's official Christmas card, and the talented young artist will even get to lead the countdown at Wythall's Christmas Lights Switch-On on 27 November! There are also prizes for first, second and third place.

📅 Entries close Monday 9 November at 6pm. Designs can be submitted through Meadow Green Primary School, Coppice Primary School or directly to the Parish Council offices on Silver Street.

👉 Visit Wythall Parish Council for information

I'm taking on the 2027 London Marathon to raise money for Age UK Solihull, helping support older people in our local community.

If you enjoy Solihull Spotlight and would like to support a fantastic local cause, even a small donation would mean the world. Every pound helps! 💙

👉 Support my London Marathon fundraiser for Age UK Solihull

The Great Solihull Roast Debate! We've shared two of our favourite Sunday roast spots, but where serves the BEST roast in Solihull? Hit reply and tell us your favourite — we'll share some of your recommendations in a future edition!

If your perfect Sunday involves crispy roast potatoes, a giant Yorkshire pudding and plenty of gravy, The Malt Shovel in Barston deserves a spot on your list!

Tucked away in the Solihull countryside, this charming gastropub was crowned Gastro Pub of the Year at the Food Awards England 2025, and its Sunday lunch is a real highlight. Choose from roast Herefordshire beef, chicken, pork, lamb or a vegetarian nut roast, all served with delicious seasonal accompaniments.

With cosy interiors, a roaring log fire and beautiful countryside surroundings, it's the perfect place to escape for a relaxed Sunday afternoon.

📍 Barston Lane, Barston, B92 0JP

💷 Sunday roasts from £18.95 | Served 12–5pm

👉 Explore the Sunday menu and book a table

Sometimes, you just can't beat a traditional Sunday roast in a cosy village pub, and The Railway Inn in Dorridge is a lovely place to find one!

This independent pub on Grange Road has built a strong local following for its hearty, home-cooked-style food, welcoming atmosphere and classic British dishes. Sunday lunch is a particular favourite, with roast beef, generous Yorkshire puddings and all those comforting trimmings that make Sundays special.

It's also a great choice for a relaxed catch-up with family or friends, with a dog-friendly bar and a lovely garden for when the weather behaves!

📍 Grange Road, Dorridge, B93 8QA

🕛 Open Sundays from 12pm | Booking recommended

👉 View the Sunday menu and book a table

🎄 Earlswood Christmas Craft Market — Saturday 7 & Sunday 8 November
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas! Head to Earlswood Garden & Landscape Centre on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 November, 10am–4pm, for a festive weekend featuring over 20 local makers, handmade decorations, unique gifts, artisan treats and delicious food. There'll even be a special appearance from Joe Lycett's Aunties, Margaret and Pauline, on Saturday! FREE entry and parking, so it's a lovely opportunity to shop small and get into the festive spirit.
👉 Earlswood Christmas Craft Market

🎆 Blossomfield Club Bonfire Night — Friday 6 November
Wrap up warm for a spectacular evening at Blossomfield Club on Friday 6 November, 6–9pm! Enjoy a traditional bonfire, professional fireworks display, live entertainment and plenty of independent food and drink stalls. It's a brilliant way to celebrate Bonfire Night with family and friends. Tickets are required, and there's no parking available at the venue, so plan your journey ahead.
👉 Blossomfield Bonfire Night — Tickets

🍷 The Lost Boys With Wine — The Core Theatre, Friday 6 November
Fancy a movie night with a twist? Head to The Core Theatre on Friday 6 November, 7:30pm, for a screening of the cult 80s vampire classic The Lost Boys, paired with a tasting of five Californian wines served at key moments throughout the film! Expect movie trivia, plenty of laughs and a suitably spooky atmosphere. Strictly 18+, with non-alcoholic alternatives available by advance arrangement. Tickets are £32.95 plus booking fee.
👉 The Lost Boys With Wine — Book Tickets

🎇 Arden Academy PTFA Fireworks — Saturday 7 November
Get ready for a fantastic family evening at Arden Academy in Knowle on Saturday 7 November! The school's PTFA is hosting its annual fireworks display, complete with delicious street food, a BBQ, warming drinks, sweet treats, games, a tombola and plenty of glow-in-the-dark fun. Even better, the event helps raise funds for the school community. Tickets are on sale, with under-3s going free. Check the booking page for current prices.
👉 Arden Academy PTFA Fireworks — Event Details

🌺 Remembrance Sunday Services — Across Solihull, Sunday 8 November
Communities across Solihull will come together on Sunday 8 November to remember and honour the brave men and women who have served and sacrificed for our country. Services and parades will take place across the borough, including Solihull town centre, Knowle, Shirley, Castle Bromwich and surrounding villages. Solihull's main commemorations will centre around the war memorial by St Alphege Church. Everyone is welcome to pay their respects, with temporary road closures in several areas during the morning.
👉 Remembrance Sunday

💜 Solihull Women’s Stride Squad Glow Walk — Wednesday 25 November
Light up the night for a brilliant cause! Join Solihull Women’s Stride Squad at Malvern & Brueton Park on Wednesday 25 November, gathering from 6:45pm for a 7pm welcome, for a special community Glow Walk marking the start of the UN's 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. This inspiring event brings people together to raise awareness, show solidarity and spread a message of hope. Everyone is welcome, so wrap up warm, wear something bright and bring your glow sticks or a torch! Meet at the New Road gates, and best of all, it's completely FREE to join! 💜
👉 Solihull Glow Walk 2026 — Event Details

⚽ Solihull Moors Make It Back-to-Back Wins!
A brilliant Halloween result at Damson Park saw Solihull Moors defeat local rivals Kidderminster Harriers 2–1, securing consecutive National League victories for the first time this season! The Moors will be hoping to keep that momentum going when they travel to Sutton United on Saturday 14 November.
👉 Solihull Moors FC

🏆 Knowle FC Flying High at the Top!
Knowle FC are back at the top of the United Counties League Premier Division South following a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Godmanchester Rovers. The Robins are two points clear with two games in hand! They're back at home against Histon on Saturday 7 November, 3pm, with adult tickets just £10 and under-13s going FREE.
👉 Knowle FC — Match Details

🏒 Solihull Barons Hit the Road!
Our local ice hockey team, the Solihull Barons, head north to face Billingham Stars in cup action on Saturday 7 November, 5:30pm. Fancy catching them closer to home? Their next home fixture is against Deeside Dragons at Planet Ice Solihull on Sunday 15 November.
👉 Solihull Barons — Fixtures

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 → Turin
📅 Saturday 21 → Monday 23 November
✈️ Ryanair
💰 £33 return

Two nights of delicious pasta, Italian coffee and beautiful Alpine scenery! 🇮🇹☕ Turin is one of Italy's most underrated city breaks, with stunning architecture, charming piazzas and plenty of opportunities for an aperitivo. All for less than the price of a decent meal out!

👉 Have a look at Birmingham to Turin flights

Birmingham → Málaga
📅 Friday 4th → Friday 11th December
✈️ Ryanair
💰 £39 return

Fancy swapping chilly Solihull for a bit of Spanish sunshine? ☀️🍷 Spend two nights exploring Málaga's beautiful old town, enjoying tapas by the waterfront and soaking up the Mediterranean atmosphere. A brilliant little escape for just £39 return!

👉 Have a look at Birmingham to Málaga flights

✈️ Found while putting together today's Spotlight: Flight prices move quickly, so these may change after we hit send. The cheapest fares will usually include only a small personal bag, with luggage, seats and other extras costing more.

• 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 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.

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