Words and pics supplied by Kingsthorne Primary School
(Ed’s note – this BACK TO SCHOOL article was first written for the Erdington Local printed edition and published on 17.01.25)
Disco ball and party lights / Pic taken from Adobe Stock Images
The run up to Christmas was very exciting at Kingsthorne with lots of special activities and events. On Thursday 12 December the school held its first after school disco since lockdown.
Children from all ages came and ate pizza and chips and there were prizes for the best dancers!
The following day was the House Challenge. Normal lessons were cancelled for the morning and the children got into their houses: Earth, Fire, Water, and Ice. They spent the time making things to sell at the Christmas market in the afternoon.
The house that raised the most money would be crowned the winner! Congratulations to Earth house who raised over £180.
Aberdovery beach and seafront, Wales / Pic taken from Adobe Stock Images
There were festive parties; Reception and Nursery charmed the parents with their re-telling of the nativity story and on the last day we walked down to the local church, St Lukes, for a Christmas service.
There were carols and readings and the ukulele group put together a medley of seasonal songs.
Looking ahead to 2025 there are lots of exciting events planned, including a Y4 residential visit to the Chester Trafford Youth Hostel and the annual Y6 trip to Aberdovey.
Kingsthorne Primary School is part of the Erdington Local BACK TO SCHOOL programme, working together to celebrate school life from staffroom to classroom.
If your school would like to know more about going BACK TO SCHOOL with Erdington Local please email: [email protected]
Words and pics supplied by Marsh Hill Primary School
(Ed’s note – this BTS article was first written for the Erdington Local printed edition and initially published on 20.12.24)
Marsh Lane Primary School children singing carols at Abbey Rose Care Home
Pupils and staff at Marsh Hill Primary School have been building up to Christmas in a variety of fun ways.
We started our festive celebrations with an ice rink on the playground, all pupils across school had an ice-skating session with the staff and thoroughly enjoyed it, some now even want ice skating lessons!
Miss Deans then organised our annual trip to Sutton Town Hall where the children from Years 1 – 6 watched the pantomime Robin Hood, fun and laughs were had by all, especially Mr Hamblett who took part in the show!
Our younger EYFS pupils visited the Midlands Art Centre theatre to watch Finding Santa and took part in writing letters to Santa, thank you to our wonderful parents for supporting us with this trip.
We had our amazing Christmas Carol Concerts and EYFS Nativity performance which showcased how wonderful our pupils are at acting, speaking and singing to an audience.
Our Christmas festivities were rounded up with a group of Year 5 and 6 pupils vising our local care home (Abbey Rose Care Home) to sing carols to the residents and enjoy a festive treat.
We wish everyone in our local community a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year.
Marsh Hill Primary School is part of the Erdington Local BACK TO SCHOOL programme, working together to celebrate school life from staffroom to classroom.
If your school would like to know more about going BACK TO SCHOOL with Erdington Local please email: [email protected]
Words and pics supplied by Kingsthorne Primary School
(Ed’s note – this BTS article was first written for the Erdington Local printed edition and initially published on 20.12.24)
Play-tropolis in Wombourne, Wolverhampton
On a wet and windy Thursday in December the Y1 children boarded a coach and went on a visit to Play-tropolis in Wombourne, Wolverhampton – a local role play centre for young people, with nine purpose built play areas that offer an immersive experience and introduce children to the grown up worlds of work.
The Kingsthorne children had a great time because they got to visit a model street where they practiced some grown up jobs. They had the chance to be firefighters, vets, hairdressers and police officers to name a few!
They were allowed to visit the Play-tropolis Café, supermarket and Post Office. The children had a fantastic day trying out different jobs and seeing miniature versions of shops and businesses.
Play-tropolis in Wombourne, Wolverhampton
Later that day, at the school disco the children got to meet and talk to Father Christmas! He was visiting for the day and chatted to them about what they wanted for Christmas and what they had put on their lists. A truly magical experience!
Although the journey back took much longer than expected, all the Y1 pupils had a fantastic day and learned about future careers.
Kingsthorne Primary School is part of the Erdington Local BACK TO SCHOOL programme, working together to celebrate school life from staffroom to classroom.
If your school would like to know more about going BACK TO SCHOOL with Erdington Local please email: [email protected]
Centre Park, Tangmere Drive, Castle Vale / Pic supplied by The Pinoeer Group
Castle Vale is kickstarting the festive season by planting a real Christmas Tree in Centre Park, with an official ‘lights switch-on’ event to be held at 4:30pm on Thursday 5 December.
Free to attend, local residents are all invited to see the Castle Vale Christmas Tree illuminations, with stalls serving donuts and hot chocolate throughout the event.
The Castle Vale Christmas Tree, which stands at over 14ft tall, has been permanently rooted in the park off Tangmere Drive and will be a central part of the estate’s Christmas celebrations for years to come.
Organised by The Pioneer Group, the modern-day housing association that evolved from the old Castle Vale Community Housing Association, the tree was donated by Nationwide Windows and Doors – as part of their partnership with The Pioneer Group to help support local residents on the North Birmingham estate.
Nationwide Windows and Doors also donated 60m of special Christmas lights to decorate the tree, which organisers hope will stand as a beacon on community spirit throughout the dark winter nights.
The Pioneer Group manage over 2000 homes on Castle Vale and have previously worked on a widespread windows and doors replacement programme with Nationwide, helping make homes more energy efficient and increasing security.
Simon Wilson, Chief Executive at The Pioneer Group, told Castle Vale Local: “The Christmas tree lights switch-on is a great way to bring our community together during the festive season. My thanks go to everyone involved in making this event happen.”
He added: “Special thanks to Nationwide [Doors and Windows] for donating the tree and to Councillor [Ray[ Goodwin for his support to bring this event to life. This event will kick start our celebrations across Pioneer and Compass Support with a host of festive activities taking place this December.”
Cllr Ray Goodwin (Castle Vale, Labour) standing by the Christams Tree in Centre Park – donatred bvy Natrionwide Doors and Windows / Pic supplied by Cllr Goodwin
Councillor Ray Goodwin (Castle Vale, Labour) also championed the partnerships that made sure some festive fun came to Castle Vale this Christmas.
He told: “My sincere thanks to The Pioneer Group and its partners for embracing the Christmas spirit in such an amazing way. This is a true testament to Castle Vale and the strength of its partnership working that made this possible.”
Kevin Caveney, Director of Commercial Sales at Nationwide Windows and Doors, further stated: “We are deeply committed to creating social value in the communities we serve. We understand the importance of fostering community spirit, especially during the holiday season, and we’re proud to support Castle Vale with the donation of a community Christmas Tree.”
He added: “It’s our privilege to work alongside the Castle Vale community to make this Christmas a little brighter and to demonstrate how businesses can create meaningful impact through small but powerful gestures.”
Christmas Tree in The Sanctuary Community Centre / Pic by Ed King
Throughout December, The Pioneer Group and its charitable subsidiary Compass Support will be helping local residents this Christmas with outreach campaigns to provide food, household goods, and even presents to those who are struggling over the festive period.
Special Christmas Hampers will be made up and distributed to local residents in need, providing groceries and everyday essentials, with people asked to donate an old ‘bag for life’ from their supermarket shopping to hold the goods in.
Anyone who can donate a ‘bag for life’ for the Christmas Hamper campaign is asked to drop them into The Pioneer Group offices on Castle Vale High Street before 16 December.
‘Caring Together at Christmas’ campaign poster on display in The Sanctuary Community Centre / Pic by Ed King
The Sanctuary Community Centre is also organising the ‘Caring Together at Christmas’ campaign, where a special Christmas Tree will stand in the community centre entrance featuring tags hung on its branches with ideas for presents for local children in need.
Charitable members of the public can then choose to purchase a gift for a local young person, akin to the Secret Santa gift giving idea, and help make sure each child on Castle Vale has something to unwrap on Christmas Day.
Anyone wishing to nominate a child to receive a special Christmas gift can visit The Sanctuary and ask to fill out a form with the child’s name, age, and suggested gift ideas.
To contact The Sanctuary and Compass Support directly please call (0121) 748 8111 or email [email protected]
Words and pics supplied by Marsh Hill Primary School
Designs on Christmas cards and other festive items printed by School Print World
Festive fun has come early at Marsh Hill Primary, as children across the school get ready for a special ‘design your own Christmas card’ project to celebrate the autumn/winter term.
Teaming up with education print and fundraising specialists School Print World, the project will let the children’s imaginations run wild – and then see their designs on a personally designed Christmas card, which parents and carers can order online for the festive season.
A lot of fun and teaching children to have confidence with their own artwork, the schoolwide project is also a chance for Marsh Hill to raise extra funds – whilst encouraging creativity.
The cards are sold online (much cheaper than in the shops) and give families a chance to send something really special to their loved ones over the festive period.
School Print World work with schools across the UK, bringing innovative and art driven creative projects that support fundraising, and can print the designs on a range of festive items – including mugs, calendars, and even scented candles.
Marsh Hill Primary School Deputy Head, Mrs Leavey, told: “The design your own Christmas card project is about getting the children really engaged in creativity and art, producing something special for their families and loved ones.
“It’s a lot of fun and can be a great way to raise a bit of extra funds for the school during the festive season. We can’t wait to see what the children come up with.”
Marsh Hill Primary School is part of the Erdington Local BACK TO SCHOOL programme, working together to celebrate school life from staffroom to classroom.
If your school would like to know more about going BACK TO SCHOOL with Erdington Local please email: [email protected]
Witton Lodge Community Association is proud to launch our 2023 Christmas Gift Appeal.
Created to support local families who will struggle to afford gifts this Christmas, we are appealing to our amazing community to donate new gifts or toys for children aged 0-16yrs. We also welcome unwanted gifts you have but please ensure they are unused/unopened so we can give them to a family in need.
This heartwarming initiative was launched for the first time in 2022 and we received a huge number of gifts and toys that were wrapped & delivered to families in our local area. We’d love to exceed last year’s donations and help even more of our community this festive season.
Please help support this appeal by donating as well as sharing it with your family and friends. Let’s make this Christmas wonderful for ALL of our community
Our elves have been busy setting up the donation stations at our four hubs, so pop along to drop off your gifts at your nearest location noted below.
Witton Lodge Donation Stations:
Perry Common Community Hall, 87 Witton Lodge Rd, B23 5JD (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm)
Witton Lodge Community Association is a key partner in the Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS programme, supporting independent local and community journalism.
On Saturday 2 December, the big man in red and white will be setting up a FREE SANTA’S GROTTO at Erdington Library at the end of Erdington High Street – inviting local children and families to meet him and his elves as they prepare all the presents for Christmas Day.
Open from 10am until 3pm, no booking is required for the FREE SANTA’S GROTTO – families and children are invited to just come down to Erdington Library and join the fun.
A queue system will be in place, getting people in to meet Santa first come first served, with Santa’s elves on hand to help keep the younger ones occupied with special Christmas crafts and fun.
Plus, the main library will be open with all it’s fantastic books and resources. And if the FREE SANATA’S GROTTO is especially busy there are a host of cafes and shops near to the library where you can grab a quick drink or bite to eat, or make a last dash for those special gifts ahead of the big day.
Organised by the Erdington Business Improvement District (EBID) and supported by local businesses and retailers, the FREE SANTA’S GROTTO will help take the financial sting out of the festive season – offering Erdington families a free way to meet Santa and join in on the winter celebrations.
Erdington Town Centre Mangere, John Hodgkiss, told: “With the challenging year which we have all had, it’s that time again when we focus on Christmas and maximising on footfall in Erdington Town Centre throughout late November and December.”
He added: “Everything is totally free to attend, paid for by the BID and supported by the local shops and businesses. In these difficult times we still want people to be able to together and celebrate our wonderful Erdington community.
“Winter brings the longer nights and colder weather, but we look forward to welcoming local families, residents (and even the occasional reindeer who might fly by) for a bit a festive fun to brighten up the darker days. See you all on the High Street.”
On Saturday 25 November, Erdington High Street celebrated the official Christmas Lights Switch On event – where local Councillor Robert Alden (Erdington Ward, Conservative) and BBC WM Breakfast presenter Rakeem Omar kicked off the festive season and High Street illuminations, joined by a host of other familiar faces and family fun.
All EBID Christmas activities in Erdington Town Centre are supported by local retailers and businesses, who pay a yearly levy for bring services and activities to encourage people to use Erdington Town Centre.
Erdington Business Improvement District (EBID), for example, pay for the Street Wardens who patrol the High Street and act as an immediate line of defence against shoplifters – often in the absence of any effective police presence, and with community police resources having been significantly stripped back over recent years.
Erdington once had one of the busiest High Street’s in Birmingham, with a thriving market community and a bustling variety of independent traders and shops.
But the Covid pandemic, rising cost of living, rising energy prices, and increase in online retail hass seen shops across the country pull down their shutters and the culture of High Street shopping and community diminish.
Crime and anti-social behaviour have also affected Erdington High Street, with some local residents and shoppers becoming increasingly concerned about aggression and criminality in the Town Centre.
Organised activities such as the FREE SANTA’S GROTTO and Christmas Light Switch On event hope to encourage more people to visit Erdington High Street and support the local shops and businesses there.
Erdington Town Centre Manager, John Hodgkiss, added: “The festive period is a crucial time for retail in general, so once again, we want to focus on showing Erdington in its best light and provide family entertainment to increase footfall from the end of November through until New Year.”
The festive season kicks off on Erdington High Street from Saturday 25 November, with an afternoon of free and family fun to celebrate the official Christmas Lights Switch On and welcome winter to the Town Centre.
Come and enjoy an afternoon of music, dance, markets, food, drinks, and all the winter warming shopping you can squeeze into a Saturday – hosted by BBC WM Breakfast presenter Rakeem Omar.
Plus, there will be some very special guests arriving from the world of Pokemon to have their pictures taken with anyone, big or small, who wants to take home a special Christmas memory.
Starting at 12noon and running until the sun and shop shutters go down at 6pm, all activities are completely free of charge and open to children and adults of all ages – even the ‘big kids’ who still get excited when they know Christmas is in the air and a special someone is coming to town.
Then on the following weekend, on Saturday 2 December, Santa will be flying back into Erdington Town Centre coming back to Erdington High Street – inviting children and families to visit his free Santa’s Grotto at Erdington Library between 10am and 3pm.
Completely free, with no advance booking required, Santa hopes you can come and say hello before he flies off around the world delivering presents for Christmas Day.
There will also be free festive craft workshops at Santa’s Grotto, making sure everyone is entertained whilst waiting to see Santa – with his elves on hand to help people of all ages.
Organised by the Erdington Business Improvement District (EBID) and supported by local shops and businesses, the annual Christmas Lights Switch On not only illuminates the High Street as the nights draw in but helps celebrate all the fantastic shops and destination venues in Erdington Town Centre.
Need to catch up on some Christmas shopping? Why not check out all the bargains at Wilton Market, dazzle a loved one with a special something from Goldbar Jewellers, or get the kids excited with toys and games from Griffins Gaming.
Or if you just want to catch up with friends and family you can grab something delicious to eat and drink up and down the High Street – from pancakes and smoothies at Oikos Café, to the main meals and fully stocked bar at The Charlie Hall (children welcome if accompanied).
Erdington BID and Town Centre Manager, John Hodgkiss, tells: “Erdington High Street invites everyone to come and celebrate the festive season with a fantastic, and free, afternoon of music, dance, markets, food, and drink, on Saturday 25 November – building up to the official Christmas Light Switch on that evening.
“Everything is totally free to attend, paid for by the BID and supported by the local shops and businesses. In these difficult times we still want people to be able to together and celebrate our wonderful Erdington community.
“Winter brings the longer nights and colder weather, but we look forward to welcoming local families, residents (and even the occasional reindeer who might fly by) for a bit a festive fun to brighten up the darker days. See you all on the High Street.”
A quick guide to the Christmas Lights Switch On – Saturday 25 November:
Completely free and open to all ages
Live music and dance on the High Street from midday – hosted by BBC WM Breakfast presenter Rakeem Omar
Salvation Army Band – playing your favourite Christmas carols and traditional winter songs
The Nitecrawlers playing live rhythm and blues – following on from the success of the Birmingham Jazz and Blues Festival
Bangra dance for children and adults – from award winning performer and CBeebies presenter, Sohan Kailey
Come and meet larger than life Pokemon characters – have your picture taken with Pikachu and Alakazam
A special winter market by the Village Green – outside Oikos Café and The Swan
Check out some of the pictures from last year’s Christmas Lights Switch On and Santa’s Grotto in our special PICTURE GALLERY below.
Highlights from the Christmas Light Switch On and Santa’s Grotto 2022 – pics by Connor Pope
25 NOVEMBER: Christmas Lights Switch On – 12noon to 6pm, Erdington High Street (free) 2 DECEMBER: Santa’s Grotto – 10 am to 3pm, Erdington Library (free)
Watch out for more about the festive fun on Erdington High Street on the Erdington Business Improvement District Facebook page: www.facebook.com/erdingtonBID
Words by John Hodgkiss, Erdington BID & Town Centre Manager
With the challenging year which we have all had, it’s that time again when we focus on Christmas and maximising on footfall in Erdington Town Centre throughout late November and December.
The festive period is a crucial time for retail in general, so once again, we want to focus on showing Erdington in its best light and provide family entertainment to increase footfall from the end of November through until New Year.
Erdington’s Christmas Lights will be officially turned on 25 November, on what will be a packed day of entertainment and fun and maybe even a brief visit from Father Christmas himself! From The Salvation Army Band to Bhangra Dancing, there will definitely be something for everyone to enjoy as the festive season kicks off!
Then he will be back on 2 December at his HQ in Erdington Library, with a FREE Santa’s Grotto for Erdington Children, so it’s best to stay on his good list!
Further details of Christmas events through until the day itself will be advertised and posted online throughout the next month.
(Ed’s note… Erdington Local will be publishing a full CHRISTMAS SPECIAL feature on Sunday 12 November, giving you more info on what’s coming to Erdington High Street over the festive season.)
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A quick guide to the completely free Christmas Lights Switch On – Saturday 25 November
Check out what will be happening across the afternoon as we countdown to the official Erdington Christmas Lights Switch On. Five, four, three, two, one…
Completely free and open to all ages
Live music and dance on the High Street from midday – hosted by BBC WM Breakfast presenter Rakeem Omar
Salvation Army Band – playing your favourite Christmas carols and traditional winter songs
The Nitecrawlers playing live rhythm and blues – following on from the success of the Birmingham Jazz and Blues Festival
Bangra dance for children and adults – from award winning performer and CBeebies presenter, Sohan Kailey
Come and meet larger than life Pokemon characters – have your picture taken with Pikachu and Alakazam
A special winter market by the Village Green – outside Oikos Café and The Swan
Watch out for more about the festive fun on Erdington High Street on the Erdington Business Improvement District Facebook page: www.facebook.com/erdingtonBID
Words by Ed King / Artwork supplied by Ceol Agency, profile pic by Ed King
The festive season starts in Erdington today, with a special event celebrating the Christmas lights ‘switch on’ – running from 4pm to 7pm, with more events and performances up and down the High Street.
All the Christmas activities are free to attend and suitable for all the family, big and small kids alike are welcome.
The main stage, outside the Co-op supermarket, will be hosted by Radio WM DJ and presenter Henry Liston – with a headline musical performance from local superstar singer Liam Price, who shot to fame after his debut on The Voice Kids UK (2019).
Also performing will be The Trouverers, a musical storytelling ensemble fronted by Katrina – alongside a troupe of Indian Drummers, playing rhythmic beats with traditional South Asian instruments and costume.
Abbey Primary School Choir will be singing the traditional Christmas carol ‘In dulci jubilo’, along with the Birmingham Irish Association. Whilst classically trained international duo Soreno will be closing the main stage after the Christmas lights have been officially ‘switched on’, with their modern medley of folk, pop, and light jazz.
Further up Erdington High Street, there will also be a community choir stage outside St Barnabas Church – with Christmas carols and traditional songs performed by choirs from across Erdington, accompanied by world touring guitarist and singer Stefan Stefanov.
There will also be a free Santa’s Grotto downstairs at Central Square – running from 4pm until around 5:30pm, where up to 1000 children can visit the winter wonderland, meet Santa, and get a free selection box treat.
Santa will then be making his way down to the main stage by the Co-op supermarket, to help turn on the Christmas lights and officially start the festive season in Erdington.
Organised by The Recovery Foundation and supported by the Erdington Business Improvement District (EBID), the Santa’s Grotto at Central Square is also completely free – with children of any ages up to 14 welcome to come along.
To secure your place on the day, simply head to the Christmas lights ‘switch on’ event outside the Co-op supermarket, from 4pm, where you can a pick up a free ticket for Santa’s Grotto – one per child, allocated on a first come first served basis.
Organised by the Erdington Business Improvement District (EBID) and local partners, today’s Christmas lights ‘switch on’ event will be surrounded by more free events for the family to enjoy on Erdington High Street – including a ‘Nutcracker Trail’ and ‘Best Dressed Window’ competition.
The month long programme of free festive fun, starting just over four weeks before Christmas Day, will bring some welcomed Christmas cheer to Erdington – after years of Covid restrictions and amidst the current cost of living crisis.
Supporting local businesses, the EBID also hope the free Christmas events will also encourage people to search for those special seasonal gifts on Erdington High Street.
Town Centre Manager John Hodgkiss told Erdington Local:
“This winter the Erdington Business Improvement District (EBID) wanted to bring some Christmas cheer firmly back to Erdington, with an exciting programme of family friendly fun that won’t cost you a penny.
“Join us for the official Christmas lights ‘switch on’ celebration and free Santa’s Grotto on Thursday 24 November, and check out the other fun events happening up and down the High Street.
“It’s been a tough couple of years, and this winter will be a difficult time for many of us.
“But EBID and our local partners have organised these free and fun events so Erdington can celebrate Christmas as a community again. We hope to see you all on the High Street.”
For more on the Erdington Business Improvement District and all the Christmas events coming to the High Street visit www.facebook.com/erdingtonBID
