Hello Solihull 👋
Well… that was a roller coaster, wasn’t it?
England put us through every emotion against DR Congo, nerves, frustration, panic, hope, and finally relief, but we’re through. The World Cup dream lives on, and next up it’s Mexico in the last 16. It’s a late one, with a 1am kick off on Monday morning, so there maybe a few of us taking it slow the next morning.
Away from the football, we’ve also got some very exciting Solihull Spotlight news…
We’ve hit 3,000 subscribers. Honestly, thank you.
When this started, the goal was simple: to shine a light on the brilliant people, places, events, businesses and community stories happening across Solihull. To now have 3,000 of you reading, replying, sharing tips, sending in stories and being part of it means a huge amount.
To celebrate, we’ll be teaming up with a local business soon for a special giveaway — so keep your eyes peeled.
Thank you to everyone who has messaged in, recommended their go-to’s, told us about an event, shared a local business, or simply forwarded Solihull Spotlight to a friend.
It’s only the beginning. Now, let’s get into it.
— Max
Local Solihull Updates
Solar saving scheme continues in Solihull
Solihull residents, small businesses and community groups are being reminded about Switch Together Solar, a group-buying scheme designed to help people access solar panels, battery storage and other renewable options at a more competitive price.
The scheme brings local households together, with pre-vetted installers bidding through a reverse auction to offer a competitive package. There is no obligation to go ahead after registering, and residents receive a personalised recommendation before deciding whether solar is right for them.
With energy bills still a big concern for many households, it is another reminder that there are practical ways to cut long-term costs while helping Solihull move towards its net zero ambitions.
✨ Solihull Community Spotlight ✨
School term winding down
The school year is nearly there, Solihull. Term ends on Monday 20 July, with the summer holidays kicking off the next day — so if you’re already wondering how to keep the kids entertained, now is probably the moment to start planning.
Solihull Council’s summer activities hub is worth bookmarking, with details on local holiday activities and the Holiday Activities and Food programme, which offers eligible children activities and a nutritious meal during the school holidays. Bookings for summer 2026 HAF activities are now open, and HAF codes have been emailed to eligible families.
The programme is aimed at school-aged children from Reception to Year 11 who are in full-time education and receive benefits-related free school meals, with sessions including food plus physical or enriching activities such as sports, dance, drama or arts and crafts.
Worth sorting now before the term-end scramble begins.
Wedges Bakery welcomes the police
A useful local drop-in for anyone in Lyndon, Elmdon, Olton and Silhill. Your neighbourhood policing team will be at Wedges Bakery, Café & Deli on Warwick Road on Monday 6 July, between 10am and 11am, for a cuppa and a chat.
It’s a chance to meet local officers, raise any concerns, ask questions, and get crime prevention advice in a relaxed community setting.
We love seeing local businesses like Wedges being used as proper community hubs — not just somewhere to grab a coffee or a sausage roll, but somewhere people can connect, talk and feel a bit more plugged into what’s happening locally.
Where to eat in Solihull
Cleopatra’s Kitchen — Shirley
A proper flavour-packed Shirley favourite, Cleopatra’s Kitchen brings a taste of the Middle East to Stratford Road — think shawarma, flatbreads, falafel, mezze, loaded fries and big, colourful plates made for sharing.
It’s the sort of place that works for a casual lunch, an easy family dinner, a Friday night takeaway, or a catch-up with friends when you want something a bit more exciting than the usual. Warm spices, generous portions and that street-food feel — right here in Shirley.
You’ll find them at 220 Stratford Road, Shirley, B90 3AG.
Boho Bakehouse — Dorridge
A lovely little Dorridge gem for anyone with a sweet tooth. Boho Bakehouse is all about speciality coffee, luxury cakes, sweet treats, seasonal savouries and good vibes — basically everything you want from a cosy local bakehouse.
Pop in for a coffee and cake, pick up a treat box, or make it your next slow weekend stop after a walk around Dorridge. It’s dog-friendly too, which always earns extra Solihull Spotlight points.
You’ll find them at 9 Arden Buildings, Station Road, Dorridge, B93 8HH.
What’s on in Solihull
Art & Workshops
Bridgerton Inspired Concert — St Alphege Parish Church — Sat 11 Jul
A dreamy one for fans of strings, candlelight and a touch of Regency drama. This Bridgerton-inspired concert comes to St Alphege Parish Church on Saturday 11 July, with modern chart music reimagined by a live string quartet in a beautiful historic setting. Performances are listed at 2:30pm and 7pm.
Solihull Young Dancers: The Tales of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang — The Core — Thu 2 to Sat 4 Jul
A lovely local stage moment as Solihull Young Dancers bring The Tales of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang to life through dance at The Core. Performances run at 7pm from Thursday to Saturday, with tickets listed at £20 full price and £18 concessions/children. A great one for families, grandparents and anyone who loves supporting young local talent.
Family
Inflatable Family Fun — Old Edwardians Rugby Club — Sat 11 & Sun 12 Jul
A high-energy one for younger families, with inflatable play, slides and plenty of space for children to burn off some energy at Old Edwardians Rugby Club. Sessions are listed for 10:30am–1:30pm and 2pm–5pm, with tickets at £10 per child, adults free, and ages 2–12 only.
Craft & Vintage Fair — Dorridge Village Hall — Sat 4 Jul
A relaxed Saturday browse in Dorridge, with vintage finds, craft stalls, gifts, music and a pop-up Caribbean kitchen at Dorridge Village Hall. The fair runs from 12–4pm, making it a lovely little stop for a wander, a gift hunt or something tasty.
Hampton-in-Arden Festival & Car Show — Hampton-in-Arden — Sat 4 Jul
A proper village day out, with the Hampton-in-Arden Festival and Car Show returning on Saturday 4 July. Expect classic cars, stalls, food, family fun and that lovely summer fete atmosphere. The main festival is listed from around 11am to 3pm, so it’s a nice daytime pick for families, car lovers and anyone who enjoys a traditional local festival.
Lode Heath School Market — Lode Heath School — Sat 4 Jul
A small local school market at Lode Heath, with stalls and treats from local makers and sellers. Public posts list the event for Saturday 4 July from 11am to 12:30pm, so it could be a nice quick stop if you’re nearby and fancy supporting the school community.
Shirley Social — Shirley Park — Sun 5 Jul
A feel-good community day in Shirley Park, with live music, street food, market stalls, a bar and children’s soft play. It runs from 10am–6pm and looks like a lovely Sunday option for families, friends and anyone who wants to soak up a bit of local summer atmosphere.
Solihull Sports
Festival of Sport — Packington Estate — Fri 24 to Mon 27 Jul
One to bookmark for later in the month. Festival of Sport brings a family-focused weekend of sport, activities and coaching to Packington Estate, with children and adults getting the chance to try different sports and learn from sporting legends. It runs from Friday 24 to Monday 27 July and is aimed at all ages and abilities.
Line Dancing — The Core Studio — fortnightly from the Thu 9 Jul
A fun, feel-good evening at The Core Studio, with Donna leading a themed line dancing session set to music from the 1920s through to disco classics. No need to be a pro — just turn up ready to move, laugh and give it a go.
Big Events Near Solihull
Def Leppard — bp pulse LIVE — Sat 4 Jul
A huge arena night right on Solihull’s doorstep, with Def Leppard heading to bp pulse LIVE at the NEC for a big summer rock show, joined by special guests Extreme. One for rock fans, nostalgic parents, and anyone who fancies a proper arena night out without going too far.
Matilda The Musical — Birmingham Hippodrome — Wed 1 Jul to Sun 2 Aug
A brilliant summer theatre pick for families, with Roald Dahl’s much-loved story brought to life on the Birmingham Hippodrome stage. Expect big songs, clever staging, plenty of heart and a proper “school holiday treat” feel. Recommended for ages 6+.
Mostly Jazz Funk & Soul Festival — Moseley Park — Fri 10 to Sun 12 Jul
A brilliant Birmingham summer festival, bringing jazz, funk, soul and feel-good music to Moseley Park for three days. This year’s line-up includes names such as Soul II Soul, Jordan Rakei, Jalen Ngonda, Thee Sacred Souls and a Hot Chip DJ set. A strong one for music lovers and grown-up summer plans.
Music for Youth National Festival — Birmingham — Fri 10 & Sat 11 Jul
A huge celebration of young musical talent, with performances across Birmingham venues including Symphony Hall and the CBSO Centre. Expect choirs, orchestras, ensembles and young performers from across the country — a lovely one for families, music lovers and anyone who enjoys seeing the next generation shine.
80s Silent Disco — Birmingham Botanical Gardens — Sat 18 Jul
A fun grown-up night out in a beautiful setting, with an 80s silent disco taking over Birmingham Botanical Gardens from 7pm to 10pm. Grab the headphones, pick your channel and get ready for a proper throwback evening among the gardens.
THE QUICK LOCAL CHECKLIST (so you don’t get caught out)
• 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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