Good Evening Solihull 👋

Somehow we’ve reached the final weekend of August, but there’s certainly no sign of things slowing down around here.

This week we’ve got a historic moment for Knowle FC, a big birthday for Touchwood, more than £20,000 raised at Brueton Park, two independent food finds to try and a packed September diary.

And after several of you asked us to hunt out cheap flights from Birmingham Airport, we’ve listened. Our new Spontaneous Getaways section starts this week with return flights to Alicante from around £68 and Edinburgh from around £62. ✈️

So grab a coffee, have a scroll and find something worth adding to your week.

Let’s get into it.

— Max

There’s a lovely local milestone over in Hampton-in-Arden, where community station Vibe25 Radio is celebrating six months on air.

Since launching earlier this year, the charity-led station has grown to include more than 30 volunteer presenters and has already welcomed over 32 charities, support organisations and community groups onto its airwaves, giving local causes a platform to share their work and connect with new audiences.

And it sounds like this is only the beginning, with Vibe25 now preparing to expand its broadcast reach across more of the Midlands. A brilliant example of a small local idea quickly becoming something much bigger. 📻💛

👉 Read more about Vibe25 Radio

It’s a big birthday for one of Solihull town centre’s best-known landmarks, with Touchwood celebrating its 25th anniversary on Saturday 5 September.

To mark the occasion, there’ll be plenty happening throughout the centre, including the chance to create your own limited-edition artwork with local artist Cris Wong, commemorative mugs raising money for Acorns Children’s Hospice, and the return of the Touchwood Tornado, with prizes donated by retailers.

Whether you remember Touchwood opening back in 2001 or it’s simply always been part of Solihull life for you, this feels like a lovely excuse to head into town and join the celebrations. 🎂

👉 Find out more about Touchwood’s 25th anniversary

There was a brilliant show of community spirit at Brueton Park, where local walkers and cyclists came together for the Beacon of Peace charity walk and cycle.

Organised by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Elders Association, the event saw residents take to the park to raise money for good causes — with the total climbing to more than £20,000.

A fantastic example of Solihull coming together, getting active and making a real difference at the same time. 💛

There’s good news for local art lovers, as Solihull Artists Forum returns with its first group exhibition since 2022.

Creative Harvest runs from 2–19 September, bringing together work from local artists and giving visitors the chance to discover some of the creative talent found across the borough.

It’s a lovely opportunity to support local artists, enjoy something a little different and perhaps even discover a new favourite piece along the way. 🎨

👉 See what’s coming up in Solihull

If you fancy trying somewhere a little different in Solihull town centre, Ming Oriental on Station Road is one to add to the list.

Serving up a wide range of Chinese dishes in a relaxed setting, it’s a handy option for everything from a quick lunch to an easy evening meal — and it still feels a little under the radar compared with some of the bigger town-centre names.

One to keep in mind next time the “Where shall we eat?” debate begins. 🥡

👉 Discover Ming Oriental

Over in Cheswick Green, Ethel’s Coffee + Kitchen has become a lovely neighbourhood spot for coffee, brunch and a catch-up.

With a cosy local feel and a menu covering breakfast, lunch and sweet treats, it’s exactly the kind of independent café worth knowing about — whether you’re meeting a friend or simply fancy trying somewhere different for your weekend coffee.

A great little find away from the town centre. ☕🥐

👉 Discover Ethel’s Coffee + Kitchen

Luminarium — Compton Verney — 30–31 August
One of the more unusual Bank Holiday days out nearby, Luminarium has transformed Compton Verney with a giant walk-through inflatable maze filled with changing light, colour and curved spaces. Each experience lasts around 25 minutes, while tickets also include admission to Compton Verney’s galleries, family activities and 120 acres of grounds. Advance tickets are £30.50 for adults and £12.55 for children aged 2–18. 🌈
👉 Step Inside Luminarium

Funny to The Core with Andy Parsons — The Core, Solihull — 5 September
Fancy a proper comedy night without heading into Birmingham? Mock the Week favourite Andy Parsons headlines the next Funny to The Core, joined by Peter Brush, Birmingham’s Alex Egan and host Adam Coumas. The show starts at 8pm, is recommended for ages 16+ and tickets are £20 plus the booking fee. A very easy Saturday night date-night option right in the centre of Solihull. 😂
👉 Funny to The Core — Andy Parsons

Recovery Reunion — Silhillians, Knowle — 5 September
Silhillians in Knowle hosts a special Recovery Reunion next Saturday, bringing people together for an evening of music, community and celebration. Running from 4–10pm, there’ll be inspirational speakers, movement sessions, line dancing, live entertainment, children’s activities, a bouncy castle and opportunities to connect with local organisations. Advance entry is £10 for adults and just £1 for children. 💛
👉 Recovery Reunion 2026

Dorridge Day — Dorridge Park — 6 September
Dorridge Day is back next Sunday with a colourful Carnival theme and a full afternoon of family fun. Expect live entertainment, traditional games, a carnival parade, classic cars, artisan stalls, food vans, inflatables, a climbing wall and even a water fight. It runs from 11am–4pm, with profits from the volunteer-run event supporting local causes. 🎪
👉 Dorridge Day 2026

Qigong in the Gardens — Castle Bromwich Historic Gardens — 6 September
Start Sunday morning somewhere a little more peaceful with an hour of Qigong amongst the trees and gardens at Castle Bromwich Historic Gardens. The gentle session combines movement, breathing and meditation and is suitable for all abilities. It runs from 10–11am and is the first of four Sunday sessions throughout September. 🧘
👉 Qigong in the Gardens

Balsall Common Fun Run — Balsall Common Primary School — 13 September
Whether you want to walk, jog, run or race, the Balsall Common Fun Run is returning with something for almost every age and ability. There are mini runs for younger children alongside Junior and Family 5Ks, plus Adult 5K and 10K races, all starting and finishing at Balsall Common Primary School. Adult 5K and 10K entries are £17, with the event raising funds for the Lily Mae Foundation. 🏃
👉 Balsall Common Fun Run

What a moment for Knowle FC. The Robins’ historic FA Cup run continues next Saturday when they welcome Worcester City to Hampton Road — and the match will be shown live on the BBC.

It will be the first televised match in Knowle’s 100-year history, coming during their first ever season competing in the men’s FA Cup. They’ve already beaten Darlaston Town and higher-division Coleshill Town to reach the First Round Qualifying stage, with kick-off on Saturday 5 September moved to 12:30pm for the cameras.

You’ll be able to watch on BBC iPlayer, BBC Red Button, the BBC Sport website and BBC Football’s YouTube channel — although we reckon being there in person would be even better! 🔴⚪

👉 Knowle FC v Worcester City — Saturday 5 September, 12:30pm

There’s Bank Holiday football at Damson Park tomorrow afternoon, as Solihull Moors welcome AFC Fylde in the National League.

It’s been a difficult start to the new campaign for the Moors, who are still searching for their first league points after Friday night’s 3–1 defeat at Scunthorpe, despite Jacob Wakeling putting Solihull ahead.

They’ll be hoping home advantage can help kick-start their season when Fylde arrive on Monday.

👉 Solihull Moors v AFC Fylde — Monday 31 August, 3pm

A big congratulations to Solihull racing driver Harrison Morrow, who enjoyed a brilliant weekend at Snetterton and lifted the Henry Rillett Trophy.

The result has moved Morrow to the brink of winning the 2026 Super Classic Formula Ford Championship, putting another local name firmly in the hunt for national silverware. Definitely one to keep an eye on as the season reaches its finale. 🏁

There’s an exciting finish brewing in the Birmingham Premier League, with Knowle & Dorridge Cricket Club right in the hunt at the top of Premier Division One.

They suffered an agonising one-wicket defeat to title rivals Smethwick in their latest reported top-of-the-table clash, despite posting 253-9 and reducing their opponents to 27-4 early in the reply.

It looks like the title race could be going right down to the wire. 🏏🏆

After several of you messaged us last week asking for cheap flights from Birmingham Airport, we decided it deserved its own section.

So each week we’ll keep an eye out for a couple of tempting trips you could take directly from BHX. First up…

Sunshine, tapas and a few days beside the Mediterranean?

Jet2 is currently showing Birmingham → Alicante flights from £34 on Thursday 3 September, with fares back to Birmingham from £34 on Thursday 10 September — making a return trip possible from around £68pp before optional extras.

Explore Alicante’s colourful Old Town, head up to Santa Bárbara Castle, find a table for tapas or simply spend a few days on the beach. ☀️

👉 Have a look at Birmingham to Alicante flights

Prefer a city break?

You can fly from Birmingham to Edinburgh on Sunday 6 September from £23.49, with flights back on Tuesday 8 September from £38.99 — putting a two-night break at around £62.48pp in base fares.

With its cobbled Old Town, cosy pubs, brilliant restaurants and one of the UK's most impressive skylines, Edinburgh is an easy choice for a spontaneous couple of nights away — and the flight takes only around an hour. ✈️

👉 Check Birmingham to Edinburgh flights

💡 Flight prices were checked this weekend and can change quickly. Prices shown are headline/base fares and optional baggage, seats and other extras may cost more.

The Strongman Open — Utilita Arena Birmingham — 5 September
Some of the strongest men in the world are heading to Birmingham for a huge night of strength, speed and power at The Strongman Open. Competitors take on five different events in front of a live arena crowd, with the action starting at 5pm. A brilliant one for sports fans and families who fancy something a little different. 💪
👉 The Strongman Open 2026

The Cat Show Live — National Exhibition Centre — 12 September
Cat lovers, this one’s for you. The Cat Show Live brings more than 250 cats from over 50 breeds to the NEC, alongside 100+ cat brands, expert talks, rescue organisations and a dedicated kids’ area. It runs from 10am–5pm, with under-fives going free. 🐱
👉 The Cat Show Live Birmingham

Niall Horan — Utilita Arena Birmingham — 22 September
Former One Direction star Niall Horan brings his Dinner Party Live On Tour to Birmingham, with support from flowerovlove. The show starts at 7:30pm, with tickets currently starting from £41 plus fees. 🎤
👉 Niall Horan in Birmingham

Queensberry Boxing: Davies v Collins — bp pulse LIVE — 26 September
Another huge night of boxing is heading to the NEC campus, with Davies v Collins headlining alongside a rematch between Heaney and Warburton. Doors open at 4pm, with the first action scheduled from 4:15pm. 🥊
👉 Queensberry Boxing at bp pulse LIVE

Solihull Food & Harvest Festival — Solihull Town Centre — 25–27 September
This is definitely one to get in the diary. Solihull Food & Harvest Festival is taking over the town centre for three days of food, music and autumn fun. Friday brings 17 local choirs together for Harvest Harmony, Saturday features street food, live music until 8pm and an all-new Farmers Market in Mell Square, before Sunday turns into a Barn Dance Festival with free line dancing, Shania Twain and Dolly Parton tributes, a bucking bronco and family crafts. 🌾🍴🎶
There’ll also be a scarecrow trail running throughout the weekend, making this one of September’s biggest local family events.
👉 Solihull Food & Harvest Festival 2026

• 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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