Erdington High Street Community Market has cancelled its event on Saturday 29 August.
The decision was made by Erdington Business Improvement District (BID) – who organises the monthly markets – after severe weather warnings from the Met Office and various forecasters.
Several outlets have been warning of severe weather conditions throughout the week, with the Met Office issuing rolling warnings against potential flooding, thunderstorms, and winds reaching up to 45 kmph.
Severe weather warning sign with lightning cloud / Image taken from Adobe Stock Images
Stall holders were contacted earlier today (Friday 28 August) after days of organisers monitoring the weather and exploring potential sites to relocate the event. But in the interest of public safety, it was decided to cancel the August event – with the next Erdington High Street Community Market scheduled for Saturday 26 September.
A spokesperson for the Erdington BID told: “It’s been a difficult decision to cancel, but after consulting with our stall holders and events team we’ve concluded that the weather could be too much of a safety concern or deterrent.
“This is the first time we’ve ever had to cancel hosting something on the High Street since we started our new programme of community events in February 2025. It feels awful to think we won’t be there on Saturday [29 August] but the forecasts are really bad.”
A dramatic silhouette of modern structures under a menacing sky / Image taken from Adobe Stock Images
They added: “We will be back with the Erdington High Street Community Market on Saturday 26 September, and we’re lining up alternative locations if we have such bad weather forecast again.
“Plus, we’ve got a lot more events planned up and down the High Street from September and across the months running to Christmas, and we hope to see everyone back on the High Street soon.”
A red umbrella turned inside out and torn by strong winds / Image taken from Adobe Stock Images
Organised as part of Erdington BID’s Celebrate Erdington and LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY campaigns, to encourage positive use of the Town Centre and bring a lively programme and arts and culture to the High Street, the Erdington High Street Community Markets have been running since February 2026 – held on the last Saturday of every month.
Erdington BID is also working with several local community groups and stakeholders on their events programme, promoting the pedestrianised area of the High Street as the new ‘Erdington Creative Quarter’ – with support from Birmingham City Council and the West Midlands Combined Authority.
For more information on the Erdington High Street Community Markets and other events held across the Town Centre, visit: www.facebook.com/CelebrateErdington
Erdington High Street Community Market will be hosting its next event on Saturday 29 August, bringing an array of stalls and free family entertainment to Erdington Town Centre.
Running from 10am to 4pm, local stall holders will be selling handcrafted gifts, unique clothing lines, original artwork, children’s toys, homemade baked treats, and much more.
Community groups including Erdington litter Busters, Erdington Artists Conversations, Aquarius, Erdington Local/Local Ambassadors, Arts All Over the Place, and Kharis Church will be hosting stalls offering advice, guidance, and links to local services.
Erdington High Street Community Market / Photograph by Ilona Zielinska
And The Mighty Jamma will be back, playing live steel pan drums throughout the event – sending the summer out in style with a day of reggae classics and pop tunes with a calypso twist.
There will also be loads of free children’s games and activities, including a bouncy castle, an inflatable football shoot out, facepainting and glitter tattoos, henna and mehndi designs, kids karaoke session, and arts and crafts workshops.
All the children’s games and activities are completely free and suitable for a variety of ages – although the bouncy castle is reserved for younger children only.
Erdington High Street Community Market / Photograph by Ilona Zielinska
Organised by the Erdington Business Improvement District (BID), the Erdington High Street Community Markets have been running since February 2026 – held on the High Street between Wilton Market and B&M Superstore, on the last Saturday of every month.
The events are part of the Celebrate Erdington and LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY campaigns, to encourage positive use of the Town Centre and bring a lively programme and arts and culture to the High Street.
Erdington High Street Community Market / Photograph by Ilona Zielinska
A spokesperson for Erdington BID explained: “Erdington Town Centre, as with much of Birmingham, has markets and stall traders at the heart of its history – but they are just as important today.
“Our monthly High Street Community Markets are a celebration of the skills, talent, and entrepreneurs that Erdington has – such as being the birthplace of the Hoodrich clothing international phenomenon.”
Erdington High Street Community Market / Photograph by Ilona Zielinska
They added: “Plus, they’re just a whole lot of fun – with some truly unique purchases on offer, crafts you won’t find anywhere else, and a load of free children’s game and activities.
“They’re a great way to spend your Saturday, to support and love your local community, and we really hope to see as many people as possible on the High Street again this month.”
Erdington High Street Community Market / Photograph by Ilona Zielinska
Several local community groups and stakeholders are promoting the pedestrianised area as the new ‘Erdington Creative Quarter’ – with support from Birmingham City Council and the West Midlands Combined Authority – and have plans to host regular events and activities on the High Street.
Watch out for more events being announced in across Erdington Tonw Centre from September, with a special programme of Christmas events and activities to follow.
PICTURE GALLERY: Erdington High Street Community Markets / Photographs by Ilona Zielinska, Ed King, Darren Dodd, and Bianca Pirvuceanu
Erdington High Street Community Markets are held on the last Saturday of every month, on the pedestrianised area outside Wilton Market and B&M Superstore.
The next Erdington High Street Community Market is scheduled for 29 August – running from 10am to 4pm.
For more information on the Erdington High Street Community Markets and other events held across the Town Centre, visit: www.facebook.com/CelebrateErdington
West Midlands Police are appealing for witnesses after a motorcyclist was tragically killed in a crash “near Manby Rd” and Kingsbury Rd last night.
Emergency services responded to a road traffic collision (RTC) at around 7:30pm on Sunday 23 August, where a man in his thirties riding a motorbike and a BMW car collided on the A38 near the entrance to the north end of the Castle Vale estate.
Despite a major response from West Midlands Ambulance Service – which included two ambulances, two paramedic officers, a MERIT trauma doctor with critical care paramedic and an emergency helicopter from the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance – the man was eventually pronounced dead at the scene.
Manby Rd and Kingsbury Rd Junction / Image taken from Google Maps
A spokesperson from West Midlands Ambulance Service confirmed: “On arrival, crews found the motorcyclist, a man, in a critical condition.
“Ambulance staff immediately provided advanced life support but sadly, despite everyone’s best efforts, he could not be saved and was confirmed dead at the scene.”
West Midlands Police are now appealing for any information that might aid them with their enquiries around the incident, asking anyone who may have eyewitness accounts, ring door bell or dash cam footage to get in touch.
Air Ambulance helicopter / Image taken from Adobe Stock Images
A spokesperson from West Midlands police stated: “We’re appealing for information after a motorcyclist died following a collision in Tyburn.
“We were called to Kingsbury Road, near Manby Road, Tyburn, at around 7.30pm yesterday (Sunday), following reports of a collision involving a motorbike and a car.
“It’s understood the rider collided with a BMW 1 Series before coming off his bike. We have spoken to driver of the BMW, and we are keen to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time and saw the motorbike.”
They added: “Our thoughts are with his loved ones at this devastating time.”
Manby Road runs along the north side of the Castle Vale estate and feeds into the busy A38 throughfare, with the Kingsbury Road connecting the M6/M42 motorway junctions near Curdworth to Birmingham City Centre.
Close-up of blue light flasher on roof of ambulance car of emergency medical service on road / Image taken from Adobe Stock Images
Local residents and stakeholders have long warned about issues over road safety around the area, with measures to control and calm traffic an ongoing concern.
At the time of writing no arrests have been made and police are still investigating the causes of the accident.
West Midlands Police have asked anyone with information that may help their enquiries to call 101 and quote log number 3618 – alongside the date of the incident, 23 August.
Report can also be made through the live Chat facility on the West Midlands website or by emailing investigators directly at: SCIU@westmidlands.police.uk
A local councillor is spearheading a campaign to save the Kingstanding Odeon and bring it back into community use – after what West Midlands police have called “suspected arson” damaged the Grade II listed building earlier this month.
Also known as the Mecca Bingo Hall, which closed its doors in June 2026, the prominent community hub is situated on the corner of Kettlehouse Road and the more commonly known Kingstanding Circle.
Opening as an Odeon cinema on 22 July 1935, the local landmark was taken over by Top Rank Leisure in the early sixties and converted into a bingo hall – which served as a meeting place and social hub for local residents for over 60 years.
Inside of Mecca bingo hall at Kingstanding Circle / Still image taken from online broadcast by Birmingham TV
But in the early hours of the morning on Tuesday 11 August, emergency services were called to the site after flames and smoke had been seen coming out of the boarded-up entrance.
Speaking to Kingstanding Local, a spokesperson for West Midlands Fire Service confirmed: “Shortly after 4.05am on Tuesday 11 August, we responded to Kettlehouse Road, Kingstanding.
“A fire engine from Erdington and a fire engine from Perry Barr attended, the first arriving within five minutes of being mobilised.”
They added: “This was a small fire affecting a porch foyer in a two-storey building, that used to be a bingo hall.
“Firefighters extinguished the fire and secured the property. We left this incident at 5.21am.”
Fire engine leaving station / Image from Adobe Stock Images
Cllr McAuley had contacted the building’s current landlords, The Rank Group PLC, only weeks before to warn against the potential dangers the abandoned building posed – including fire or potential arson attacks.
After his fears became a reality, and the local community rallied around a cherished part of their local history, Cllr McAuly seized the public interest and formed an online petition to ‘Save Kingstanding’s Odeon’ and being the local landmark back into community use.
“I’m very passionate about the building myself,” Cllr McAuley told Kingstanding Local, “and now it was left empty, I wanted to know what additional security measures were put in place to keep the building safe.
“My massive concern was in case the building was broken into or set on fire… so I wanted the security details, a first point of contact, [so we could reach them] straight away.”
Inside of Top Rank bingo hall at Kingstanding Circle / Still image taken from online broadcast by Birmingham TV – original photograph courtesy of Historic England
After not initially receiving a response from Rank, Cllr McAuley tells that the national leisure group are now being “very cooperative” and are working with him over the building’s safety concerns.
“The recent fire at our former Kingstanding venue was very worrying and we share the local concerns about this incident,” confirmed a spokesperson from Rank. “Our security contractors have attended and re-secured the building, and we have invested in additional alarms and smoke detectors.”
They added: “We understand the broader safety concerns and are also engaging with representatives from Birmingham City Council and local residents about security and next steps for the property.”
Frontage of old Kingstanding Odeon at Kingstanding Circle / Still image taken from online broadcast by Birmingham TV – original photograph courtesy of Historic England
“It’s more than just an old cinema,” tells Cllr McAuley, “It’s a much loved iconic landmark that holds generations of memories for local people. It’s brought families, friends together, it’s provided entertainment for the community, and it became an important part of Kingstanding’s history and identity.
“It’s a common landmark that everyone recognises and associates with Oscott, Kingstanding, and Great Barr.”
He adds: “I’d like to see the council take ownership of the building and put it back to the community use as a community hub. Something we can use, local residents can use.”
Ideas being suggested for the potential use of the iconic building are as a youth centre, a community library, a performing arts space, a warm space and social hub for older residents, a space for a community groups and volunteer led initiatives, a nursery, and a local advice centre.
Other local residents have further chipped in their ideas on social media, with several calling for it to continue providing entertainment – such as a bingo hall and cinema – alongside becoming a wider community hub.
At the time of writing, the online petition has amassed nearly 2500 signatures.
But Cllr McAuley is looking for as much support as he can muster for a project he believes is important to many across the area.
Mecca Bingo Hall at Kingstanding Circle / Still image taken from online broadcast by Birmingham TV
“We’ve got about 2500 signatures from the local community [since launching],” tells Cllr McAuley. “So, I think that in itself is a sign of what the community wants. They want to retain it for our community.”
“There’s 30,000 people combined between Kingstanding and Oscott, “he adds. “Obviously, I’m not going to get 30,000 signatures, but my minimum target at the moment is to reach 5,000.”
The online petition, hosted at the www.kingstanding.org website, also suggests working with Historic England to protect the longstanding piece of local heritage.
West Midlands Police have asked for anyone with information around the suspected arson attack on 11 August to contact them quoting crime reference number 20/358821/26.
Shisha Shop at 280 High Street, Erdington, with shutters down after Closue Order issued / Photograph supplied by Erdington BID
Words by Erdington Local Editorial Team
Shisha Shop by Six Ways Island has been officially closed down, after West Midlands Police and Birmingham City Council’s Trading Standards found the business was selling illegal vapes.
Promoting itself as offering ‘E-Cigs, Tobacco, Shisha & Accessories’, the business located at 280 High Street, Erdington, was targeted as part of the Operation Fearless initiative that started in Erdington Town Centre in January 2025.
Having accumulated enough evidence to establish the independent retailer was selling illegal vapes, West Midlands Police and Trading Standards finally secured a Closure Order from Birmingham Magistrates Court to force down the shutters on 11 August 2026.
Under Section 80 of the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, a Closure Order can be issued to shut down a business for up to three months if it is believed anyone at the address ‘has engaged, or is likely to engage, in criminal behaviour on the premises’.
Operation Fearless and Council notice on shutters at Shisha Shop, 280 High Street, Erdington / Photograph supplied by Erdington BID
The enforcement at 280 High Street, Erdington, was based on evidence gathered by Operation Fearless and enacted as part of Operation Cloud.
Public Health were also consulted, likely due to the potential health risks around the sale of illegal vapes, which are produced and sold without regulation.
Illegal vapes have been known to contain excess levels of nicotine, exceeding the legal UK limit, and can emit hazardous chemicals such as formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and acrolein from cheaply produce heating coils.
A study into the dangers of illegal vapes at the University of Dery also found the under the counter products can contain dangerous levels of lead, nickel, chromium, and cadmium – which can impair brain development.
Erdington Wrad Councillor Robert Alden on Erdington High Street with police / Photograph supplied by Cllr Alden
Following the closure of Shisha Shop, Erdington Ward Councillors Robert Alden and Gareth Moore told local residents through social media: “We have been pushing for tougher enforcement on Erdington High Street from Birmingham Police and Birmingham City Council, therefore we are delighted to see this enforcement action being taken.”
They added: “We will continue working with the Erdington BID to help hold the Council and Police to account and ensure that the enforcement action needed is taken to keep our High Street safe for local residents.”
Erdington Town Centre and BID Manager, Ed King, also told: “The sale of illegal vapes and smoking related products pose a real threat to people’s health – as well as the potential for children to access products legitimate and ethical business would not sell to them.
“Any business on Erdington High Street selling illegal products must stop or be forced to stop. It’s that simple.”
They added: “Operation Fearless showed what robust policing in the area can achieve, but when they left some of the problems started to return – with no effective strategy in place for the local team.
“Although, thankfully, Erdington’s new Sargeant [Sgt Millard] is now in post and has been rebuilding a strong Neighbourhood Police Team – cracking skulls and just getting on with the job.
“Erdington BID, working alongside Councillor Alden and Councillor Moore, will do everything to support Sgt Millard and her team – and we hope West Midlands Police are prepared to do the same.”
(l-r) Erdington Neighbourhood Police Seargent Millard, Town Centre Manager Ed King, Erdington BID events team and Community Market stall holders / Photograph supplied by Erdington BID
Directors of M1 Shisha Shop Ltd and A1 Shisha Shop Ltd, both registered at Companies House as retailers with the trading address 280 High Street Erdington, were issued with the official closure order.
Two Directors of Starborn International Limited, a property firm based in West London, were also issued with the closure order – alongside two further individuals, one based in Great Barr and one in Erdington.
A fire that ransacked three bungalows on Tangmere Drive in Castle Vale yesterday has put two local residents in hospital.
Both initially attended to at the scene by ambulance crews a man was treated for a “medical incident” whilst a woman was also treated for “potentially serious injuries”, before being dispatched for hospital care.
No further casualties were reported, and it is believed the two people conveyed for hospital care are in a stable condition.
At around 1:15pm on Thursday 13 August, fire was seen coming out of the front of a bungalow on Tangmere Drive, before quickly spreading to the two neighbouring premises.
Local residents called the emergency services, who attended the scene and quickly controlled the blaze before it spread further.
Fire at Tangmere Drive bungalows / Images supplied by local residents
The properties are owned and managed by The Pioneer Group, Castle Vale’s largest social landlord with over 2500 residential homes in its portfolio.
In a public statement issued at 5:25pm on the day of the fire, The Pioneer Group stated their “staff have been on site supporting those affected” and asked for “members of the public to avoid the area if possible.”
A spokesperson for West Midlands Ambulance Service told Castle Vale Local: “We were called to a fire on Tangmere Drive in Castle Vale, Birmingham at 1.24pm and sent two ambulances, two paramedic officers and a critical care paramedic to the scene.
“On arrival, crews found a man who was treated for a medical incident and conveyed to hospital. A woman was also treated for potentially serious injuries and was also conveyed to hospital.”
Fire Service responsing to blaze at Tangmere Drive bungalows / Images supplied by local residents
A spokesperson for West Midlands Fire Service added: “Shortly after 1.20pm on Thursday (13 August), we responded to Bond Drive, Castle Vale, Birmingham.
“Five fire engines and two brigade response vehicles attended, arriving to find a house fire in a single-storey terraced bungalow. The fire had spread to two neighbouring properties.
“Two casualties were treated by paramedics at the scene. Police colleagues attend to assist with traffic management.
“Firefighters worked to extinguish the fire and at present, one fire engine remains in attendance damping down hotspots.”
Damaged roof at one of the bungalows on Tangmere Drive / Photograph supplied by local resident
Occurring on one of the hottest days on record, the fire at the residential properties came only a few weeks before a suspected arson attack saw a large part of Castle Vale Meadows destroyed – with police believing the dried out nature reserve was deliberately set alight.
The cause of the fire at the Tangmere Drive properties has yet to be confirmed.
Castel Vale landlords, The Pioneer Group, further asked for “people to avoid speculation” whilst the incident is investigated by the responsible authorities
Fire destroys bungalows on Tangmere Drive, Castle Vale – footage supplied by local residents
On Friday 14 August, Northside Welcome Centre will celebrate 20 years of community support and services.
Located at 176 Streetly Road, Stockland Green, the local community hub runs a varied programme of activities to encourage social inclusion, positive health and wellbeing, and learning new skills.
The weekly calendar hosts sessions including exercise classes, advice surgeries, walking groups, coffee mornings, arts and crafts and computer skills workshops.
Through funding from the Erdington Neighbourhood Network Scheme (ENNS), which supports many community groups and projects across the constituency, Northside Welcome Centre has also recently launched a Cooking Club – where a professional chef will lead workshops on how to prepare food that helps challenge arthritis and inflammation.
Promotional poster for Cooking Club at Northside Welcome Centre
The Cooking Club will run alongside a series of weekly session giving advice on how to manage arthritis and promoting good joint health – as well as a regular gentle movement class to encourage suppleness and mobility.
Held on Tuesdays and Thursday, the new programmes are being promoted as part of Northside’s ‘Move well, eat well, live well’ project – with all activities funded by the ENNS.
Launched in 2006 by Sikh Nari Manch UK, Northside Welcome Centre grew from the registered charity’s work supporting women in the local Sikh community.
Craft and knitting session at Northside Welcome Centre / Photograph supplied by Northside Welcome Centre
Sikh Nari Manch UK was founded in 1998 by Bibi Gurdev Kaur OBE, but built the Northside Welcome Centre so it could operate a wider network of support and services for all faiths and genders.
A spokesperson from Northside Welcome Centre told: “Since opening Northside Welcome Centre in 2006, we have been proud to provide a welcoming space for local people, offering activities, friendship, wellbeing support and opportunities to bring our community together.”
They added: “Over the past 20 years, thousands of local residents have benefited from the Centre and we are looking forward to celebrating this journey with our volunteers, Centre users, supporters, partners and funders.”
Computer and digital skills session at Northside Welcome Centre / Photograph supplied by Northside Welcome Centre
The 20-year anniversary celebration on 14 August will take a look at the centre’s two decades of support, with special recognition of Northside’s volunteers and supporters.
There will also be live Indian classical music and Tabla, as well as a special lunch for invited guests.
On Saturday 22 August, an Old School Sports Day will be held on Short Heath Playing Fields – harking back to the days when the beloved green space was used by local schools in the area.
Free to attend and take part in, and open to families from across the constituency, the event runs from 12noon to 4pm – with entrance to the playing field found on Short Heath Road.
Organised by Short Heath Fields Trust (SHFT), the family event will feature classic school sporting competitions – including an egg and spoon race, a sack race, and a three-legged race.
Children taking part in an egg and spoon race / Image from Adobe Stock Images
Sports Day Races will be held for children, where young people can take part in some friendly competition and win a prize.
There will also be soft archery, soft ball games, volleyball, a bouncy castle, and more family friendly entertainment.
Refreshments will also be available at the event, including the Short Heath Wombles Tea Tent and an ice cream van – alongside a range of stalls from local traders and crafters, such as personalised gifts and pamper hampers from local entrepreneur Leanne’s PJ Hampers.
Chair of SHFT, Steve Hughes, told Erdington Local: “These free community events at Short Heath Playing Fields give children and their families the chance to come together, have fun and make great memories.”
Short Heath Fileds Trust volunteer helping to maintain neighbouring Bleak Hill Park / Photograph by Ed King
He added: “We hope our events can raise funds to help us keep future events free, maintain Short Heath Playing Fields and continue improving Bleak Hill Park for the whole community to enjoy.”
SHFT was formed by a group of local residents back in 2020 to fight Birmingham City Council (BCC) plans to develop a housing estate on the cherished green space, which many Erdington locals would have used for their actual school sports days many years ago.
Local residents meeting on Short Haeth Playing fields during campaign to save the green space / Photograph by Ed King
Successful in their campaign, SHFT now have a licensing agreement in place with BCC to maintain the parkland and host community events – such as the Old School Sport Day, which is held every year.
SHFT also organises an annual Halloween event and Pumpkin Hunt on the playing fields, which attracts hundreds of ghouls and goblins from across Erdington every year.
Following the significant investment secured from central government earlier this year for Stockland Green Health Centre, it was a pleasure to mark the start of the new 32-bed purpose-built facility at the Highcroft site.
This long-awaited investment is a major step forward, and I’m proud we’re now seeing real progress.
Our faith and community groups play a vital role in bringing people together. That’s why it was a pleasure to join Pastor Aaron and the congregation at Charlton Road Church as they celebrated their 90th anniversary in Kingstanding.
It was a wonderful reminder of the dedication of volunteers, faith leaders and local organisations that make our area special. With Kingstanding benefitting from £20 million through the Government’s Pride in Place programme, I’m determined to ensure local people are at the heart of shaping that investment for years to come.
(l-r) Church Elder David Read, Paulette Hamilton MP, Pastor Aaron Reyes / Photograph supplied by Paulette Hamilton MP
Alongside securing investment, I’m continuing to campaign on the issues that matter most.
I recently challenged the Prime Minister in Parliament over the loophole allowing some landlords, whose HMO applications have been refused, to convert properties into exempt accommodation with far less scrutiny.
Our communities deserve a proper say, and I’ll keep pressing the Government for stronger protections. You can support my campaign by signing my petition at www.paulettehamilton.org
Finally, as schools break up for the summer, I hope you and your family enjoy some well-earned time together.
Whether you’re staying local or heading away, I wish everyone across Erdington, Kingstanding, Castle Vale and South Oscott a safe, happy and relaxing summer.
Outdoor activities with Urban Devotion Birmingham (UDB) / Photograph supplied by UDB
Words by Urban Devotion Birmingham (UDB)
The football World Cup was an exciting time, and all the way from England’s dramatic victory over the Democratic Republic of Congo to their sad farewell from the tournament after losing to Argentina – people shared the experience together.
And whilst it wasn’t always an easy watch, the celebrations or commiserations at the final whistle showed just how much sport can make us feel. Joy, disappointment, excitement and hope can all come in the space of 90 minutes.
The tournament also reminds us that summer has arrived. And not long after the World Cup was over, children and young people finished school and have six weeks stretching out ahead of them.
While a slower pace can be welcome, it’s also a great opportunity to get outdoors.
Scan the QR Code above to find out more on Urban Devotion Birmingham
Playing outside, being active and spending time with friends does far more than fill the hours. It builds confidence, strengthens friendships, encourages creativity, and supports good mental wellbeing.
Whether it’s football in the park, games, or simply exploring, outdoor play helps children and young people grow in healthy ways.
At Urban Devotion Birmingham, we’ll be running activities across Erdington throughout the summer holidays, creating safe spaces where children and young people can have fun, make friends and try something new.
