Hello Solihull 👋
What a week it’s shaping up to be.
July has arrived, the school holidays are edging closer, and Solihull is starting to feel packed with summer plans: from family fun days and food finds, to live music, local sport, big NEC events and plenty happening right across the borough.
And, of course, there’s a late one for England fans.
After getting through the last round, England are back in World Cup knockout action against Mexico in the early hours of tomorrow morning, with kick-off at 1am UK time. It might not be the most sociable start time, but if the Three Lions can get the job done, there will be a few tired but very happy faces around Solihull tomorrow.
In this week’s Spotlight, we’ve got local students aiming high, an amazing Solihull resident to celebrate, award-winning curry just up the road, summer events for the diary, and a few brilliant community stories that deserve a proper shout-out.
Let’s get into it.
— Max
Solihull News July 2026
Solihull students get a head start on university life
A group of ambitious students from Solihull Sixth Form College have been getting a taste of life beyond A-levels, thanks to a special Stretch & Challenge Summer School.
The two-day programme was designed to help high-achieving Year 12 students prepare for the next step in their education — particularly those hoping to apply to Russell Group, Oxbridge or other highly competitive universities.
Students took part in subject workshops, guest lectures and sessions designed to push their thinking beyond the usual A-level curriculum. Topics ranged from history, criminology and social sciences to biology, business, chemistry, computer science, English, maths, media, languages, physics and psychology.
The summer school also included advice on competitive university applications, including Oxbridge, interviews and admissions tests — giving students a clearer idea of what might be ahead.
A brilliant example of local young people aiming high, and of Solihull Sixth Form College helping students build confidence, ambition and the skills to take that next step.
✨ Solihull Community Spotlight ✨
Solihull’s amazing 107-year-old resident
A lovely message came in this week from Margaret about her mother, Gwen and what an incredible story.
Gwen Newey is listed by Oldest in Britain as being born on 24 June 1919, making her 107 years old. She is also listed as living in Solihull and ranked as the 117th oldest named living person in Britain.
That means Gwen appears to be one of Solihull’s oldest residents and it seems the oldest person in the borough.
It’s hard to get your head around 107 years of life. Gwen was born just after the First World War, has lived through another world war, seen huge changes in Solihull and the wider world, and has reached an age very few people ever do.
So, naturally, we have to ask…
What’s Gwen’s secret?
A good sense of humour? A strong cup of tea? Family, fresh air, staying active or simply taking each day as it comes?
Whatever it is, we think Gwen deserves a huge Solihull Spotlight shout-out. Congratulations Gwen, what an amazing milestone, and thank you to Margaret for sharing her story with us.
And now we want to hear from you…
Do you know someone in Solihull who is over 100?
A parent, grandparent, neighbour, friend or familiar face in the community? Message us — we’d love to celebrate more of Solihull’s amazing centenarians.
Lyndon School shortlisted for national School of the Year award
A huge congratulations to Lyndon School in Solihull, which has been shortlisted for Secondary School of the Year at the Tes Schools Awards 2026 — often described as the “Oscars of education”.
The national shortlist recognises some of the best schools across the UK, with entries judged by a panel of education experts, school leaders and sector specialists.
For Lyndon, based on Daylesford Road, the nomination is a brilliant recognition of the work happening across the school — from staff and students to families and the wider community.
Head of School Syreeta Kapswara said the nomination belongs to the whole Lyndon community, recognising the effort that goes into making the school “warm, welcoming and excellent”.
A proud moment for Lyndon, and another lovely reminder of the brilliant people and schools we have right here in Solihull.
Solihull Food Spots
Titash — Sheldon
A big local congratulations to Titash in Sheldon, which has been crowned Curry Restaurant of the Year at the British Curry Championship Awards 2026.
Just up the road on Coventry Road, Titash has long been a popular spot for a proper curry night — and now it has a national award to add to the menu.
So, if you’ve been looking for an excuse for a midweek curry, this might be it. Whether you’re a chicken tikka masala classic, a balti loyalist or someone who always orders “whatever the chef recommends”, Titash is definitely one to have on the list.
The Brownie Bakery & Wine Bar — Chelmsley Wood
The Brownie Bakery & Wine Bar has opened in Chelmsley Wood Shopping Centre, bringing together freshly baked brownies, cakes, savoury bites, charcuterie boxes, drinks and relaxed wine bar vibes.
It’s a lovely addition for Chelmsley Wood — somewhere you can pop in during the day for something sweet, or make more of an evening of it with a glass of wine and a few picky bits.
Brownies and wine? That’s a strong combination.
What’s on in Solihull - July
Exhibitions, Theatre & Family
Pantomime Kids Audition: Peter Pan — The Core Theatre — Sun 12 Jul
A brilliant opportunity for young performers aged 9–16 to audition for the Junior Ensemble in this year’s professional pantomime, Peter Pan, at The Core Theatre. Little Wolf Entertainment are looking for children with energy, personality and acting, singing or dance ability — but previous theatre experience isn’t essential. Auditions are workshop-style, so there’s nothing to prepare; just register in advance, bring a drink and wear clothes you can move in.
Festival Family Fun Day — Land Rover Sports & Social Club — Sun 12 Jul
A free family fun day at Land Rover Sports & Social Club, with an afternoon of activities, food and community fun. The event runs from 1pm to 4pm, making it an easy Sunday option for families looking for something local, relaxed and budget-friendly.
Marston Green Family Fun Day — Marston Green Recreation Ground — Sat 18 Jul
A proper community day out in Marston Green, with family-friendly activities, stalls and plenty going on at the Recreation Ground. The event runs from 12pm to 4pm and is set to bring together local families, groups and neighbours for a relaxed summer afternoon.
Shopping & Music
Artisan Bazaar — Touchwood — Sat 11 & Sun 12 Jul
A weekend of independent shopping in the heart of Solihull, as Touchwood welcomes The Halal Food Festival’s Artisan Bazaar. Expect a curated mix of artisan brands, handcrafted gifts, fragrances, fashion, food and more — ideal for a weekend mooch through town and a chance to support small businesses.
Disco Classical — Tudor Grange Park — Fri 17 Jul
Big disco energy comes to Tudor Grange Park as Disco Classical brings classic disco, soul and funk anthems to life with a huge 50-piece live orchestra. Expect food vendors, licensed bars and plenty of dancing as Solihull Summer Fest weekend kicks off in style.
Solihull Sports Clubs
Solihull Moors kick off pre-season at Knowle
Solihull Moors are back in action this week as their pre-season gets underway with a very local fixture against Knowle FC.
The Moors head to Hampton Road on Tuesday 7 July, with kick-off at 7:45pm, before further friendlies against Alvechurch, Hednesford Town, Hereford, Burton Albion and Northampton Town later this summer.
A nice one for local football fans and a great chance to get an early look at the Moors ahead of the new National League season.
Arthur Cup returns to Damson Park
A special fixture is coming up at Damson Park as Solihull Moors host Birmingham City in this year’s Arthur Cup on Wednesday 15 July, with kick-off at 7:45pm.
The annual match is played in memory of Arthur Labinjo-Hughes and helps raise funds for the NSPCC and Solihull Moors Foundation. Tickets are now on sale, with adults priced at £12.50, seniors £8 and under-18s £6.
Football, community and a very important cause.
Marston Green Tennis Club U16s crowned unbeaten champions
A big congratulations to Marston Green Tennis Club’s under-16s, who have been crowned unbeaten league champions.
The team won all five of their league matches to finish with a perfect record — a brilliant achievement for the players, coaches and everyone involved at the club.
Always lovely to see young Solihull sporting talent doing the borough proud.
Run Solihull countdown is on - 9th August
The countdown is on for the Solihull Half Marathon, 5K and Junior Race, taking place on Sunday 9 August.
The races start and finish at Malvern Park, with the half marathon taking runners through Solihull town centre, Knowle, Barston and Eastcote on closed roads.
Whether you’re chasing a PB, taking on your first 5K, or signing the kids up for the junior race, it’s one of the biggest local sporting dates of the summer.
Big Events Near Solihull
Ideal Home Show Birmingham — NEC Birmingham — Fri 10 Jul
A great one for anyone planning a home refresh, renovation or garden project. The Ideal Home Show brings home inspiration to the NEC, with interiors, gardens, smart home ideas, live talks, demonstrations, shopping and plenty of expert advice under one roof. Perfect if you’re looking for ideas before tackling that next project.
Solihull Summer Fest — Tudor Grange Park — Sat 18 & Sun 19 Jul
Solihull’s biggest summer music weekend returns to Tudor Grange Park for its 10th anniversary, with two days of live music, food, bars and festival energy right in the heart of town. Saturday brings Craig David presents TS5, Gabrielle, Fleur East and Sigala, while Sunday features Culture Club, JLS, The Wailers, Rick Parfitt Jnr and more. A proper big weekend for Solihull.
Crepe City — NEC Birmingham — Sat 25 Jul
One for the sneakerheads. Crepe City returns to the NEC with a huge day of rare trainers, streetwear, music, giveaways, food and plenty of browsing. Expect top UK sneaker vendors, limited-edition finds and a lively atmosphere for collectors, fashion fans and anyone who loves a fresh pair of crepes.
Cards Convention — NEC Birmingham — Sat 25 Jul
A big one for collectors, families and anyone into trading cards. Cards Convention comes to the NEC with Pokémon, sports cards, Magic: The Gathering, One Piece, Yu-Gi-Oh! and more, plus 200+ vendor tables, trading zones, games, giveaways and entertainment throughout the day. One to bookmark if there’s a collector in the house.
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/
Thanks for reading Solihull Spotlight 💙
We’ll be back on Thursday with more local news, events, food finds and things to do across the borough.
Got something we should feature? Hit reply and send us your community stories, birthdays, sports results, new openings, hidden gems or anything happening in your part of Solihull.
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