Birmingham City Council’s Public Participation Team will be back in Erdington Town Centre on Wednesday 29 July, to talk to local residents about the proposed changes to household waste and recycling collections.
The team will be meeting members of the public at the High Street Hut – the wooden chalet on the pedestrianised area of Erdington High Street in between B&M and Wilton Market – from 12:30am to 4pm.
There is not advance booking required, with the team talking to Erdington locals on a first come first seen basis.
Erdington Business Improvement District (BID) will be setting up some additional seating and cover, as well as free bottle of waters, so people can wait in comfort to be seen and allow more residents to have a chance to engage with the Council.
Engage with Waste team on Erdington High – 16 July / Photograph supplied by Erdingotn BID
The ‘Engage with Waste’ Public Participation Team first came to Erdington High Street on 16 July, as part of an ongoing public consultation campaign ahead of the proposed changes to household waste and recycling collections.
The team are also looking for feedback from members of the public about the upcoming changes to waste and recycling services, which they state could “directly shape” how the services are to be delivered.
(Please note, the Public Participation Team are not responsible for any policy making, legislation, or disputes over working practices, employment status, and pay.)
Mini bins as part of Engage with Waste display / Photograph supplied by Erdington BID
A spokesperson for the Public Participation Team told Erdington Local: “We are really pleased to have the opportunity to speak with Erdington residents directly about the upcoming changes to their waste and recycling services.
“Our goal is to help everyone understand the new weekly food waste collections and the return of recycling services, which now include additional recycling capacity.”
They added: “We are here to support the community with any questions they might have, and importantly, to gather their feedback. Listening to Erdington residents will directly shape how we communicate and roll out these services across the rest of the city.”
Birmingham Council House taken from behind Heras fencing in Victoria Square / Photograph by Ed King
Birmingham City Council has been in an ongoing dispute with Waste Management works and the unions that represent them, especially Unite the Union, since January 2025.
Following the recent Council Elections in May, the minority coalition – led by Cllr Roger Harker (Lib Dems) and Cllr Julien Pritchard (Greens) – announced a new schedule of household waste and recycling collections, although many outside the Cabinet raised concerns over a lack of consultation on the new policy.
Birmingham City Council is subsequently rolling out a public engagement campaign across the city, to talk directly to Birmingham residents about the proposed changes.
Erdington’s High Street Community Market is back on Saturday 25 July – with stalls and children’s games open to the public from 10am to 4pm.
Held on the pedestrianised area in between Wilton Indoor Market and B&M Superstore, the Community Market will bring back some of its favourite regular local traders – joined by some new stalls – selling arts, crafts, toys, clothes, and homemade cakes, brownies, and sweet treats.
The free bouncy castle will be open to children from 10am to 4pm, with a free face painter decorating young face from 11am to 2pm.
Children enjoying a free bouncy castle at Erdington High Street Community Market / Photograph by Ilona Zielinska
Arts All Over the Place will also be back with their arts and crafts stand – offering a peaceful time out for both young people and adults, in a shady corner of the High Street.
Live steelpan drum music will be played by Jamani, giving Erdington High Street some calypso vibes as people have a relaxing browse across the stalls and local businesses.
Browsing the stalls at Erdington High Street Community Market / Photograph by Ilona Zielinska
Erdington Business Improvement District will also be offering free bottled water from the High Street Hut through the event, with the occasional free ice cream handed out to attendees during the day – helping everyone stay cool in the summer heat.
Having a cuppa and a natter at Erdington High Street Community Market / Photograph by Ilona Zielinska
The Community Markets are organised by the Erdington BID, with support from Birmingham City Council and the West Midlands Combined Authority – as part of the BID’s LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY and Celebrate Erdington campaigns, helping promote Erdington Town Centre.
A spokesperson from Erdington BID told: “Our July High Street Community Market will be mark six months since we started these monthly events, and it has been an absolute joy to see people come into Erdington Town Centre and have a fun afternoon together.
“Plus, the stalls are selling some truly unique gifts – from local traders and crafters – which you simply won’t find anywhere else.
“So, if you’re looking for a special birthday present or gift, then you should definitely come down and check out what’s on offer.”
Browsing the stalls at Erdington High Street Community Market / Photograph byBianca Pirvuceanu
Erdington BID is also building a group of local volunteers, to help support events and work on other activities that support Erdington Town Centre – such as community litter picks, gardening, and outreach work with local care homes and residential centre.
Birmingham City Council’s Public Participation Team will be in Erdington Town Centre on Thursday 16 July, inviting members of the public to talk to them about the upcoming changes to household waste and recycling collections.
The team will be situated on the pedestrianised area of Erdington High Street, by the wooden Community & Creative Hub in between B&M and Wilton Market, from 10am to 1pm.
Additional seating and cover will be provided by Erdington BID, allowing more people to have a chance to engage.
The Council team will then move over to Erdington Leisure Centre, setting up an information stand inside the sports facility by the reception, for an afternoon engagement session from 2pm to 5pm.
Both sessions are completely free to attended and require no advance booking, with members of the public attending seen on a first come first served basis.
Uncollected rubbish outside residentail properties in Erdington Town Centre / Photograph by Ed King
Please note, the Public Participation Team will be able to answer questions people may have about the recently announced changes to waste and recycling collections – but are not responsible for any policy making, legislation, or disputes over working practices, employment status, and pay.
They are also looking for feedback from members of the public about the upcoming changes to waste and recycling services, which they state could “directly shape” how the services are to be delivered.
A spokesperson for the Public Participation Team told Erdington Local: “We are really pleased to have the opportunity to speak with Erdington residents directly about the upcoming changes to their waste and recycling services.
“Our goal is to help everyone understand the new weekly food waste collections and the return of recycling services, which now include additional recycling capacity.”
Birmingham Town House as seen behind Heras fencing / Photograph by Ed King
They added: “We are here to support the community with any questions they might have, and importantly, to gather their feedback. Listening to Erdington residents will directly shape how we communicate and roll out these services across the rest of the city.”
Birmingham City Council has been in an ongoing dispute with Waste Management works and the unions that represent them, especially Unite the Union, since January 2025.
Although the issue – reportedly about equal pay, job descriptions, and a number of potential redundancies – persists from previous Labour administrations and goes back to as far as 2017, when John Clancy was then leader of the Council.
Following the recent Local Election in May – where the Birmingham Labour Group lost control of the Council – a minority coalition was formed between the Liberal Democrats, Green Party, and some independent councillors, with Cllr Roger Harmer (Lib Dems) voted in a Council Leader.
Shortly after taking office a new schedule of collections was announced, with many members of opposing parties complaining the was inadequate consultation and the new policy was forced through.
Birmingham City Council is now rolling out a citywide engagement programme, talking to members of the public about the proposed changes to their household waste and recycling service.
Erdington Town Centre sign by Six Ways Island / Photograph by Ed King
Ed’s note… This article was first published in the Erdington Local monthly newspaper, out on shelf from 18 June.
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Words by Ed King – Erdington Town Centre Manager
After taking over as Town Centre Manager in March 2025, I spent the first six months meeting with the local Neighbourhood Police Team (NPT) and officers from Operation Fearless.
It was an exciting time, with high profile policing in Erdington Town Centre and extensive media coverage about the impact the near million-pound police initiative was making.
And it was working, too.
Operation Fearless team on Erdington High Street during initial launch – Photograph supplied by West Midlands Police
But as a rising balloon gets higher in the sky, the easier it can burst. And with a loud pop and dull thud, once the team left Erdington all the good work achieved by Operation Fearless came hurtling back to earth. £880,000 to disrupt the problem. Or move it from Iceland to Borsch Electrical.
So, excitement turned to frustration. Then anger, as I watched revolving door sergeants and inspectors leave no visible strategy, or police officers, on the ground. And for the next six months I had more meetings, and more frustration, mostly ending in the words: “…just do your job.”
Now I don’t know how to run a police force as much as I know how to fly a plane, which (you should know before taking your seat) I don’t. At all. We’d crash before take off.
(l-r) Street Pastor talking to Designated Nieghbourhood Officer on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Ed King
But what I meant was the answer – to me, and to the entire retail, consumer, and residential community in Erdington Town Centre – was simple. Regular, physical, uniformed, and active police presence on Erdington High Street.
Building a network and building trust. Doing their job. Or rather, being left alone, and in place, to do their job continuously. Simple.
And whilst I don’t know how many annual salaries the cost of Operation Fearless could have paid for, I do know without an effective handover to the NPT it counted for nothing.
Sergeant Millard (far left) with members of Erdington BID and local stall holders at Erdington High Street Community Market / Photograph by Ilona Zielinska
I also know, have met, and have seen doing their job, we have some excellent officers working the Erdington patch. The problem is they’re seldom left there for long, and after a list of false starts and promises from those above them you start to switch off.
Then, after the second sergeant in under a year had signed up and signed off, I got a call from Detective Chief Inspector Askew – a copper’s copper who led Operation Fearless, and one of the only boys in blue I still allowed myself to trust.
“There’s a new sergeant coming to Erdington… give her a chance, you’ll like her. She gets the job done.”
Sergeant Millard (third from left) standing outside St Barnabas Church with of the police and local community stakeholders / Photograph supplied by West Midlands Police
Ed’s note… This article was first published in the Erdington Local monthly newspaper, out on shelf from 18 June.
Be the first to get your local news delivered through your door, support independent community journalism, and email: subscribe@erdingtonlocal.com
Operation Fearless showed what high impact policing can do, after it launched in Erdington Town Centre in January 2025 and bit off a chunk of crime from the battle-weary High Street.
But since then, the remaining Neighbourhood Police Team has seen a revolving door of officers, sergeants, and inspectors come and go, leaving little but public mistrust and criminal hubris to fill in the void.
Enter Sergeant Claire Millard, who cut her teeth in the London Met and is now heading up Erdington’s local police force.
Erdington Local went for a coffee and a chat with Sgt Millard on Erdington High Street, to find out who she is, how she operates, and why things might once again be starting to change for the better.
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Profile picture of Sergeant Millard / Photograph supplied by West Midlands Police
Words by Shaun Hand
I meet Sergeant Millard at Oiko’s Café on Erdington High Street, her arrival heralded by high volume banter from two smokers outside The Swan pub across the concourse. Sgt Millard smiles and acknowledges the loud ladies in question, taking it all in her stride, and we sit down with a coffee. Over the background hum of Oiko’s lunchtime trade and the occasional crackly chatter from Sgt Millard’s radio, we start at the beginning.
“I’m from East London, Walthamstow,” she explains, her Estuary accent undented by five years in the Midlands. “And where I grew up, you had two choices: you either did the bad stuff, or you got out…
“I realised quite early on that it was all down to the choices that I made. It didn’t matter what type of environment you grew up in or what your background was, you had the ability to make those choices.”
“And if you saw it through,” she adds, “even in the hardest times, there was always something positive you could do.”
Having considered careers in policing and education, Millard initially pursued the latter, planning to become a secondary school teacher – “If you get people young, you can educate them [and] give them the right advice” – but by the time she went back to college, to re-sit the necessary exams and take an access course, she was a single mother in her late twenties, balancing parenthood and studies with 12 hour shifts as Deputy Manager in a local bookies.
Police from Operation Fearless questioning local man / Photograph supplied by West Midlands Police
It was a customer in the betting shop who told her about the Metropolitan Police’s then-latest recruitment drive, and despite having secured a university place to study in Canterbury, Claire Millard decided to apply for a place on the force. And she got in.
“I’ve found my hands are less tied [as a police officer] and I can be more honest,” she says of her deciding to channel her passion for helping young people through policing. “And they can relate to that. I can say to somebody, ‘If you want to end up in custody, carry on. But talk to me to like a human being, and we’re going to walk away from this and forget about it.’”
After seven-and-half years of working for the Met in Barking & Dagenham, as a schools officer and responding to 999 calls, Millard relocated to the West Midlands, working on complex investigations at West Bromwich before being promoted again to her current position as the Sergeant responsible for Erdington’s Neighbourhood Police Team (NPT), which she took up in January this year.
As well as getting up to speed on what her predecessors had put in place, or not, the now Sgt Millard said she also had to learn “how best to reach the local community. What to do and what not to do, which is key in a place like [Erdington].”
“Partnership work is key here, too,” tells Sgt Millard, who has already established more of a relationship with local stakeholders than both of her predecessors combined – according to those we speak to. “Most people want Erdington to be a nice place, a safe place. Somewhere you could not just come and grab something and run off again, but actually spend time here: sit outside, have a coffee, meet friends.”
Police car attending crime scene / Photograph by Ed King
An admirable approach to neighbourhood policing, and one that – on paper at least – would seem to work. But the tacit implication is that despite a well-publicised investment of £880,000 and double dose of Operation Fearless, alongside other promises that failed to materialise (the fabled ‘High Street Police Team’ being one) people in Erdington Town Centre still don’t feel able to do those things.
So, what does the area’s new police sergeant see as the reasons, and the answers?
“Unfortunately, the High Street has its…” She pauses.
While our conversation generally flows freely, a chat straying into everything from ‘90s reggae to the Irish spelling of names, Sergeant Millard becomes very considered when answering questions about her approach to policing in Erdington.
“I don’t like to say that it’s the homelessness or the street drinking, because those people are vulnerable within themselves. But sometimes… the loud music puts people off; [As well as] the kids, and adults, on bikes or e-scooters.”
And of what happened before Sgt Millard caame into post, she admits, “Operation Fearless leaving left a massive gap”, but also that, “Them coming back [in April 2026], and introducing the Neighbourhood Team the way I’ve done, has hopefully built more confidence back.
“But we need to hold that now. We need to show what we’re doing is going to work.”
(l-r_ Street Pastor talking to Designated Nieghbourhood Officer on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Ed King
The impression Sgt Millard gives, from her working-class background, her passion for education and helping young people, and her approach to local policing, is that she’s not a mandarin – full of well-meaning theory, but no real-world experience.
But nor is she a Clint Eastwood type, riding in to ruthlessly clean up the town on her own. She’s far more pragmatic and community minded.
“This High Street’s got to be about all of us,” she explains. “We (the police) can uphold the law and we can get involved, but we need to make this a better place for everybody, and it’s going to take all of us to do that.
“Teenagers are welcome to be here [as long as they’re] respectful about it. And that again comes down to education.”
Sergeant Millard is full of praise for local groups in the area too, particularly the Erdington Street Pastors, Erdington Litter Busters, and the Erdington Business Improvement District.
“There are so many people here that want to make a positive difference,” she adds, before coming back to how, under her watch, the police going to play their part.
“We want to create the Street Watch again,” continues Sgt Millard, “where we get some of the High Street owners involved. I think there was one, but it hasn’t [continued], and I don’t know if that’s through lack of trying or just lack of interaction.
“But we now have a Dedicated Neighbourhood Officer (DNO) just for the High Street who’s willing and able to do whatever he can to get things up and running.”
Erdington Police Station / Photograph by Ed King
And what about the old-fashioned ‘boots on the ground’ style of policing so many yearn for? “That’s on my wish list,” she responds firmly. “What I would really like is to have [at least] two officers visible on the High Street, Thursday through to Sunday, ten ‘til six. Just so there are two bobbies [always on patrol] at the busiest time.”
At the moment, however, Sergeant Millard believes her Neighbourhood Police Team are three officers short. “I’ve got vacancies I’m hoping to fill,” she explains, wanting to get officers on the High Street in time for the six-week school holidays.
And whilst funding is usually the biggest stumbling block in local police teams, and Sgt Millard accepts “the world’s a different place now”, there is still hope West Midlands Police higher ups will agree securing the legacy of Operation Fearless is worth the investment.
And some things do stay the same, Sgt Millard’s common-sense approach to community policing being one of them.
Police patroling Erdington High Street / Photograph supplied by Erdington BID
“It’s not rocket science,” she says. “It really isn’t. It’s about having bobbies on the street; somebody you can turn to. You know their name and if you have a problem, you can speak to them. You haven’t got to go through 111.
“Obviously, if it’s an emergency dial 999. But if you have a worry or a concern, you know that Andy (PC Boyle, one of Erdington’s DNOs) is going to be on your street or in the community hub, and you can pop your head in and say, ‘I’ve had this happen; it’s slightly worrying.’ And you can get advice on what to do next.’”
After an hour’s honest conversation, and continued radio chatter, Sgt Millard’s phone also pipes up. Her advice is needed on an ongoing case. “I’ve got a lot to do,” she admits of her new role. as she rings off and gets ready to head back to Erdington Police Station.
“But if a job’s worth doing, it’s worth doing properly.”
Sergeant Millard (far left) standing outside Creative and Community Hub on Erdingotn High Street – with members of Erdingotn BID and local stall holders at Erdington High Street Community Market / Photograph supplied by Erdington BID
PICTURE GALLERY: Policing in Erdington Town Centre – from the launch of Operation Fearless to present day / Photographs by Ed King, West Midlands Police, and supplied by various local stakeholders
Erdington High Street Community Market returns to the Town Centre on Saturday 30 May – celebrating its fourth event, taking place on the last Saturday of every month.
Held on the pedestrianised area in between Wilton Indoor Market and B&M Superstore, the event will run from 10am to 4pm – with a range of stalls selling arts, crafts, toys, clothes, and homemade treats from local traders and crafters.
There will also be a variety of free children’s fun and games at the Erdington Market, including a bouncy castle, face painting, temporary face tattoos, and two arts and crafts stands – with one even offering a peaceful time out for adults, from local community group Arts All Over the Place.
Erdington High Street Community Market / Photograph by Ilona Zielinska
The LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY hub will also be offering some free soft drinks and water bottles, whilst talking to those attending about some exciting new events and activities coming to Erdington High Street later this year.
Completely free to attend, there is no charge to attend the Erdington High Steet Community Market or for any of the activities on offer.
The Community Markets are organised by the Erdington Business Improvement District (BID), as part of their ongoing LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY campaign – with support from Birmingham City Council and the West Midlands Combined Authority through the Shared Prosperity Fund and Mayor’s Market Fund.
Erdington High Street Community Market / Photograph by Ed King
A spokesperson for Erdington BID told: “We launched the Erdington High Street Community Markets in February this year, and the events have been absolutely fantastic – with some really unique and creative stall holders, all from in and around Erdington.
“They are a lot of fun, for both adults and children, and a really wonderful way of the Erdington community to come together and enjoy and afternoon on the High Street.”
Erdington High Street Community Market / Photograph by Ed King
They added: “This month, in May, we’ve got a few more stall coming along – as the Community Market is picking up interest from new traders and people looking to try their hand at a pop up stall.
“The market is growing, and we would love to welcome more people down to the High Street to have a browse and a bite to eat and join us in celebrating our fantastic Erdington community. See you on the High Street this Saturday [30 May].”
Erdingotn High Street Community Market / Photograph by Ed King
Taking place on the last Saturday on each month, the Erdington High Street Community Markets launched in February 2026 and has seen hundreds of people enjoy an afternoon in Erdington Town Centre.
Regular stall holders are joined each month by new traders, selling unique gifts, local crafts, original artwork, and mouthwatering cakes, desserts, and home recipes that you won’t find anywhere else.
Erdington High Street Community Market / Photograph by Ed King
Check out our picture gallery below, showing some of the highlights from previous Erdington High Street Community Markets.
The Erdington High Street Community Markets are run as part of the Erdington BID’s LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY campaign, to welcome local people and visitors into Erdington Town Centre.
LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY presented a series of community events across 2025, including three ‘Summer Fun Days’ from June to August and three ‘Winter Warmer’ events throughout December.
Erdington High Street Community Market / Photograph by Ilona Zielinska
The LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY campaign is also building a group of local volunteers, to help support events and work on other activities that support Erdington Town Centre – such as community litter picks, gardening, and outreach work with local care homes and residential centre.
Anyone interested in volunteering through the LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY campaign, or information about the wider events and activities being delivered though the Erdington BID, should email: erdingtonhighstreet@hotmail.co.uk
PICTURE GALLERY: Erdington High Street Community Markets / Photographs by Ilona Zielinska and Ed King
Get down to the Erdington High Street Community Market on Saturday 25 April and win a free £10 voucher to spend at any of the stalls.
All you have to do is register your name and an email address before 12noon at the LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY information hut – then 10 lucky winners will be pulled out of the hat at 12:30pm.
Vouchers will then be issued, which can be exchanged at any of the stalls for good up to the value of £10.
Stalls will be trading from 10am to 4pm, and entries can be made from 10am – one per person, with no age limit to take part.
Vouchers can only be exchanged for goods being sold at Erdington High Street Community Market on 25 April, with no change given.
Organised by the Erdington Business Improvement District (BID), the Erdington High Street Community Markets are held on the last Saturday of every month – located on the pedestrianised area in between Wilton Indoor Market and B&M Superstore.
The events are run as part of the Erdington BID’s LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY campaign, to welcome local people and visitors into Erdington Town Centre – with support from Birmingham City Council and the West Midlands Combined Authority, through the Shared Prosperity Fund and Mayor’s Market Fund.
A spokesperson for Erdington BID told: “There are some really wonderful crafts, gifts, and homemade treats on sale at the Erdington High Street Community Markets – and loads you can buy for £10 or under.
“Our £10 voucher giveaway is a fun way of helping people come down, have a bite and a browse through the stalls, and help support local traders.”
Local stall holder at Erdington High Street Community Market on 28 March ’26 / Photograph by Ilona Zielinska
They added: “It’s a really fun afternoon at the Erdington High Street Community Markets, and wonderful to see so many people enjoying an afternoon in Erdington Town Centre.
“So come and join us on Saturday and help us champion the LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY campaign.”
The Erdington High Street Community Market on 25 April will run from 10am to 4pm – with a range of stalls selling local arts, crafts, toys, clothes, and homemade treats.
The Erdington Lunar Society will also have a stall, offering information on the guest speakers and talks the local group regularly organise – alongside their campaign to save Erdington Library.
Running on the last Saturday of every month, regular stall holders are joined each month by new traders, selling unique gifts, local crafts, original artwork, and mouthwatering cakes, desserts, and home recipes that you won’t find anywhere else.
Arts and crafts session at Erdington High Street Community Market / Photograph by Ilona Zielinska
Check out our picture galleries from the February and March Erdington High Street Community Markets below.
Completely free to attend, the family friendly event will also host a variety of fun and games for young people, including a free bouncy castle and face painting tent.
As well as organising the Erdington High Street Community Markets, the LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY presented a series of community events across 2025 – including ‘Summer Fun Days’ from June to August and ‘Winter Warmer’ events throughout December.
LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY stickers on display at information hut / Photograph by Ed King
The LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY campaign is also building a group of local volunteers, to help support events and work on other activities that support Erdington Town Centre – such as community litter picks, gardening, and outreach work with local care homes and residential centre.
Anyone interested in volunteering through the LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY campaign, or information about the wider events and activities being delivered though the Erdington BID, should email: erdingtonhighstreet@hotmail.co.uk
PICTURE GALLERY: Erdington High Street Community Market on 28 March / Photography by Ilona Zielinska
PICTURE GALLERY: Erdington High Street Community Market on 28 February / Photography by Ilona Zielinska
Erdington High Street Community Market returns to the Town Centre on Saturday 25 April.
Held on the pedestrianised area in between Wilton Indoor Market and B&M Superstore, the event will run from 10am to 4pm – with a range of stalls selling local arts, crafts, toys, clothes, and homemade treats.
Taking place on the last Saturday on each month, the Erdington High Street Community Markets launched in February this year and has seen hundreds of people enjoy an afternoon in Erdington Town Centre.
Local stall holder at Erdington High Street Community Market on 28 March ’26 / Photograph by Ilona Zielinska
Regular stall holders are joined each month by new traders, selling unique gifts, local crafts, original artwork, and mouthwatering cakes, desserts, and home recipes that you won’t find anywhere else.
Check out our picture galleries from the February and March Erdington High Street Community Markets below.
Completely free to attend, the family friendly event will also host a variety of fun and games for young people, including a free bouncy castle and face painting tent.
Local stall holder at Erdington High Street Community Market on 28 March ’26 / Photograph by Ilona Zielinska
There is no charge for any of the activities, as organised by the Erdington Business Improvement District (BID) – with support from Birmingham City Council and the West Midlands Combined Authority, through the Shared Prosperity Fund and Mayor’s Market Fund.
A spokesperson for Erdington BID told: “Erdington has a rich history or markets and traders, and our outdoor High Street Community Markets are a continuation of that proud and local tradition.”
Local stall holder at Erdington High Street Community Market on 28 March ’26 / Photograph by Ilona Zielinska
They added: “All the stalls are run by local artisans, chefs, and creatives, and are a great chance to find those hidden gems you can only uncover from a community market.
“There’s lots of fun for families and young people, so come down – have a bite and a browse – and enjoy an afternoon in Erdington Town Centre.”
The Erdington High Street Community Markets are run as part of the Erdington BID’s LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY campaign, to welcome local people and visitors into Erdington Town Centre.
Local stall holder at Erdington High Street Community Market on 28 March ’26 / Photograph by Ilona Zielinska
LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY presented a series of community events across 2025, including three ‘Summer Fun Days’ from June to August and three ‘Winter Warmer’ events throughout December.
The LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY campaign is also building a group of local volunteers, to help support events and work on other activities that support Erdington Town Centre – such as community litter picks, gardening, and outreach work with local care homes and residential centre.
Anyone interested in volunteering through the LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY campaign, or information about the wider events and activities being delivered though the Erdington BID, should email: erdingtonhighstreet@hotmail.co.uk
PICTURE GALLERY: Erdington High Street Community Market on 28 March / Photography by Ilona Zielinska
PICTURE GALLERY: Erdington High Street Community Market on 28 February / Photography by Ilona Zielinska
Erdington High Street Community Market – February ’26 / Photograph by Ilona Zielinska
Words by Ed King
Erdington Community Market returns to Erdington High Street on Saturday 28 March for the second event in its regular monthly programme, with stalls open to the public from 11am to 5pm.
The first Community Market was held in February and saw hundreds of Erdington locals and visitors enjoy an afternoon of family friendly fun on the High Street – see our PICTURE GALLERY from the February market below.
Organised by the Erdington Business Improvement District (BID), the Erdington High Street Community Markets will offer a range of handmade crafts, original artwork, unique gifts, children’s toys, and homemade food from local traders.
The Community Markets will also showcase several local bakers selling homemade sweet treats, with a wide range of brownies, cakes, biscuits, and much more – including gluten free and vegan options.
Alongside the stalls will be a variety of free children’s entertainment, including a bouncy castle, face painting, glitter tattoos, and arts and crafts.
Erdington High Street Community Market – February ’26 / Photograph by Ilona Zielinska
The Erdington High Street Community Market will be held on the pedestrianised area outside Wilton Market and B&M Superstore.
The busy location also gives local shoppers and visitors to the Town Centre a chance to visit Erdington’s longstanding high street retailers – where they can pick up everything from fresh meat and groceries, to electronics, household goods, and clothing.
Erdington High Street Community Market – February ’26 / Photograph by Ilona Zielinska
A spokesperson for Erdington BID and the Community Markets told: “The first Community Market in February was a lot of fun, and we’re really excited to bring back the stalls and children’s entertainment to Erdington Town Centre. has a rich history of markets and traders, as well as a bustling business community.
“We’ve got a few new stall holders joining us this month too, and it’s exciting to watch the interest in our Community Markets grow – which we hope to build on each month.”
They added: “The Erdington High Street Community Markets are not only a chance to find those special gems that you only get from a local market, but also a chance to socialise and enjoy an afternoon in Erdington Town Centre.
“It was a really lovely event in February, and everyone is excited about coming back on Saturday 28 March – we hope to see you on the High Street.”
Erdington High Street Community Market – February ’26 / Photograph by Ilona Zielinska
The Erdington High Street Community Markets are supported by the Mayor’s Market Fund from the West Midlands Combined Authority – with additional support from Birmingham City Council and the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund.
The events are part Erdington BID’s LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY campaign, set up to encourage positive engagement with Erdington High Street and Town Centre – through community events, volunteering opportunities, arts and culture.
PICTURE GALLERY: Erdington High Street Community Market on 28 February / Photography by Ilona Zielinska
For more information, or to get involved in any of the Erdington BID Community Markets or LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY events, please email: erdingtonhighstreet@hotmail.co.uk
The first Erdington Community Market is to be held on Erdington High Street on Saturday 28 February, with stalls open to the public from 11am to 5pm.
Organised by the Erdington Business Improvement District (BID), the Community Markets will offer a range of crafts, artwork, gifts, toys, and food from local traders – plus those special one off “hidden treasures” you can only find on a market stall.
Local artists will be presenting original work, alongside stall holders selling handmade gifts and crafts, uniquely tailored clothing lines, personalised decoupage gifts, family recipe food, homemade cakes and treats, and much more.
Local trader selling children’s toys and gifts at LYLC Winter Warnmer event on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Ed King for Erdington Local
Stalls will be situated on the pedestrianised area outside Wilton Market, giving local shoppers and visitors to the Town Centre a chance to visit Erdington’s longstanding indoor market as well – where they can pick up everything from fresh meat and electronics to luggage and clothing.
A spokesperson for Erdington BID and the Community Markets told: “Erdington Town Centre has a rich history of markets and traders, as well as a bustling business community.
“In 2026 we’re bringing this past into the present and launching our regular Community Markets on the High Street.”
Stalls and public engagement LYLC Summer Fun Day event on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Ed King for Erdington Local
They added: “High Streets across the country are suffering, with national chains closing stores and more people shopping over the Internet.
“But the Erdington Community Markets will be a chance to find those special hidden treasures you can’t find online, as well as enjoying an afternoon of free fun and children’s entertainment on Erdington High Street.”
The Erdington High Street Community Market on Saturday 28 February will be running alongside a Community Fun Day from 11am to 3pm – organised by Oikos Church and Café, celebrating their respective 15 and ten year anniversaries on Erdington High Street.
The Oikos Community Fun Day will include free family fun, including a bouncy castle, face painting, temporary tattoos, arts and craft workshops, and live music – supported by Erdington BID’s LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY (LYLC) campaign.
Oikos will also be hosting a special Community Meal, undercovers outside on the High Street, where people can join together to enjoy good food and company.
Oikos host a Community Meal at their High Street venue every month which attracts a friendly crowd from across the local community.
LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY stickers on display on information stand at Community Fun Day / Photograph by Ed kIng for Erdington Local
Erdington BID’s LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY campaign was set up to encourage positive engagement with Erdington High Street and Town Centre.
With support from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the LYLC campaign hosted a series of Summer Fun Day and Winter Warmer events in 2026 and has a programme of activity planed for Erdington Town Centre across 2026.
For more information, or to get involved in any of the Erdington BID Community Markets or LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY events, please email: erdingtonhighstreet@hotmail.co.uk
