Discover Solihull’s summer of culture

Here comes summer! A sublime time of year that conjures fun-in-the-sun freedom, fabulous festivals, picnicking in parks and all-round outdoor idyll. If that chimes with your idea of a heavenly summer, you might want to sashay to Solihull. From now through to late September, the West Midlands borough is hosting a veritable feast of events – from star-studded music festivals, to awe-inspiring theatre shows, many of them free – as part of its summer of culture. There’s never been a better time to explore a unique urban area that’s known as the “town in the country” for very good reason. For more on that, read our run-down of Solihull’s gloriously green spaces. But first, here’s what to expect of Solihull’s spectacular summer of culture. 

Solihull Family Festival

Where: Mell Square, Solihull
When: 2^nd-4^th August
What: fun free family activities in the centre of town 

Imaginative, immersive, entertaining, and free. That’s the Solihull Family Festival in a nutshell – a brand-new event that’ll see Solihull’s town centre transformed into a playground wonderland across the weekend of 2^nd-4^th August.

The party will get going with a Mermaids and Pirates Disco – the perfect opportunity for your little ones to dress up and boogie in glittery – or shiver-me-timber-y – style.

Come 3^rd and 4^th of August, you and your family could have a whale of a time meeting Moby, the inflatable, 18-metre-long cetacean star of The Pirate’s Misadventure.

To avoid disappointment, we recommend pre-booking places. While shows are free, space is limited, and demand is high.

Across the weekend, kids can also unleash their creative side by getting stuck into craft sessions hosted by the Wild Earth Movement.

Offering a glitter tattooist on Friday 2^nd, an air-brush tattooist on Saturday 3^rd, and a bubbleologist on Sunday 4^th – with food stalls on-site throughout – the Solihull Family Festival looks set to be an all-round winner.

Check out the whole schedule here. 

Castle Bromwich Historic Gardens

Where: Castle Bromwich Historic Gardens
When: until 6^th August
What: theatre, music and back-to-nature family activities 

Moving now to a right royal richness of events that have already kicked off in Castle Bromwich Historic Gardens. This handsome historic, 18^th-century formal garden and Local Nature Reserve is hosting everything from bushcraft skills to immersive theatre from now until 6^th August. 

When it comes to kids’ activities, your little ones can look forward to building dens at Forest School, embarking on a mini-beast safari, and taking in terrific open-air theatre shows. For example, the Chelmsley Tales is family friendly performance of forest fairy tales. Or, spend the afternoon with nature's original play dough with child-friendly Clay and Pottery Workshop.

Meanwhile, grown-ups can enjoy fabulous food at the Digbeth Dining Club, spend an unforgettable day at the Falconry Photography Workshop, and spend the evening listening to music at Saturday Sounds in the Garden.

Head here for the full calendar of events. 

Fresh Air Theatre festival

Where: parks across Solihull
When: until 31^st August
What: 40+ free theatre, music and dance events

Kicking off with something thoroughly refreshing – in name and nature – the Fresh Air Festival will see Solihull's parks serve as the stage for 40+ free performances of world-class theatre, music and dance until the end of August.

Fans of vintage vibes won’t want to miss Solihull’s very own vocal harmony trio, The Boogaloo Babes, doing their thing in Dickens Heath Park (31^st August). Don your glad-rags and pack a picnic for a sensational sing-along knees-up.

Fancy seeing an awe-inspiring acrobatic extravaganza? Head to Elmdon Park on 14^th August. Forests is a dynamic show combines fiery acrobatics with dance, promising high-energy entertainment for everyone. The performance tackles important issues such as forestry practices, rainforest conservation, and the rights of indigenous peoples. After the show, join in a family workshop for even more interactive fun.

There's more fun to be had at Elmdon Park on August 28th with Out of The Deep Blue, a stunning physical theatre performance by Autin Dance Theatre. This captivating show features a magnificent 13-foot puppet.

Other Fresh Air Festival highlights includes Sampad’s takeover of Shirley Park to celebrate South Asian Heritage Month, and Highly Sprung’s CastAway. Featuring a gyroscopic flying machine, this sees an all-female cast explore environmental themes through an aerial show that’s as thought-provoking as it is edge-of-your-seat exhilarating.

Don’t miss out – browse the brochure.

Solihull Food Festival 2024

Where: Solihull town centre 
When: 27^th-29^th September
What: 80+ food and drink stalls 

Showcasing local producers and global flavours, the Solihull Food Festival will see over 80 food and drink producers take over Solihull’s town centre in mouth-watering style.

Occupying Mell Square, Mill Lane, and Solihull High Street from 27th-29th September, there’s no better way to indulge your inner epicurean.

Alongside being spoiled for choice by the stalls, foodies can discover tricks of the trade in the demo kitchen, and try samples to their heart’s content in the tasting tent.

If that wasn’t enough, the festival will also see Solihull energised by roaming entertainment, with the Rum & Reggae zone serving zingy food and soulful tunes that are sure to sustain the summer mood as autumn beckons.

Resorts World 90s Rewind Weekender

Where: The World Bar, Resorts World
When: Sunday, 25th August
What: 90s music, buffet, and nostalgic fun

Though Resorts World only opened its doors in the noughties, it's ready to wind back the clock for a night of 90s nostalgia at The World Bar on Sunday, 25th August.

From 7pm, you can enjoy a live DJ playing classic tracks from Britney Spears to the Backstreet Boys, along with panoramic views from the World Bar. For just £35 per person, your ticket includes a welcome drink and access to a fantastic buffet spread.

Channel your inner 90s icon for a chance to win the best-dressed guest prize, and enjoy great food and drink deals throughout the night. Book your tickets now before they sell out, and get ready for a night of throwback hits, tasty bites, and full-on 90s vibes.

John Lewis Summer of Fun

Where: John Lewis Solihull
When: Every Friday in August
What: Free family activities

Dive into a summer of excitement with John Lewis’s 'Family Fun Fridays' throughout August. Perfect for families looking to enjoy some creative time together, these free weekly events offer a range of activities that are perfect for children of all ages.

Every Friday, kids aged 5 and up can participate in fun, hands-on paper crafting activities. Kick off the month with a swashbuckling adventure by crafting your very own pirate parrot. Or join later in the month to create sparkly trophies, butterfly wristlets or to create using fuse bead mats.

John Lewis provides all the necessary equipment for these crafts, and children can take their colorful creations home at the end of each event. In addition to the crafting activities, families can enjoy face painting, balloon modeling, and special visits from the Solihull Moors Foundation and Soli the Moorcat Mascot.

Don't miss - see the calendar.

And breathe! Given the scope of events offered by Solihull’s summer of culture, it’s fair to say this town in the country isn’t just blessed with a bounty of glorious green spaces. It’s also a place to eat, drink and make very merry while enjoying world-class theatre, fine food, and free family events.

For more information on Solihull, visit visitsolihull.co.uk and  www.solihull.gov.uk.

This article was brought to you in sponsorship with West Midlands Growth Company.