Hello Solihull 👋

Half term is heading into its final stretch, which usually means two things: everyone’s a bit tired, and we’re all still trying to squeeze one more decent plan out of the week.

So today’s edition is a bit of a weekend reset. We’ve got a few fresh local food ideas, a cute free activity for animal-loving kids, girls’ rugby in Solihull, a big night coming to Knowle Park, and a little reminder that sometimes the best thing about Solihull is simply getting out into one of our parks.

Nothing too complicated. Just a few good local nudges before normal routines return.

Let’s get into it.

— Max

A major community investment programme for Chelmsley Wood East has taken its next step, with Reverend Neil Roberts BEM appointed as Chair of the new Neighbourhood Board. The Pride in Place programme could bring up to £20 million of investment over the next 10 years, with local residents, businesses and community groups helping shape what improvements are needed most. Neil has lived and worked in the area for more than 30 years, and will now help bring the board together as the project gets moving.

The next big step is the creation of a Neighbourhood Board, which will help guide how the programme develops. The board is expected to include people who live or work in the area, with the newly appointed Chair responsible for bringing it together. Applications for this role open on Monday 1st June, so if you’re interested in making a difference to the area, then get involved.

👉 Chelmsley Wood Pride in Place

Carers Trust Solihull is currently raising funds for its Blackwell 2026 appeal, helping local young carers enjoy a free three-day adventure break with activities, meals, transport and a bit of much-needed respite included. It’s a lovely reminder that some young people in Solihull carry responsibilities most of us never see and that a few days away can mean a lot. They’re raising money until mid-August, so plenty of time to do what you can to help.

👉 Blackwell Appeal

Thanks to Janet this week for emailing in about the friendly faces around Shirley! With that, the hot weather this week, and the emails we get about local parks, we thought it was the perfect time to mention Hillfield Park.

Hillfield Park is one of those local green spaces that quietly does a lot. There’s a lake, walking trails, free parking, football pitches and play facilities for children of all ages and abilities — basically, a solid “what shall we do for an hour?” answer when you don’t want to overthink it. A nice one for a gentle weekend walk, a playground trip, or just getting everyone out of the house before cabin fever fully wins.

👉 Hillfield Park

Not “new-new”, but it has that fresh weekend feel. The Farm sits in a restored Grade II listed farmhouse and 15th-century barn just outside Solihull, with seasonal food, drinks, wood-fired pizza and countryside setting energy. Good for a family lunch, Sunday plan or “let’s go somewhere that feels a bit special” without travelling too far.

👉 The Farm

One for a slower weekend breakfast or countryside lunch. The View sits at Hill Farm Marina in Wootton Wawen, overlooking the South Stratford Canal and surrounding Warwickshire countryside, with freshly cooked breakfasts, lunches, Sunday roasts and coffee-with-a-view energy. It’s also close to the Edstone Aqueduct, so you can turn it into a mini walk-and-brunch plan if you fancy escaping Solihull for a couple of hours. Dogs are welcome downstairs and outside too.

👉 The View

Pet Pals - Pets At Home
A cute little freebie for animal-loving kids. Pets at Home Solihull is running its Pet Pals school holiday workshops, helping children learn how to care for pets, create safe little homes for them, and meet a few furry or finned friends along the way. Sessions last around 45 minutes, are best suited to ages 4–10, and each child gets a certificate and sticker to take home. Booking is needed, and some dates are already filling up.

👉 Pet Pals

UK Games EXPO - NEC
Board game fans, card game collectors and “I’ll just have a quick look” families, this one’s for you. UK Games Expo lands at the NEC from Friday 29th to Sunday 30th May, bringing tabletop games, roleplaying, demos, traders and plenty of dice energy to the NEC campus. Tickets range from £14pp depending on how many days you wish to attend.

👉 UK Games EXPO

Girls Rugby - Solihull Vixens Rugby Club
One for those who fancy trying something new. Old Yards Vixens offer girls’ rugby for school years 6 to 12, with a big focus on having fun, making friends and building confidence on the pitch. They’re currently recruiting across all age groups, with training at Old Yardleians during the week and on Sundays, so it could be a great local club to try if your daughter is curious about rugby but hasn’t quite taken the plunge yet.

👉 Solihull Vixens Rugby Club

The Core’s Big Music Weekender
The Core has a proper throwback music weekend lined up, with The Manfreds playing today, Barry White: Let The Music Play on Friday 29th and Twist and Shout rounding things off on Sunday 31st. If you’ve been meaning to book a local night out without heading into Birmingham, this is a very easy excuse. Tickets from £29pp.

👉 The Core’s Big Music Weekender

Symphonic Ibiza — Knowle Park — Fri 26th June
One for the summer diary. Symphonic Ibiza is coming to Knowle Park on Friday 26 June 2026, bringing classic Ibiza anthems from the 90s and 00s to life with a 50-piece orchestra, vocalists and big hands-in-the-air energy. Expect a proper feel-good evening in the park, with the music running from 5pm to 10.30pm. Tickets are still available from £28pp, and we know this is going to be an incredible night.

👉 Symphonic Ibiza

• 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.

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: