TOGETHER WITH
Hello Solihull 👋
After a huge weekend across the borough, from Knowle Party in the Park bringing the summer festival energy, to the Solihull Choir Festival filling Touchwood with voices, and Armed Forces Week reminding us to celebrate and support our service community, Solihull has felt very much alive this week.
England are still giving us something to talk about too, with the Three Lions through to the World Cup knockout stages and a Wednesday teatime game against DR Congo now in the diary!
And after the heat of the last few days, the slightly cooler weather feels very welcome. Still warm enough for ice cream, outdoor food and lakeside plans, just with a little less “why is my house hotter than the sun?” energy.
This evening, we’ve got a useful Shirley traffic update, two brilliant local charity spotlights, summer food finds, family days out, big events nearby and a few ideas to keep you busy as July gets going.
Let’s get into it.
— Max
Local Solihull Updates
Traffic cameras arrive in Shirley
A quick heads-up for anyone driving through Shirley: Solihull Council has started rolling out new moving traffic enforcement cameras, with the first cameras installed on the A34 Stratford Road at Richard Lewis Way.
The cameras will enforce a prohibited U-turn at the junction. The council says the aim is to improve road safety, reduce congestion and stop dangerous manoeuvres.
Three more locations are also set to follow over the coming months, including Warwick Road/New Road, Elm Farm Avenue in Marston Green, and Station Road into Poplar Road.
During the first six months, first-time offenders will receive a written warning, but repeat offences can lead to a Penalty Charge Notice. After the warning period, PCNs will be issued for offences, with fines listed at £70, reduced to £35 if paid within 21 days.
So if you’re heading through Shirley, it’s worth double-checking the signs before making any turns.
Together with Lichfield Maize Maze 🌽
Looking for a wholesome summer day out with the kids? Lichfield Maize Maze is getting ready for the school holidays, bringing fresh air, countryside views, maize mazes, sunflowers, wildflowers, garden games and plenty of “which way now?” family fun.
Set just outside Lichfield, around a 40 minute drive from Solihull, it’s a lovely one for summer adventures, picnic plans, grandparents’ days out, or anyone who wants something outdoorsy that isn’t another soft play.
They’re open daily throughout the school summer holidays from 9am–5pm, with last entry at 3:45pm and gates closing at 5pm. Please check they’re open before visiting — their Facebook and Instagram pages are kept up to date.
✨ Solihull Community Spotlight ✨
Mayor of Solihull backs OVOS as second chosen charity
A lovely local update this week: the Mayor of Solihull has announced OVOS: Our Voice, Our Services, as his second Mayoral charity for 2026–27.
OVOS is Solihull’s Children in Care Council, supporting care-experienced children and young people across the borough. Their work helps young people have their voices heard, build confidence, learn life skills, make friends and take part in safe, supportive activities.
The Mayor visited Chelmunds Place to meet the team and hear more about the impact OVOS is having locally, including from Eve Carter, a care-experienced young person who had been part of OVOS while growing up.
It’s a brilliant, quietly powerful local services that many people may not know much about, but for the children and young people it supports, it can make a huge difference.
Ordinary Magic — helping Solihull families feel supported
This week’s second community spotlight goes to Ordinary Magic, a brilliant local not-for-profit organisation supporting children, young people and families across Solihull.
Their work focuses on emotional wellbeing, with support including play therapy, school reintegration, SEND advocacy, community drop-ins and one-to-one help for children who need a little extra support taking part in everyday life.
They also make it simple for families, schools and professionals to refer a child who may need support, with the aim of helping children receive the right care at the right time.
It’s another reminder that some of the most important work in Solihull happens quietly, compassionately and often behind the scenes, helping children feel safe, understood and able to thrive.
Where to eat in Solihull this summer
Henley Ice Cream — Henley-in-Arden
When the weather is like this, there are few better local trips than a wander down Henley High Street with an ice cream in hand.
Henley Ice Cream is a proper local classic, serving traditional ice cream from its spot on the High Street. It’s the kind of place that feels made for sunny afternoons, whether you’re going for a scoop, a milkshake, a sit-down treat or a little detour after a walk around Henley.
Perfect for families, date walks, grandparents with the kids, or anyone who believes “just one scoop” is more of a starting point than a rule.
Alfresco dining at The Lake at Barston
For a summer food find a little closer to Solihull, The Lake at Barston is hard to beat.
Set at the West Midlands Golf Club, the restaurant looks out over Barston Lake, with food served in the restaurant, bar and lounge, and outside on the patio, lawns and covered bistro area.
It’s a lovely one for a relaxed lunch, Sunday meal, post-work drink, family catch-up or date night when you want somewhere with a view. Think lake, countryside, a proper sit-down meal and a little bit of “we could be on holiday” energy without leaving Solihull.
What’s on in Solihull
Looking for things to do in Solihull this July? We’ve pulled together family days out, summer socials, outdoor cinema, food events, fitness events and big nearby shows, from Blythe Waters and Touchwood to the NEC, Warwick Castle and Birmingham city centre.
Family Days Out
Let’s Fish at Blythe Waters — Blythe Waters, Solihull — Sat 4 Jul
A lovely one for anyone who fancies trying something a bit different outdoors. The Let’s Fish event at Blythe Waters runs on Saturday 4 July, with friendly coaching sessions designed for beginners, returners, and anyone who wants to learn the basics. Bait, equipment, permits and licences are provided, so it’s a nice low-pressure way to give fishing a go.
Lichfield Maize Maze — Lichfield — Summer holidays
A proper summer-holiday classic just outside Lichfield. The family-run maize maze returns this summer with a brand-new maze to explore, activity cards, stickers, picnic space, garden games, pedal tractors, snacks and locally produced ice cream on site. A great one for families who want fresh air, a bit of adventure and something that feels a little different from the usual park trip.
NEC Lakeside Outdoor Cinema — NEC, by Resorts World — Summer
A free outdoor cinema and play space has opened at NEC Lakeside for the summer, just by Resorts World. Expect regular weekend screenings, a children’s play area, activity trail, picnic seating and food and drink nearby, making it a very easy family day out if you want something low-cost, outdoorsy and close to home.
Costa del Solihull — Touchwood, Solihull — From Sat 19 Jul
The Costa del Solihull urban beach returns to Touchwood from Saturday 19 July, bringing sand, buckets, spades and summer-holiday energy right into the town centre. This year has a Jurassic twist, with a launch day including Dino Mania performances, face painting, music and interactive games. The beach is free and set to run daily until the end of August.
👉 Costa del Solihull
The Core Outdoor: The Sword in the Stone — Brueton Park — Sat 25 Jul
Outdoor theatre is coming to Brueton Park on Saturday 25 July, with The Core Outdoor presenting The Sword in the Stone. Bring a picnic, a blanket or folding chair, and settle in for a family-friendly show full of friendship, courage and plenty of audience participation. Gates open at 4pm, with the performance starting at 5pm. Tickets are £17.50, £14.50 for children, with family tickets available.
Castle Bromwich Dining Club — Castle Bromwich Historic Gardens — Sun 5 Jul
Street food meets heritage at Castle Bromwich Historic Gardens on Sunday 5 July, as Digbeth Dining Club brings its summer tour to the gardens. Expect independent food traders, drinks, DJs, live entertainment and plenty of family-friendly atmosphere, all in one of the area’s most beautiful outdoor settings. Runs 11:30am–7pm, with time slots available.
Peaky Blinders Casino Night — Manor Hotel, Meriden — Fri 10 Jul
A themed night out with a bit of 1920s glamour at the Manor Hotel in Meriden. The Peaky Blinders Casino Night starts at 7pm and includes a welcome drink, two-course buffet, casino tables and a DJ playing until late. Flat caps, flapper dresses and vintage glam are encouraged. Tickets are £49pp, with an overnight stay package also available.
Ticket to Ride Steam Journey — Birmingham to Liverpool — Sat 11 Jul
One for railway lovers, Beatles fans, or anyone who likes the idea of making the journey part of the day out. Vintage Trains is running a Birmingham-to-Liverpool steam journey on Saturday 11 July, departing from Birmingham New Street and calling at Coleshill Parkway, Nuneaton, Tamworth, Lichfield Trent Valley, Stafford and Crewe. Expect a nostalgic day out, with time in Liverpool and options for standard, first class or Pullman-style travel.
Solihull Summer Fest — Tudor Grange Park — Sat 18 & Sun 19 Jul
One of Solihull’s biggest weekends of the year returns to Tudor Grange Park, with Solihull Summer Fest celebrating 10 years of feel-good festival energy. Expect live music, food, drinks, big crowds and a proper summer atmosphere right in the heart of town. Gates open at 11am both days, with music running from midday until 10:30pm.
Keep Active & Solihull Sports
The Hybrid Games Birmingham — NEC Birmingham — Sat 4 & Sun 5 Jul
One for fitness fans, competitors or anyone who likes a big event atmosphere. The Hybrid Games makes its Birmingham debut at the NEC on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 July, with solo, doubles and mixed doubles race categories, plus spectator tickets available. Expect a full weekend of functional fitness, racing, PB attempts and plenty of energy.
Solihull Triathlon Club — Solihull
For anyone who likes the idea of swimming, cycling, running — or just finding a friendly group to train with — Solihull Triathlon Club is worth knowing about. The club welcomes juniors, beginners and experienced athletes, with a mix of training, coaching and community support. A great one if you’ve ever looked at a triathlon and thought, “maybe one day.”
Big Events Near Solihull
Comic Con Midlands — NEC Birmingham — Sat 11 & Sun 12 Jul
A big weekend for film, TV, gaming, anime, comics and cosplay fans as Comic Con Midlands takes over Halls 17 & 18 at the NEC. Expect celebrity guests, photo opportunities, autograph sessions, traders, costumes and plenty of pop culture energy across both days. Runs 9am–6pm on Saturday and Sunday, with tickets available in advance.
Viking Raiders — Warwick Castle — Until Thu 17 Jul
A big summer day-out option at Warwick Castle, with Viking Raiders bringing Saxons, Vikings and live stunt action to the castle grounds. The show tells the story of Æthelflæd and the battle that helped shape the future of England, with performances at 11:30am and 2:30pm on selected days. A strong one for families who want history, drama and a bit of a sword-swinging spectacle.
Peter Kay — Utilita Arena Birmingham — Sat 25 Jul
One of the UK’s biggest comedy names returns to Birmingham for a huge arena night at Utilita Arena. Peter Kay’s show starts at 8pm, with doors opening earlier in the evening, and it’s likely to be one of those big Birmingham dates that draws a packed crowd. A great one for comedy fans, date nights or anyone who grew up quoting Peter Kay at every family gathering.
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 💙 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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