Good Morning Solihull 👋

Is it just us, or is Christmas arriving earlier every year?!

Well, whether you're ready for it or not, the festive season is officially kicking off in Solihull this weekend!

Touchwood is switching on its Christmas lights this Saturday, Santa's Grotto is opening its doors, and there's even a John Lewis warehouse clearance in Shirley for anyone hoping to bag a bargain before the Christmas shopping rush!

But it's not all tinsel and Christmas trees...

We've got some lovely local stories to share this week, including a fantastic knitting campaign supporting older people, exciting opportunities for Solihull's next generation, and some positive news for local families.

We've also discovered two cosy local restaurants worth visiting, rounded up plenty of sporting action and found some tempting Christmas getaway inspiration flying from Birmingham Airport.

Whether you're planning a family outing, a date night or just looking for an excuse to get out of the house, hopefully there's something in this week's edition for you!

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

Let’s get into it.

— Max

Got a knack for knitting? Or fancy learning a new hobby while making a difference? Age UK Solihull is calling on local knitters and crocheters to help create 15,000 tiny woolly hats as part of its brilliant Big Knit campaign!

The colourful creations will eventually find their way onto innocent smoothie bottles, with 30p donated to Age UK Solihull for every hat made. Reach the 15,000 hat target, and that's an incredible £4,500 to help support older people across our borough!

Last time around, Solihull's wonderful knitters managed 13,243 hats. Can we beat that this year?

And it's about more than just fundraising! The charity is hosting free weekly knitting meet-ups every Thursday, 12:30–2:30pm, at Blossomfield Rose Care Home. Everyone's welcome, with hot drinks, patterns and plenty of friendly conversation provided.

Whether you're a knitting pro or just fancy giving it a go, every little hat makes a difference.

👉 Find out how to get involved with Age UK Solihull's Big Knit

Speaking of supporting Age UK Solihull, I'm taking on the London Marathon in 2027 to raise money for this fantastic local charity! They do some incredible work helping older people in our community, particularly those experiencing loneliness and isolation.

If you’re not a knitter but still fancy supporting the cause, even a small donation would mean the world to me and, more importantly, help Age UK Solihull continue making a real difference locally.

🏃 Support Age UK Solihull

Thank you so much! ❤️

The future is looking bright for Solihull's next generation! 🌟

More than 1,100 young people, parents and carers headed to Cranmore Park for the Solihull Apprenticeship and Pathways Show, discovering the incredible range of career opportunities available right on our doorstep.

Big-name employers including Jaguar Land Rover, Rolls-Royce, British Airways and Balfour Beatty VINCI were among those showcasing opportunities, alongside local colleges and training providers.

From apprenticeships and engineering careers to T Levels, supported internships and degree-level qualifications, the event showed that there's more than one route to a successful career! 🙌

Young people even got to chat directly with current apprentices, hearing firsthand what working in different industries is really like.

It's brilliant to see so many local businesses helping Solihull's young people take their next steps with confidence. Here's to the next generation of talent!

👉 Read more about the event and local career opportunities

Some really positive news for families across Solihull, as plans to expand Reynalds Cross School in Olton have officially been given the green light! 🎉

The school, which supports children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), is set for a major transformation that will create 30 additional specialist school places, increasing capacity in the affected provision from 20 to 50 pupils.

And it's not just about creating more spaces!

The exciting plans include new classrooms, a multipurpose hall, occupational therapy facilities and dedicated sensory and quiet spaces, helping create an even more welcoming and supportive environment for pupils. ❤️

The improvements will also replace ageing facilities and provide better spaces for both children and staff.

With demand for specialist education places continuing across the borough, this is a really encouraging investment in local children's futures.

Every child deserves a place where they can learn, grow and thrive, and it's wonderful to see progress towards making that possible for more Solihull families. 🌟

👉 Explore the approved plans on Solihull Council's planning website

📍 255 Hampton Lane, Catherine-de-Barnes, Solihull

Looking for somewhere special to escape the November chill? We've found just the spot!

Tucked away in the lovely village of Catherine-de-Barnes, Fox, Hampton Lane is an independent neighbourhood restaurant serving up seasonal British food in a beautifully relaxed setting.

Think delicious Sunday roasts, warming winter dishes, weekend brunches and a lovely glass of wine — the perfect excuse to gather your favourite people around the table!

The kitchen champions fresh, locally sourced ingredients, including meat from Eric Lyons in Knowle, with a regularly changing menu that makes the most of the seasons.

And there's another lovely reason to visit! ❤️ Throughout November and December, Fox is supporting StreetSmart, adding an optional £1 to table bills to help people experiencing homelessness in the Birmingham area.

Whether it's a Sunday lunch with the family, a cosy date night or simply coffee and pastries after a winter walk, this is one local independent worth putting on your list!

👉 Explore Fox, Hampton Lane and book a table

📍 658 Warwick Road, Solihull, B91 3DX

Cold November evenings call for something warming, and we think we've found just the place!

Say hello to Tap & Tandoor, Solihull's independent Indian gastropub, where traditional British pub culture meets the wonderful flavours of Indian cooking!

Founded by husband-and-wife team Ajay and Shivani Kenth, this Warwick Road favourite serves everything from sizzling mixed grills and flavour-packed curries to Indian street-food-inspired small plates, alongside craft beers and creative cocktails.

But here's something a little different for your Sunday plans...

They've put an Indian twist on the traditional Sunday roast! Think tandoor-cooked mains served with seasonal vegetables, gunpowder potatoes and flaky paratha. Now that's one way to warm up on a chilly afternoon! It requires advance booking by 5pm on Saturday and is served 12–3pm on Sundays.

Fancy making a night of it? There's also live sport on the screens, a weekly Monday quiz and two cocktails for £15.

Whether you're planning a date night, catching up with friends or fancy trying something different for Sunday lunch, this is a brilliant local spot to explore!

👉 Explore Tap & Tandoor and book a table

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Solihull! 🎅✨ Head to Touchwood this Saturday 14 November, where the festive celebrations kick off at 2pm, with music, entertainment and appearances from the cast of Peter Pan before the big Christmas lights switch-on at 4:30pm! Santa's Grotto also opens in Jubilee Walk, where little ones can meet Father Christmas and receive a cuddly reindeer gift. The lights switch-on is FREE, while Grotto tickets start at £6.50 per child throughout November. A lovely way to kick off the festive season! 🎁

👉 Christmas at Touchwood

Looking for a fun, free activity with the little ones this weekend? Head to MAC Birmingham on Saturday 14 November for a wonderfully creative Christmas workshop! Inspired by the world of surrealist art, children can make their own quirky festive decorations to take home or hang on MAC's enormous Christmas tree. 🎄 There are two drop-in sessions, 10am–12pm and 1–3pm, suitable for ages 3+ with a parent or guardian. Best of all, it's completely FREE, with no booking required! Just pop along while materials last. ✂️✨

👉 Surreal Santa: Christmas Tree Decorations

Fancy swapping Saturday night television for something a little more magical? 🎻 Solihull Choral Society is bringing an evening of beautiful classical music to Solihull School Chapel on Saturday 14 November at 7:30pm. Joined by the Sinfonia of Birmingham, the choir will perform some wonderful works by Mozart and Haydn, including Mozart's The Marriage of Figaro overture. Whether you're a classical music lover or simply fancy trying something different, it's a lovely opportunity to enjoy live music while supporting our local choir. 🎵

👉 Classical Splendour — Solihull Choral Society

Who doesn't love a bargain, especially with Christmas approaching?! 😍 John Lewis is opening its Shirley distribution warehouse on Sunday 15 November for a special clearance event at 4 Cranbrook Way. Expect big savings on everything from sofas and beds to televisions, electrical appliances and home furnishings, with many items discounted by up to 40% and some even more! Items may include customer returns or cancelled orders, so conditions can vary, but everything is checked for functionality. Entry is FREE, although you'll need to book a ticket in advance. Perfect if you're looking to refresh your home without paying full price! 🏡

👉 John Lewis Warehouse Clearance — Book Free Tickets

Sport, celebrities and a brilliant cause — what's not to love? 🏐🌟 Netball Aid 2026 is taking over Utilita Arena Birmingham on Sunday 15 November, bringing together sporting legends, celebrities and familiar faces for an action-packed afternoon of netball! Expect exciting matches, entertainment and even a world-record attempt, all while raising money for Shelter. The action starts at 12:30pm, with doors opening at 11:30am, and the event runs until 5pm. Tickets are from £20, making this a fantastic outing for sports fans and families alike! 🙌

👉 Netball Aid 2026 — Tickets & Information

The smell of sizzling bratwurst, twinkling Christmas lights and a steaming mug of mulled wine... Birmingham's famous Frankfurt Christmas Market is back! 🎄🍷 Running from Thursday 5 November until Christmas Eve, the market transforms Victoria Square and New Street into a festive wonderland, with more than 80 traditional Bavarian-style stalls selling gifts, decorations, delicious food and warming drinks. Whether it's a romantic date night, a family outing or an afternoon getting into the Christmas spirit with friends, it's always worth a visit. Entry is FREE, so you can soak up the atmosphere without spending a penny (although resisting the pretzels might be another story!). 🥨✨

👉 Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market — Dates & Details

There's plenty happening in Solihull's sporting world this week! From Knowle FC flying high at the top of the table to an action-packed weekend of ice hockey, here's your latest local sports roundup.

Things are looking up at Damson Park! 💛💙

Solihull Moors have recorded back-to-back National League victories, following an exciting 2–1 win over local rivals Kidderminster Harriers on Halloween and a 3–2 away victory against Wealdstone.

The Moors travel to Sutton United this Saturday, before returning home for an important clash against Altrincham.

📅 Saturday 21 November — Solihull Moors vs Altrincham

📍 Damson Park, Solihull | ⏰ 12:30pm kick-off

🎟️ Adults £22 | Under-12s £1 (membership and accompanying-adult rules apply)

Why not get down to Damson Park and help cheer the Moors on to another three points?

👉 Get tickets for Solihull Moors vs Altrincham

The Robins produced a thrilling 4–2 victory over Histon last Saturday, moving four points clear at the top of the United Counties League Premier Division South, with two games in hand over second-placed Rugby Town! 🔥

And there's more football to look forward to at the Robins' Nest!

📅 Saturday 21 November — Knowle FC vs Desborough Town

📍 Robins' Nest, Hampton Road, Knowle | ⏰ 3pm kick-off

🎟️ Adults £10 | Over-65s £5 | Under-18s £3 | Under-13s FREE!

Affordable local football, a brilliant community atmosphere and a team fighting for the title. What's not to love?

👉 Knowle FC — Fixtures & Club News

Fancy something a little different this weekend? How about an evening of fast-paced ice hockey right here in Solihull?! 🥅❄️

Our very own Solihull Barons welcome the Deeside Dragons to Planet Ice this Sunday in what promises to be an entertaining Division 1 encounter.

📅 Sunday 15 November — Solihull Barons vs Deeside Dragons

📍 Planet Ice Solihull, Hobs Moat Road | ⏰ 5:30pm face-off

🎟️ Adults £12 | Concessions £7.50 | Family tickets £29 (2 adults and up to 3 children)

If you've never experienced live ice hockey before, this could be a fantastic family outing. Expect plenty of speed, skill and excitement! 🙌

👉 Solihull Barons — Fixtures & Tickets

Old Silhillians Hockey Club have two first-team home matches lined up against University of Birmingham opposition on Saturday.

📅 Saturday 14 November

📍 Silhillians Sports Club, Warwick Road, Solihull

A great chance to discover one of our borough's established community sports clubs and support local players!

👉 Old Silhillians Hockey Club — Fixtures

Fancy planning ahead? Here are a few more matches worth popping in the calendar!

Know a local team doing something brilliant? 🏆

From grassroots football and junior rugby to running clubs, hockey, netball and everything in between, we'd love to celebrate more of Solihull's sporting community!

Get in touch with Solihull Spotlight and tell us your team's news! 💙

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 this December!

Birmingham → Milan
📅 Monday 14 → Thursday 17 December
✈️ Vueling
💰 £65 return

Christmas shopping in Milan for £41 return?! Now that's tempting! Spend three nights exploring the magical Christmas market beside the magnificent Duomo, admiring the festive decorations and treating yourself to incredible Italian food. Pizza, pasta, panettone and Christmas lights — we're sold!

👉 Have a look at Birmingham to Milan flights

Birmingham → Dublin
📅 Friday 4 → Sunday 6 December
✈️ Aer Lingus
💰 £55 return

Two nights of Christmas cheer in Dublin! Explore the festive markets at TwinkleTown, enjoy the twinkling lights around the city, and warm up in a traditional Irish pub with live music. A Christmas weekend away for just £55 return? Go on, you deserve it!

👉 Have a look at Birmingham to Dublin flights

💡 Spotlight Tip: These are recently advertised return flight prices per person, not packages. Accommodation, additional luggage and airport transfers are extra. Fares can change quickly, so double-check the final price before booking!

• 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.

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