Good Evening, Solihull! 👋

Well, Halloween is over, the pumpkins are looking a little worse for wear, and somehow we've made it to November already!

And you know what that means... is it officially acceptable to start talking about Christmas now? Judging by the shops popping up around Solihull, apparently so!

We've got plenty to share with you this evening. We're celebrating 20 years of a wonderful local choir, shining a light on some fantastic community projects, and sharing two food spots we tried ourselves this weekend (including a sandwich that's definitely worth talking about!).

Plus, there's a packed November calendar, some exciting local sporting news and a couple of bargain flights from Birmingham if you fancy escaping the autumn weather!

Let’s get into it.

— Max

20 years of singing, friendship and bringing people together, now that's something worth celebrating! 🎉

The brilliant North Solihull Singers are celebrating their 20th anniversary this weekend, marking two decades of music, laughter and community spirit right here in Solihull!

Founded in 2006, the choir has grown into a 40-strong group, performing everything from pop classics and musical favourites to gospel and choral music.

But it's about much more than singing! The group welcomes people of all abilities, with no auditions required, and has raised thousands of pounds for local charities over the years.

They're marking the milestone with a special anniversary concert at The Core Theatre this evening. A huge congratulations to everyone involved, here's to another 20 years of hitting the high notes!

👉 Discover and follow North Solihull Singers

Is it too early to mention Christmas? Apparently not in Touchwood! 🎅😂

Three familiar favourites have made their return to Touchwood Shopping Centre, just in time for the festive shopping season!

Menkind is back with its collection of quirky gadgets, games and unusual gifts, while Magical Story has returned with plenty of festive decorations and Christmas goodies to get you in the spirit. If that’s not enough, Yankee Candle has opened as well!

Whether you're already ticking off your Christmas shopping list or firmly in the "it's only November!" camp, it's lovely to see more shops bringing a little extra sparkle to Solihull town centre.

Now, the important question... when is it officially acceptable to put the Christmas decorations up?

👉 Discover what's new at Touchwood

A few tools, a cuppa and some good company. Sometimes it's the simple things that make the biggest difference!

The brilliant team at Colebridge Trust has launched Make & Mend, a new community workshop in Chelmsley Wood designed to bring men aged 50 and over together.

Based at Unit 21, Chelmsley Wood Industrial Estate, the sessions offer a friendly space to try woodworking, repair and repurpose items, learn practical skills and make new friends. No pressure, just plenty of creativity, conversation and biscuits! 🔨

Sessions run every Friday, 11am–1pm or 2–4pm, and the team is also welcoming donations of spare tools, equipment and workbenches to help the project grow.

Fancy getting involved, or know someone who'd love this?

👉 Contact David or Nadia on 0121 770 7555 or email [email protected] to book a place or offer your support.

A wonderful example of how kindness, community and coming together can make a real difference.

With Remembrance Sunday approaching on 8 November, a brilliant Solihull community group is stepping forward to support this year's Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal.

Shall We Talk, a group originally established to help people from Hong Kong settle into life in Solihull, will be volunteering to sell poppies at St Alphege Church next Sunday.

The group meets every Monday at Solihull Methodist Church, regularly welcoming over 100 people to practise English, make friends and feel part of the local community. 🤝

Now, they're giving something back by helping raise vital funds for serving personnel, veterans and their families.

It's a lovely reminder that community spirit knows no boundaries, and that small acts of kindness can have a big impact.

A huge thank you to everyone volunteering and supporting this year's Poppy Appeal. 🌺

👉 Read more about Solihull's Poppy Appeal and local volunteers

We love discovering great local food spots, and this weekend we paid a visit to Brew Twenty Three!

This independent Solihull café has built a lovely reputation for its freshly prepared food, speciality coffee and colourful smoothies, with locations at Blythe Valley Park and Cranmore Business Park.

We decided to try the Brew's Club, and what a combination! Free-range chicken, grilled halloumi, Serrano ham, spinach, tomato and smashed avocado, all piled onto locally baked sourdough.

If you're after something a little different from your usual lunchtime sandwich, this one's definitely worth adding to your list.

They've also got plenty of healthy options, from fresh juices and smoothie bowls to colourful salads and sweet treats.

📍 Blythe Valley Park (B90 8DJ) & Cranmore Business Park (B90 4RZ)

👉 Explore Brew Twenty Three and its menu

Who doesn't love a good weekend brunch? Especially when it's right on our doorstep!

Our second food stop this weekend took us to Boston Tea Party, tucked away in a beautiful old coach house on Herbert Road, just a stone's throw from Touchwood.

Spread across two floors, with plenty of natural light and a lovely garden, it's a great little escape from the hustle and bustle of the town centre.

The menu is packed with brunch favourites, from hearty cooked breakfasts and eggs Benedict to fluffy pancakes, freshly brewed coffee and homemade cakes. 😋

One thing we particularly like about Boston Tea Party is its commitment to sustainability, including responsibly sourced ingredients and reusable takeaway cups. Even better, it's dog-friendly too!

Whether you're catching up with friends, enjoying a family breakfast or simply treating yourself to a coffee, it's a lovely spot to keep in mind.

📍 The Coach House, Herbert Road, Solihull, B91 3QE

👉 Discover Boston Tea Party Solihull

Over to you! Have we missed your favourite Solihull breakfast or lunch spot? Hit reply and tell us where we should try next. We're always on the hunt for local hidden gems!

🎄 Simply Christmas & The Creative Craft Show — Thu 5–Sun 8 November

Is it too early to start Christmas shopping? Not according to the NEC! 🎅 Head along from Thursday 5 to Sunday 8 November, 9:30am–5pm (4:30pm Sunday) for four days of festive gifts, handmade decorations, creative workshops and craft demonstrations. Even better, one ticket gets you into both shows! Tickets are from £13pp.

👉 Simply Christmas & The Creative Craft Show

🍷 The Lost Boys With Wine — Fri 6 November

Fancy swapping your usual Friday night cinema trip for something a little different? 🍿 Head to The Core Theatre on Friday 6 November at 7:30pm for a screening of the cult 80s vampire classic The Lost Boys, paired with a tasting of five Californian wines throughout the film. There'll even be movie trivia and a few spooky surprises! Strictly 18+, with non-alcoholic alternatives available by advance request. Tickets are £32.95pp plus booking fee.

👉 The Lost Boys With Wine

✈️ Spitfire Saturday — Sat 7 November

Something a little different is landing in Solihull town centre! ✈️ Head to Solihull High Street on Saturday 7 November, 11am–4pm, for a special Remembrance weekend event featuring a replica Spitfire, live 1940s music, military personnel and veterans sharing their stories. Little ones can even make their own poppy bookmarks at the free children's craft station. A brilliant family outing with a little history thrown in!

👉 Spitfire Saturday — Solihull BID

⛸️ Disney On Ice: Discover the Magic — Fri 6–Sun 8 November

Disney magic is skating into Birmingham! ✨ Take the family to bp pulse LIVE from Friday 6 to Sunday 8 November for a spectacular ice-skating adventure featuring favourites from Frozen, Moana, Coco, Toy Story and more! Expect dazzling costumes, incredible skating and plenty of singalong moments. Multiple performances are available across the weekend, with tickets advertised from £18pp.

👉 Disney On Ice — Birmingham

🌺 Remembrance Sunday Across Solihull — Sun 8 November

A special opportunity for our community to come together and remember. ❤️ On Sunday 8 November, Remembrance Sunday services and parades will take place across Solihull, including the town centre, Knowle, Shirley and surrounding villages. At St Alphege Church, residents are welcome to join the Act of Remembrance at the War Memorial, followed by a service inside the church. Please allow extra travel time, as temporary road closures will be in place for local parades.

👉 Remembrance Sunday at St Alphege

🧁 The Great British Bake Off Musical — Tue 10–Sat 14 November

On your marks, get set... SING! 🎤🍰 Everyone's favourite baking competition is heading to The Core Theatre from Tuesday 10 to Saturday 14 November, as St Augustine's Musical Theatre Company brings The Great British Bake Off Musical to Solihull. Expect hilarious baking disasters, catchy songs, plenty of drama and some spectacular showstoppers! Evening performances start at 7:30pm, with a Saturday matinee at 2:30pm. Suitable for ages 8+, with tickets £23pp plus booking fee.

👉 The Great British Bake Off Musical

📚 Quiz Afternoon at Balsall Common Library — Thu 26 November

Think you know your books, stories and general knowledge? Time to put that brain to the test! 🧠📖 Head to Balsall Common Library on Thursday 26 November, 2:15–4:15pm, for a friendly quiz afternoon celebrating the National Year of Reading. A lovely way to meet fellow book lovers, enjoy a little friendly competition and give those brain cells a workout!

👉 Find out more and book your place

A Halloween treat for Solihull Moors fans! 🎃💛💙

The Moors made it back-to-back National League victories with a 2–1 win over local rivals Kidderminster Harriers at Damson Park on Saturday afternoon.

After conceding just three minutes into the match, Ben Wodskou headed home the equaliser almost immediately, before a Kidderminster own goal put Solihull ahead before half-time.

The result follows Tuesday's thrilling 3–2 away victory over Wealdstone, giving the Moors some much-needed momentum heading into November!

Next up is a trip to Sutton United on Saturday 14 November, before Altrincham visit Damson Park on Saturday 21 November at 12:30pm.

👉 Follow Solihull Moors' latest results and fixtures

Four goals, extra time, a penalty shootout and FIVE saves from the goalkeeper. What a night!

Solihull Moors' Academy produced a remarkable performance on Thursday evening, knocking Walsall out of the FA Youth Cup after a thrilling 4–4 draw and 7–6 penalty shootout victory.

Goals from Elijah Hyde-Moore, Archie Grogan, Josh Slater and Luke Fallows kept the young Moors fighting, before goalkeeper Jenson Williams saved an astonishing five penalties to send Solihull into the second round!

A fantastic achievement for the club's young players, who could now face either Barnsley or Salford City in the next round.

A huge congratulations to everyone involved! 👏💛

👉 Read the incredible FA Youth Cup match report

Looking for a sporting evening with a little more speed, noise and excitement? 🥅❄️

The Solihull Barons have a busy November ahead, with their next home league clash against the Deeside Dragons on Sunday 15 November at 5:30pm.

The action takes place at Planet Ice Solihull, where you can enjoy fast-paced ice hockey right on our doorstep!

They'll also welcome the Leeds Knights for a cup fixture on Sunday 29 November at 5:30pm.

If you've never watched a live ice hockey match before, this could be the perfect opportunity to give it a go!

👉 See Solihull Barons' fixtures

Birmingham → Porto
📅 Sunday 8 → Friday 13 November (5 nights)
✈️ Ryanair — Direct flights
💰 £32 return per person

Five nights in Portugal for less than the price of a takeaway?! 🇵🇹😂 Explore Porto's colourful riverside, wander across the famous Dom Luís I Bridge and enjoy plenty of delicious pastel de nata. With cosy cafés, beautiful architecture and some fantastic food, it's a lovely autumn escape!

👉 Have a look at Birmingham to Porto flights

Birmingham → Milan Bergamo
📅 Saturday 28 → Monday 30 November (2 nights)
✈️ Ryanair — Direct flights
💰 £31 return per person

A little Italian getaway for just £31 return? That's amore! 🇮🇹🍕 Explore Bergamo's beautiful medieval old town, hop on the funicular, enjoy fresh pasta and proper Italian coffee, or venture into nearby Milan. With the return flight on Monday evening, there's time for a final gelato before heading home! 😂

👉 Have a look at Birmingham to Bergamo flights

Flight prices were available when researched and may change. Baggage and optional extras may cost more.

• 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 Thursday! 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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