Good Morning Solihull 👋

There's plenty happening around Solihull this week, and we've got some big news to share!

Today we're looking at ambitious £2 billion plans to transform Birmingham Airport, celebrating a local comedian who's gone from newcomer to award winner in just 14 months, and marking a very special 30-year milestone for an independent Knowle business.

Plus, we've discovered two independent cafés worth exploring, found FREE events and brilliant things to do this weekend, and spotted return flights from Birmingham for as little as £38!

And with half-term just around the corner, we've got plenty of inspiration to keep everyone entertained. So grab your morning cuppa, get comfortable, and let's see what's happening in our corner of the West Midlands.

Let’s get into it.

— Max

Big changes could be coming to Birmingham Airport! The airport has unveiled ambitious plans for a £2 billion transformation over the next 15 years, potentially making it one of the UK's biggest aviation hubs.

Under the proposals, the airport could welcome 30 million passengers a year by 2041 – more than double its current numbers!

The plans include a 60% larger terminal, additional aircraft stands, improved baggage facilities and better transport connections. And there's potentially fantastic news for the local economy too, with the airport estimating the expansion could support 50,000 new jobs across the region, including 3,800 on site.

The first phase of improvements could begin as early as 2027, although the plans are still at consultation stage.

📣 Have your say! With more flights potentially bringing increased noise and traffic, local residents are being invited to share their views. Upcoming consultation events include:

The consultation closes on 4 December 2026.

What do you think, Solihull? More destinations and jobs, or concerns about the impact on local communities? We'd love to hear your thoughts!

👉 Explore the £2bn plans and have your say

Solihull has a new comedy star! 🌟 Local comedian Eden Voss has scooped the 2026 Birmingham Comedy Festival Breaking Talent Award, taking home the prestigious prize at The Glee Club.

And here's the impressive bit – Eden only started performing stand-up 14 months ago! That's quite the rise from comedy newcomer to award winner in just over a year.

It's brilliant to see local talent making waves across the Midlands. Who knows, perhaps we'll be seeing Eden headlining some of the country's biggest comedy stages before long!

👏 Congratulations, Eden! Keep flying the flag for Solihull!

👉 Read more about Eden's award-winning performance

A wonderful milestone for one of Knowle's much-loved independent shops! 🎉

Cristal Boutique is celebrating its 30th anniversary this October, and owner Becca Webb has quite the story to tell!

Becca first joined the fashion boutique as a Saturday girl back in 1997, before eventually taking over the business herself. From weekend assistant to business owner; how's that for a career journey?

Despite changing high streets, the pandemic and a move to Knowle, the boutique has continued to thrive, bringing independent fashion and personal service to local shoppers.

And here's a fun fact: the shop was once Knowle's police station, complete with a lock-up in the cellar!

💛 Congratulations to Becca and the team! Here's to 30 years of independent business and many more to come!

👉 Discover Cristal Boutique and support a local independent

Fancy something a little different with your morning coffee? ☕

Tucked away on Mill Lane in Solihull town centre, Black Orange is an independent café run by a couple from Hong Kong, bringing a delicious taste of Asia to the heart of Solihull.

Forget your usual coffee shop order! Here you'll find traditional Hong Kong-style milk tea, speciality lattes and delicious Asian-inspired sweet treats, including their popular crispy pineapple buns. 🍍

There's also coffee, pastries and light bites if you're simply looking for somewhere cosy to escape the shopping crowds.

📍 24 Mill Lane, Solihull, B91 3BA

💛 Our tip: Try a Hong Kong milk tea with a warm pineapple bun for something a little different!

👉 Discover Black Orange Café

Fancy a coffee that does a little good with every sip? 🌍☕

Tucked away on Stratford Road in Shirley, independent, family-run Bora Coffee is serving up speciality coffee, freshly made breakfasts, delicious lunches and tempting homemade cakes.

But there's more to this little coffee shop than a good flat white! Bora sources its coffee ethically from African growers and supports community development projects in Uganda. In fact, for every 250g bag of coffee sold, they plant a coffee tree! 🌱

With freshly baked pastries, vegan-friendly options and a cosy atmosphere, it's a lovely spot for a weekend coffee date or a relaxed lunch.

📍 219–221 Stratford Road, Shirley, B90 3AH

💛 Our tip: Pop in for a speciality coffee and a slice of homemade cake

👉 Discover Bora Coffee and explore the menu

Calling all motorcycle fans! 🏁 Head to the National Motorcycle Museum in Bickenhill on Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 October, 8:30am–5:30pm, for a weekend packed with legendary riders, celebrity guests, live demonstrations and over 1,000 historic motorcycles. There'll be talks, live music, trade stands and plenty to explore. Best of all, entry is completely FREE! Motorcycle parking is free too, although car parking costs £20.

👉 Discover Museum LIVE 2026

Fancy a little treasure hunting this weekend? Head to Olton Friary on Saturday 24 October, 12–4pm, for a lovely afternoon of vintage shopping, handmade crafts and delicious homemade treats. Browse over 20 independent stalls, enjoy freshly baked cakes and refreshments from the pop-up tea room, and have a go at the raffle. A great way to support small local businesses! FREE entry and parking.

👉 Explore the Olton Vintage & Craft Fair

Get creative and bring a little autumn magic home! 🍁 Join the team at Castle Bromwich Historic Gardens on Saturday 24 October, 10:30am–1pm, for a cosy morning of wreath-making surrounded by the beautiful colours of autumn. Using seasonal foliage and natural materials, you'll create your very own decorative wreath to take home. Perfect for anyone who loves getting crafty as the seasons change! Booking required.

👉 Find out more about the Autumn Wreath Workshop

All aboard for something a little different! 🚍 Transport Museum Wythall is hosting its atmospheric Twilight Running Day on Sunday 25 October, 10:30am–6pm, with the chance to ride historic buses as darkness falls. The last bus rides depart at 5:30pm. Tickets are £12 for adults and £6 for children.

And there's more! The following weekend, Saturday 31 October and Sunday 1 November, 10:30am–4pm, the museum is celebrating Halloween with spooky activities and FREE entry for children! Adults pay just £8. Two brilliant opportunities to enjoy a nostalgic family day out.

👉 Explore Wythall's upcoming events

Fancy a spooky shopping night with a twist? 🎃 Head to The Greswolde Arms in Knowle on Thursday 29 October, 6–10pm, for an evening of mystical treasures, independent stalls and Halloween fun! Browse handmade jewellery, crystals, unique gifts and spooky decorations, with tarot readings and mini holistic treatments available too. The perfect excuse for an unusual evening out with friends. FREE entry and parking (register your vehicle at reception).

👉 Discover the Halloween Mystical Market

Need a good laugh? We've got just the thing! 🎤 Comedy favourite Milton Jones, known for his wonderfully bizarre one-liners and appearances on Mock the Week, is heading to The Core Theatre on Friday 30 October at 8pm. He'll be joined by comedians Bethany Black and Elaine Fellows, with Harry Jenkins hosting what promises to be a hilarious evening. Tickets are £20 plus booking fee, for ages 16+. A brilliant way to kick off the weekend!

👉 Book tickets for Funny to The Core

Get ready for a spectacular Sunday evening, all for a brilliant cause! 🎇 Solihull Hospital Charity is hosting a family-friendly fireworks display at Silhillians Sports & Conference Centre in Knowle on Sunday 1 November. Gates open at 4:30pm, with fireworks lighting up the sky at 6pm. Expect delicious food, charity stalls, spooky games and a Halloween fancy dress competition. Tickets are £8 for adults, £3 for children and FREE for under-3s. All proceeds support the local hospital charity. Advance tickets only — no tickets on the gate!

👉 Book your Solihull Charity Fireworks tickets

A disappointing weekend for the Moors, who suffered a 2–1 defeat away to Kidderminster Harriers in the FA Cup Fourth Qualifying Round on Saturday, ending their hopes of reaching the first round proper.

Up next: A return to Damson Park this Saturday 24 October at 3pm, when Carlisle United come to town. With league points desperately needed, let's get behind the Moors! 💛💙

👉 Follow Solihull Moors and grab match tickets

It's a busy weekend ahead for the Solihull Barons, with two challenging away fixtures in the cup! ❄️

The Barons travel north to face Leeds Knights on Saturday 24 October at 7:30pm, before taking on Widnes Wild on Sunday 25 October at 5:30pm.

And if you fancy experiencing the excitement of live ice hockey closer to home, the Barons return to Planet Ice Solihull on Sunday 1 November at 5:30pm to face Blackburn Hawks.

👉 See the Barons' upcoming fixtures

After a flying start to the season with three consecutive victories, the Bees suffered their first league defeat on Saturday, losing 24–12 away to Woodrush.

The result followed impressive victories over Lutterworth, Bournville and Bromsgrove, with the Bees having scored a remarkable 162 points across their opening three matches!

They're still sitting second in Counties 2 Midlands West (East) and will be hoping to return to winning ways when they travel to Claverdon on Saturday 24 October.

👉 Follow the Birmingham & Solihull Bees

Fancy escaping Solihull for a few days? We've had another look at cheap direct flights from Birmingham Airport and there are some seriously tempting fares around!

Birmingham → Málaga
📅 Monday 2 → Friday 6 November
✈️ Ryanair — Direct flights
💰 £54 return

Four nights of Spanish sunshine for just £54 return? Yes, please! ☀️🇪🇸 Think tapas, beachfront strolls, rooftop bars and a little autumn sunshine while the rest of us are reaching for our winter coats. That's a lot of holiday for the price of a Friday night takeaway! 😂

👉 Have a look at Birmingham to Málaga flights

Birmingham → Dublin
📅 Thursday 5 → Monday 9 November
✈️ Ryanair — Direct flights
💰 £38 return

Four nights in Dublin for less than £40 return? Now that's tempting! 🍀🍺 Picture cosy Irish pubs, live music, Guinness and exploring the city's cobbled streets. With flights taking just over an hour from Birmingham, it's practically on our doorstep. Sláinte! 🇮🇪

👉 Have a look at Birmingham to Dublin flights

✈️ Flight prices were recently advertised for these dates and may change. Fares are per person, return, and exclude optional extras such as additional baggage and seat selection. Always check the final price before booking.

• 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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