Good Evening Solihull 👋

With the clocks going back and October half-term upon us, we've got plenty to keep you entertained as the darker evenings roll in! 🎃🍂

Tonight, we're celebrating a brilliant young local hero, sharing FREE half-term activities for Solihull families and applauding a double national achievement for one of our local schools.

Plus, we've discovered two fantastic independent food spots in Monkspath and Knowle, rounded up the best Halloween events, fireworks and family days out, and caught up with our local sporting stars.

And if you're already dreaming of your next escape, we've got a couple of tempting trips from Birmingham Airport too! ✈️

So whether you're planning a family adventure, a well-earned brunch or simply catching up on what's happening around Solihull, we've got you covered.

Let’s get into it.

— Max

We haven't made it through Halloween yet, but somehow Christmas is already sneaking into the conversation! While some of us are still carving pumpkins, others are preparing. Too soon? We'll let you decide!

Are you a local maker, artist or small business owner? The Core in Solihull is on the lookout for talented traders to join its Christmas Market this December!

Taking place on Saturday 12 December, the festive market will transform The Core's foyer into a shopping destination packed with handmade gifts, artisan creations and unique stocking fillers from local independent businesses.

And the best part? Stalls start from just £30, making it a fantastic opportunity for small businesses to showcase their products to Christmas shoppers.

🗓️ Saturday 12 December | 9am–5pm
📍 The Core, Solihull Town Centre
🎟️ FREE entry for shoppers
🛍️ Stall prices: £30 (trestle table) or £45 (large round table)

Whether you're a budding entrepreneur looking to sell your creations or simply love supporting local businesses, this one's worth popping in the diary!

Know a talented local maker who deserves a spot? Share this with them!

👉 Apply for a stall or find out more

There's plenty to celebrate at Solihull School, which has picked up two prestigious national accolades recognising both academic excellence and its contribution to the community! 🎉

The school was named Best GCSEs winner in The Telegraph's Best Value Private Schools 2026 awards, after an impressive year in which 76% of GCSE grades were awarded at 7–9.

But it's not just classroom success making headlines. The school was also highly commended for its charitable work at the School House Awards, recognising the fantastic fundraising, volunteering and community projects involving pupils from Nursery right through to Sixth Form.

From supporting local charities to organising fundraising challenges, it's brilliant to see young people making a difference both inside and outside the classroom.

A huge congratulations to all the pupils and staff involved! 👏

👉 Discover Solihull School's community and charity work

Heading away for half-term or travelling around the Midlands next weekend? There's an important M42 update to be aware of!

The major motorway closure originally planned for this weekend was postponed because of high winds and is now scheduled for 9pm Friday 30 October until 5am Monday 2 November.

The closure will affect the M42 northbound between Junctions 6–9 and southbound between Junctions 9–7, along with some connecting M6 and M6 Toll routes.

Signed diversions will be in place, so allow extra time if you're heading to Birmingham Airport, the NEC or further afield!

👉 Check the latest M42 closure updates

From joining Beavers at just six years old to representing the entire borough, what an achievement for 16-year-old Josh Tomlinson!

The dedicated member of 4th Knowle Sea Scouts has been appointed as the Mayor of Solihull's official Sea Scout for 2026/27, accompanying Mayor Councillor Sardul Marwa to civic and community events, including Remembrance Sunday.

Josh has worked his way through Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorers, earning the prestigious Chief Scout's Gold Award along the way. He's now working towards his Young Leader Award while studying Art and Design at Solihull Sixth Form College.

With ambitions to pursue a career in architecture or design, Josh certainly has a bright future ahead!

Congratulations, Josh! What a fantastic young ambassador for Solihull. 🌟

👉 Read more about Josh's exciting new role

Looking for ways to keep the kids entertained this October half-term without breaking the bank? Solihull Council's Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme is back!

The fantastic initiative gives eligible children the chance to enjoy FREE activities, make new friends and tuck into a nutritious meal, all while having fun during the school holidays.

From sports and games to arts, crafts and creative workshops, there's plenty to keep young minds and bodies busy across the borough.

The programme is available to eligible children from Reception to Year 11 who receive targeted benefits-related free school meals, helping families make the most of half-term without the added expense.

Know a family who could benefit? Please share this with them, a little information can make a big difference! ❤️

👉 Check eligibility and explore FREE half-term activities

📍 6 Farmhouse Way, Shirley, B90 4EH

If your idea of a perfect weekend involves good coffee, fluffy pancakes and an excuse to skip cooking breakfast, we've found somewhere you need to try! 😍

Tucked away in Monkspath, Hallie's Café is a stylish independent spot serving up everything from hearty full English breakfasts and loaded bagels to indulgent sweet treats and beautifully presented brunch dishes.

And if you've got a sweet tooth, you're in luck! Think tempting cakes, cookies, thick milkshakes and delicious seasonal specials that look almost too good to eat. Almost. 😂

Whether it's a catch-up with friends, a family breakfast or a well-earned weekend treat, Hallie's is definitely one for the brunch bucket list.

Just don't blame us if you end up ordering dessert too! 🍰

👉 Have a peek at Hallie's mouth-watering Instagram

📍 70a St John's Close, Knowle, B93 0NH

Fancy something fresh, colourful and a little different from your usual coffee stop? Meet Livity, one of Knowle's newest independent cafés!

Bringing a feel-good twist to breakfast and lunch, Livity serves up protein-packed smoothies, freshly pressed juices, speciality coffee and vibrant, wholesome dishes designed to keep you fuelled throughout the day.

Whether you're grabbing a matcha after your morning walk, refuelling after the gym or looking for a healthier lunchtime treat, there's plenty to tempt you.

And with everything from protein chia breakfast pots to freshly prepared chicken lunches, healthy eating certainly doesn't have to be boring!

A lovely addition to Knowle's growing independent food scene! 👏

👉 Take a look at Livity's delicious creations on Instagram

We're always on the lookout for the best independent businesses around our borough! What's your favourite café, restaurant or takeaway in Solihull?

Hit reply and tell us where we should visit next. Your recommendation could feature in an upcoming edition of Solihull Spotlight!

🎨 Half-Term Drop-In Crafts — Castle Bromwich Historic Gardens
Looking for a creative way to entertain the little ones this half-term? Head to Castle Bromwich Historic Gardens on Monday 26 October, 12–2pm, for an afternoon of hands-on crafts. While you're there, why not explore the gardens and hunt for six hidden creatures on the Halloween Witches' Trail? Trail admission is £4 per child, or £1 for members. A lovely excuse to get outdoors and embrace the autumn atmosphere! 🍂
👉 Half-Term Crafts at Castle Bromwich Gardens

🎃 Mini Monsters Mash-Up — Resorts World Birmingham
Calling all little monsters! Resorts World is hosting a FREE Halloween extravaganza on Tuesday 27 October, 11am–4pm, packed with magic, mischief and family-friendly fun. Expect a silent disco, entertaining magic shows and a spooky half-term hunt around the building. Best of all, the entertainment won't cost you a penny! A brilliant budget-friendly way to keep the kids entertained this half-term. 👻
👉 FREE Halloween Fun at Resorts World

🪩 Little Ravers Halloween Bumpkin Special — Popworld Solihull
Who says the grown-ups should have all the Halloween fun? Popworld is swapping late-night partying for a mini Halloween rave on Wednesday 28 and Thursday 29 October, 2–5pm! Perfect for babies, toddlers and their families, expect music, dancing, fancy dress and even FREE pumpkin painting. Tickets are £8.80 per child, £11 per adult, with under-2s going FREE. A Halloween party where everyone's home before bedtime? Sounds like a winner! 😂🎃
👉 Little Ravers Halloween Bumpkin Special

👻 The ScareCrawl — Solihull Town Centre
Fancy a Halloween night out with a seriously spooky twist? Solihull BID's ScareCrawl takes over town centre bars on Friday 30 October, 6–8pm, with terrifying characters, themed cocktails and plenty of surprises along the way! Keep your eyes peeled for creepy clowns, werewolves and even Freddy Krueger roaming the venues. Pick up a FREE ScareCrawl wristband at participating locations to unlock some spooky extras. Adults only — definitely not one for the easily frightened! 😱
👉 The ScareCrawl — Solihull BID

🎆 Halloween Fireworks Extravaganza — Balsall Common
Get ready for a Halloween night with a BANG! 💥 Balsall Common Lions are bringing their spectacular fireworks evening to The Lant Sports Ground on Saturday 31 October, 5:30–9pm, complete with live music, delicious street food, family entertainment and Halloween fancy dress competitions. The fireworks are expected at 7:15pm, and advance tickets cost £10 adults, £6 children or £25 for a family. Under-5s go FREE! A brilliant local evening supporting community fundraising. 🎃
👉 Balsall Common Halloween Fireworks Extravaganza

✈️ Spitfire Saturday — Solihull High Street
Something rather special is landing in Solihull! On Saturday 7 November, 11am–4pm, Solihull High Street will welcome a replica Spitfire for a day celebrating wartime history and the people who served. Organised by Solihull BID, the event features live 1940s music, performances from the D-Day Darlings, opportunities to meet veterans and military personnel, and a FREE poppy bookmark-making activity for children. A wonderful way to bring history to life ahead of Remembrance Sunday. 🇬🇧
👉 Spitfire Saturday — Solihull BID

It's been another action-packed week for Solihull's sporting stars, with cup victories, record-breaking performances and plenty of drama!

⚽ Solihull Moors — Late Heartbreak at Damson Park
A frustrating Saturday afternoon for the Moors, who fell to a 2–1 defeat against Carlisle United despite taking the lead through Ben Wodskou just before half-time. They'll be hoping to bounce back away at Wealdstone on Tuesday 27 October (7:45pm) before hosting Kidderminster Harriers next Saturday. Follow the Moors.

⚽ Knowle FC — Back to Winning Ways!
The Robins are flying again! Goals from Talib Copeland and Hayden Purves secured an impressive 2–0 victory over Coton Green in the Birmingham Senior Cup, booking Knowle's place in the last 32. A brilliant response after their first league defeat of the season! 👏 Read the match report.

🏒 Solihull Barons — A Club Legend Makes History!
What a week for the Barons! Following a thrilling 7–4 victory over Deeside Dragons, Niklas Ottosson became the club's all-time leading points scorer with an incredible 842 points! The Barons headed into the weekend top of their league. Follow the Barons.

🥊 Dylan Norman — 13 Fights, 13 Wins!
Solihull-based boxer Dylan Norman has extended his unbeaten professional record to 13–0 after an impressive points victory over Cesar Ignacio Paredes. The 26-year-old, who trains in Shirley, now has his sights set on a first championship opportunity. One to watch! 🥊 See Dylan’s Instagram.

Birmingham → Alicante
📅 Sunday 8 → Wednesday 11 November
✈️ Direct flights
💰 £57 return

Three nights on Spain's beautiful Costa Blanca for less than £60 return? Yes, please! ☀️🇪🇸

Think colourful old-town streets, tapas by the marina, sandy beaches and spectacular views from Santa Bárbara Castle. A little Mediterranean escape before winter really kicks in sounds rather tempting! 🍷

👉 Have a look at Birmingham to Alicante flights

Birmingham → Rome
📅 Monday 16 → Friday 20 November
✈️ Ryanair
💰 £44 return

Four nights in the Eternal City for less than the price of a decent meal out? That's dangerous information! 😂🍝

Explore the Colosseum, toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain, wander through beautiful cobbled streets and eat your body weight in pizza, pasta and gelato. All roads lead to Rome... apparently some very cheap flights do too! 🇮🇹

👉 Have a look at Birmingham to Rome flights

✈️ Flight prices were spotted on 25 October 2026 and may change. Prices are per person, return, and may exclude luggage and extras. Accommodation is not included. Always check the final fare before booking.

I'm running the 2027 London Marathon and I'd love your support!

Next April, I'll be taking on all 26.2 miles of the London Marathon to raise money for Age UK Solihull, a fantastic local charity helping older people across our borough live happier, healthier and less isolated lives.

As the person behind Solihull Spotlight, I love celebrating what makes our community special. Now I'm hoping to give something back!

Every donation, no matter how small, will help make a difference to older people right here in Solihull.

Whether you can spare £2, £5 or simply share my fundraising page, I'd be incredibly grateful for your support.

👉 Support my London Marathon fundraiser for Age UK Solihull

Thank you for supporting me, Age UK Solihull and our wonderful local community!

— Max

• 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/

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