Hello Solihull 👋

There is a huge weekend ahead, with Solihull Pride taking over the town centre, Roman gladiators returning to Baginton and Caribbean food and music arriving at Touchwood Beach. We’ve also found some family-friendly food offers, summer-holiday days out and an important update about changes to local bin collections.

Let’s get into it.

— Max

Residents across Solihull will begin receiving new food-waste caddies throughout August and September, ahead of weekly food-waste collections launching on Monday 5 October.

Most households with their own bins or sacks will receive a small seven-litre kitchen caddy, a larger lockable outdoor caddy and an information guide. Residents do not need to be at home when the caddies are delivered and are being asked to keep them aside until the service begins.

The October changes will also see general rubbish collections move to a fortnightly schedule. Flats without individual bins will be introduced to the new food-waste service separately during 2027.

👉 Look out for your new caddies over the coming weeks and it might be worth adding your house number to the outdoor one

Artwork created by Solihull foster children and young people has gone on display at GAIL’s Bakery in the town centre.

The exhibition gives the young artists an opportunity to express their experiences, feelings and creativity, while helping local people learn more about fostering in Solihull.

You can see photographs and find out more about the exhibition through the Foster for Solihull’s Facebook.

Solihull needs local people who can provide safe, supportive homes for children and young people within their own community. Foster for Solihull provides training, financial support and 24-hour support for its foster carers.

👉 Pop into GAIL’s Bakery in Solihull town centre to see the artwork, or visit Foster for Solihull to learn more about becoming a foster carer

Solihull Moors begin their 2026/27 National League campaign away at Harrogate Town on Saturday 8 August before welcoming Boston United to Damson Park for the first home game on Saturday 15 August.

Supporters heading to the opening home match should be aware that Damson Park is becoming a fully cashless stadium. Payments for food, drinks and other purchases inside the ground will need to be made electronically.

👉 Solihull Moors v Boston United — Saturday 15 August at 3pm

The school holidays just got a little tastier at Sky Bar & Restaurant, located at the top of Resorts World Birmingham.

During the Birmingham school holidays, children aged 12 and under can enjoy a free meal from the kids’ menu when an accompanying adult purchases a main meal from the main menu.

The offer is limited to one free children’s meal for each qualifying adult main meal purchased, making it a handy option for a family lunch or dinner near the NEC.

👉 Kids eat free at Sky Bar & Restaurant — Resorts World Birmingham.

For a relaxed local lunch, evening meal or catch-up over drinks, The Olton Tavern is serving a new seasonal menu alongside its traditional pub favourites.

New dishes include a Summer Sharing Platter made for grazing with friends, a Pork Tomahawk and a Lamb Tzatziki Burger, with fixed-price menus and Sunday roasts also available. Its spacious beer garden makes it a particularly inviting option for a sunny afternoon or warm summer evening.

👉 Explore the menu and book at The Olton Tavern

Solihull Pride returns on Saturday 8 August, bringing a free, family-friendly celebration of LGBTQ+ culture, diversity and community spirit to the heart of the town centre.

The day’s centrepiece will be the colourful Pride Parade, which sets off at midday and travels through the High Street, Touchwood and Mell Square. Local residents, community groups, businesses, families and allies are all invited to join the procession or line the route and cheer everyone on. Those wishing to walk in the parade should register for a free place in advance.

After the parade, the celebrations continue at the main stage in Mell Square, hosted by Phil Oldershaw. The entertainment line-up includes Fatt Butcher, Boogaloo Babes, Pop Voices, Drag ABBA, Ace and Charlie Harper, Big Liz, Ivory Glam and Prossie Tot, with music, drag, dance and live performances continuing throughout the afternoon.

Visitors will also find entertainment at venues across the town centre, alongside street food, drinks and an international market stretching across the High Street, Mill Lane and Mell Square. The wider Pride market runs from Thursday 6 to Saturday 8 August, giving visitors even more opportunities to explore the town and support its shops, restaurants and independent businesses.

Whether you are part of the LGBTQ+ community, joining as an ally or simply looking for a joyful day out with the family, Solihull Pride is an opportunity for the whole town to come together and celebrate acceptance, visibility and the freedom to be yourself.

👉 Solihull Pride

Step back into Roman Britain as Lunt Roman Fort comes alive for its biggest event of the year. Watch gladiators battle in the arena, explore a living-history village and Roman marketplace, meet spectacular birds of prey and have a go at archery. Younger visitors can also join the popular Family Battle. The festival runs on Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 August from 10am–4pm. Tickets are £14 for adults, £8 for children and free for under-fours.

👉 Lunt Roman Festival

Transport the family back in time with more than 90 historic buses, classic electric milk floats and vintage commercial vehicles. Most open days also include free rides aboard a classic bus, while children can enjoy the Kids Kabin, play area and miniature railway. The museum is open at weekends and on Wednesdays during the local school holidays from 10.30am–4pm. Normal admission is £8 for adults, £4 for children or £20 for a family of four, with under-fives free. Miniature train rides cost an additional £2.

👉 Transport Museum Wythall

Discover the historic watermill and surrounding landscape that helped inspire J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth. Families can explore the 250-year-old mill, learn about its machinery and history, follow its Tolkien connections and let younger visitors adventure through the Woodland Realm. Sarehole Mill is open from Friday to Sunday, 11am–4pm, with last entry to the mill at 3.30pm. Admission charges apply inside, but the grounds are free to explore.

👉 Visit Sarehole Mill

Explore 700 years of history across 19 acres at Avoncroft Museum, where more than 30 rescued historic buildings have been rebuilt and preserved. This summer’s fairground-themed activities include traditional games, dressing up, trails, crafts, windmill tours, junior swing boats and miniature railway rides. Until Monday 31 August, each full-price £15 adult ticket includes entry for up to two children. The museum is open from 10am–4pm on Wednesdays through to Sundays, as well as the bank holiday Monday. Some activities carry a small additional charge.

👉 Kids go free at Avoncroft Museum

Bring some Caribbean flavour to your Sunday as Jamaya takes over Solihull’s summer beach with BBQ food, reggae beats and plenty of good vibes. The free family-friendly event runs on Sunday 9 August from 11am–4pm in Theatre Square, making it a great option for lunch, music and a relaxed afternoon in the town centre.

👉 Jamaya BBQ & Beats at Solihull Beach

Country Calling brings the spirit of Nashville to Birmingham with an intimate evening of stripped-back live music and storytelling. Hosted by award-winning duo Gasoline & Matches, the performers will share the inspiration and stories behind their songs in a relaxed, Bluebird Café-style setting. The show takes place on Wednesday 19 August at 7.30pm, with tickets priced at £19.

👉 Nashville Sounds in the Round at Symphony Hall

Blast off with Peppa, George and the rest of the Pig family on a playful journey into space. Designed especially for preschoolers and younger children, the experience combines storytelling, hands-on play, gentle surprises and plenty of family photo opportunities. Peppa Pig Space Adventure runs at the NEC until Sunday 8 November.

👉 Peppa Pig Space Adventure at the NEC

• 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.

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