NEWS: Remembrance Sunday events and commemoration services across Erdington

Words by Ed King

On Sunday 9 November, communities across the country will stand together in solidary to honour the men and women from Commonwealth states who lost their lives in the First World War.

Held annually on the closest Sunday to Armistice Day, on 11 November, Remembrance Sunday is “a national opportunity to remember the service and sacrifice of all those that have defended our freedoms and protected our way of life” – as described by the British Legion.

In Erdington Town Centre, a special holy communion remembrance service will be held from 10:30am at St Barnabas Church on Erdington High Street – a two hundred year old place of workshop that also houses many Commonwealth War Graves in its churchyard.

Commonwealth War Grave at St Barnabas Church in Erdington Town Centre / Photograph by Ed King

A spokesperson for St Barnabas Church told: “This Remembrance Sunday, we come together to honour those who gave their lives in service. Please join us as we remember. All are welcome.”

Over in Kingstanding, a commemorative march will begin at 9:45am from No1 Public House on the corner of College Road and Hurstwood Road.

The march will walk under a mile to St Martin’s Church on Witton Lodge Road, for a special commemorative service, before heading back to No1 Public House for Laying of the Wreaths and the Last Post – a buffet and refreshments will also be provided.

Clifton & Alex from No1 Public House explained: “We look forward to seeing many of you there for this solemn occasion as we remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for the freedom we have today.”

On Castle Vale, a Remembrance Sunday commemorative service will be held at St Cuthbert’s Church on Castle Vale High Street – with local Councillor Ray Goodwin laying a wreath at the armed service personal memorial at 11am.

On Tuesday 11 November at 11am, Cllr Goodwin will also be raising a flag in Centre Park, in between Yatesbury Avenue and Tangmere Drive, marking the official Armistice Day anniversary and further commemorating those who fell in the Great War.

The First World War, also known as the ‘Great War’, began on 28 July 1914 and continued for over four years, finally ending at the eleventh hour on the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918.

Cited as one of the deadliest conflicts in human history, the war claimed over 40million military and civilian casualties and radically changed how battles were fought in the field.

Ever since the armistice on 11 November 1918, countries and Commonwealth states across the world have marked the occasion with commemoration services and events, as well as displaying red poppies – symbolising the prominence of the flower which grew out of many of the war’s worst battlegrounds.

Remembrance Day wreaths adorn the National War Memorial steps in London / Photograph from Adobe Stock Images

In Birmingham City Centre, the main Remembrance Sunday service will be held opposite St Paul’s Cathedral on Colmore Row – with a march starting at 10:30am.

A subsequent service will begin at 10:55am – led by the Lord Mayor of Birmingham Councillor Zafar Iqbal MBE, and joined alongside the Lord Lieutenant Derrick Anderson CBE, and the Bishop of Birmingham the Rt Reverend Dr Michael Volland.

NEWS: Meet Pudsey Bear at Erdington Greggs Children in Need fundraiser on Saturday 8 November

Erdington Greggs manager Kirstie McGibbon (right) and staff member on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Ed King

Words by Ed King

Erdington locals are invited to come and meet Pudsey Bear at a special fundraising event outside Greggs on Erdington High Street, on Saturday 8 November.

Taking place outside the popular store between 10am and 3pm, the famous BBC Children in Need mascot will be saying a big bear hig hello to children and families – as the kind hearted Erdington Greggs staff raise money for the longstanding BBC children’s charity.

As well as getting to meet the most famous bear to ever wear an eye patch, the Erdington Greggs organised event will have music, arts activities for young people, and a special Bric-a-Brac table top sale – with public donations being sold to raise funds.

There will also be a special ‘decorate your own Gingerbread Man’ table and organisers have told Erdington Local there may be a few more surprises in store.

100% of all money raised on the day will be donated to the BBC Children in Need charity.

Whist getting ready for the fundraising event on Saturday 8 November, the manager of Greggs Erdington – Kirstie McGibbon – told Erdington Local: “We’re all big supporters of Children in Need here. One of our staff members, Claire, has run fundraising events for the charity before and we wanted to get involved as well.

“We have lots of customers who would want to support Children in Need, and we have a busy shop right on Erdington High Street – so there’s a lot of footfall in and outside.

“We thought why not, let’s do something big and to support the charity and the children it helps.”

Greggs on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Ed King

Kirstie added: “We’d love to see lot of people come down and meet Pudsey on Saturday, and to help us raise money through the Bric-a-Brac table and children’s arts sessions.

“It’ll be a lot of fun and hopefully help raise some money for a really worthwhile cause.”

Erdington Business Improvement District (BID), the local organisation that manages Erdington Town Centre, welcomes the positive community action onto Erdington High Street.

A spokesperson for the Erdington BID told: “It’s fantastic that the Greggs staff want to hold this event and raise money for such a worthwhile charity – supporting young people and children across the UK.

“They already do so much for the community; people socialise at Greggs, and it’s a safe and welcoming place for many local residents and shoppers.

They added: “We’re lucky to have our Greggs on Erdington High Street; the staff that work there are truly lovely people, and the breakfast sandwiches and coffee are not a bad way to start the day either.”

Children in Need fundraising bucket outside Erdington Greggs / Photograph by Ed King

BBC Children in Need is an official charity organised by the UK broadcaster, supporting young people and disadvantaged children across the UK throughout the year.

Every November, BBC Children in Need also hosts a special telethon fundraiser on BBC One and BBC Two – with celebrities and guests presenting a range of entertainment and educational content to raise awareness and funds for youth focused outreach and support programmes.

Established in 1980, BBC Children in Need has raised over £1bn through sponsored events, fundraisers, and donations, and is the “UK’s largest independent funder of youth work” – as cited on the charity’s official website.

BBC Children in Need will hold its next annual telethon on 14 November 2025.

For more on Erdington Greggs visit www.greggs.com/shops/erdington/96-high-street/3522

For more on BBC Children in Need visit www.bbcchildreninneed.co.uk

 

ERDINGTON POLICE: Keeping Erdington safe – A message from Inspector Hayley Thompson

Inspector Hayley Thompson (photograph supplied by WMP)

Words by Inspector Hayley Thompson – Erdington Neighbourhood Police Team

(**Ed’s note… this column was first published on Friday 17 October in the Erdington Local print edition.)

It’s been another busy month for the Erdington neighbourhood team, as we wrapped up September with a successful All Out Day.

It was fantastic to be out on the High Street, meeting so many of you alongside my colleagues, and new Chief Inspector, Chanelle Whitney.

We spent time speaking with local residents and businesses, listening to concerns around issues like shop theft and drug use, both of which we’re actively working to address. Your feedback is invaluable and helps shape our priorities moving forward.

We’re incredibly grateful for the continued support from our partners, including Birmingham Community Safety Partnership, North LCSP, Erdington BID, and many others.

The presence of Fearless officers on the High Street has become a reassuring sight for many residents and businesses and their weekly patrols are making a real impact.

We’ve charged a man with a string of shop thefts on Erdington High Street, after he was arrested by Fearless officers on 1 October.

Erdington Neighbourhood Police Team and Birmingham City Council Safety Enforcement Offciers on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Ed King

The 24-year-old was charged with seven theft offences from several different stores, including on the High Street.

Among those also arrested this week were individuals wanted for domestic harassment, drink driving, and failing to comply with a community order.

Looking ahead, we’ve got several community open events happening this month at our Engagement Hub, located outside B&M. These are a great opportunity to speak directly with officers, get crime prevention advice, and have a friendly chat.

We hope to see you there.

Inspector Hayley Thompson

For more on the police and crime in Erdington visit www.westmidlands.police.uk/area/your-area/west-midlands/birmingham/erdington

You can also follow the Erdington police team on Twitter www.x.com/ErdingtonWMP

 

ERDINGTON POLICE: A message from Inspector Hayley Thompson

Inspector Hayley Thompson (photograph supplied by WMP)

Words by Inspector Hayley Thompson

Hello, I’ve recently taken over as the new Inspector for Birmingham East, covering Erdington and surrounding areas. I’ve taken over from Inspector Christian Forder, who has done a fantastic job leading the team here and I’m proud to be building on the strong foundations he’s laid.

It’s only my first week, but I’ve already been out and about, meeting the teams and getting stuck into conversations about what really matters to our local communities.

I’ve spent over 20 years in policing, most recently as a Response and Neighbourhood Inspector across Solihull and Birmingham and I’m bringing all of that experience with me into this new role.

I know that shop theft and antisocial behaviour on the High Street remain key concerns. These are priorities for us too, and we’re committed to making the area safer and more welcoming for everyone.

Last week, Operation Fearless returned to the High Street for a day of action. With support from student officers, the team detained two men wanted for theft and enforced the Public Space Protection Order. They also spent time engaging with residents and local businesses — a great example of partnership in action.

I know trust in policing is built through consistent action and honest conversations. That’s what I’m here to do. I want to listen, learn, and work with you to make Erdington a place we’re all proud of.

Thank you for your continued support. I’m looking forward to what we can achieve together.

Stay safe.

Inspector Hayley Thompson

For more on the police and crime in Erdington visit www.westmidlands.police.uk/area/your-area/west-midlands/birmingham/erdington/

You can also follow the Erdington police team on Twitter www.x.com/ErdingtonWMP

NEWS: Erdington BID to host free Summer Fun Day on Erdington High Street – Saturday 23 August

Words by editorial team

The next Summer Fun Day comes to Erdington High Street on Saturday 23 August, as organised by the Erdington Business Improvement District (BID).

Completely free to attend, the August Summer Fun Day runs from 12noon to 5pm on the pedestrianised area between Wilton Market and the B&M Superstore.

Hosting a range of free games and activities for children, there will be arts and crafts sessions, live music from local artists and choirs, and a bouncy castle for young people – all free to enjoy and paid for by the Erdington BID, as supported by local retailers.

Children on bouncy castle at Erdington BID’s Summer Fun Day on 26 July ’25 / Photograph by Ed King

Alongside the activities for young people, local community groups and services will be hosting tabletop displays, introducing residents to the volunteer and support activities they can access across the constituency.

Groups that have been present at the Summer Fun Days include Erdington Litter Busters, Erdington Walking Group, Short Heath Fields Trust, Erdington Lunar Society, Aquarius, Hope in Action, POMOC, Make a Change, Incredible Surplus, Arts All Over the Place, Erdington Arts Forum, Witton Lodge Community Association, and Erdington Local.

Erdington Lunar Society stall at Erdington BID’s Summer Fun Day on 26 July ’25 / Photograph by Ed King

Erdington BID will also be hosting a special pop-up kitchen, cooking up some burgers, hotdogs, and baps with fresh produce from longstanding Erdington butchers, City Meats – located in Wilton Market.

All money raised for the sale of food will be reinvested straight back into Erdington Town Centre, supporting future community events and projects on and around the High Street.

Erdington MP Paulette Hamilton will also be hosting a constituency surgery from a branded gazebo between 12noon and 2pm, inviting residents to talk to her directly about their concerns and issues affecting them on the local area.

Community groups stalls at Erdington BID’s Summer Fun Day on 26 July ’25 / Photograph by Ed King

Members of the local police team will be at the event, meeting local residents and talking to people about the work carried out by the Neighbourhood Police Team across the Town Centre and wider constituency.

West Midlands Fire Service Green Watch will also be bringing a real-life fire engine from the local station and inviting people to explore the emergency response vehicle and meet the fire fighters.

Organised over the summer months, the Summer Fun Days have run from June to August – brining hundreds of people and families to Erdington High Street, as part of a programme of community focused events from the new Town Centre Management team.

Children and families sitting on hay bales at Erdington BID’s Summer Fun Day on 26 July ’25 / Photograph by Darren Dodd

Erdington BID has organised the Summer Fun Days as part of its LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY campaign – encouraging people to celebrate the positives of Erdington Town Centre.

As the autumn and winter months come in, future events will be held that reflect the seasons – utilising the pedestrianised area and others spaces up and down the High Street for community activities and engagement.

A spokesperson from Erdington BID told: “We’re looking forward to another fantastic Summer Fun Day and hope to see families, residents, and shoppers back in the Town Centre for another free afternoon of family fun.”

LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY banner and volunteers at Erdington BID’s Summer Fun Day on 26 July ’25 / Photograph by Ed King

They added: “We’ve had a lot of fun over the summer months, and it’s been amazing to see so many people have such a good time back on Edrington High Street.

“Now we’re looking at what we can do in autumn and winter, how we can build on these first community events, how we can better celebrate our Town Centre, and how we can continue to encourage people to LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY.”

Check out some pictures from the previous Erdington BID Summer Fun Day events.

PICTURE GALLERY #1: Erdington BID’s first Summer Fun Day on 21 June / Photographs by Darren Dodd and Selina Gooden

PICTURE GALLERY #2: Erdington BID’s second Summer Fun Day on 26 July / Photographs by Darren Dodd and Ed King

For more information about the LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY campaign, or any events and activities in the Town Centre, please email Erdington BID at: [email protected]

For more information on Erdington BID visit www.erdingtonhighstreet.co.uk

ERDINGTON POLICE: A Message from Sargeant Gary Grove

Sergeant Gary Grove standing by police vehicle on Erdington High Street / Photograph supplied by West Midlands Police

Words by Sgt Gary Grove – Erdington High Street police team

We’re so grateful for the help and support we get from our volunteers in Erdington, that I wanted to explain more about how we work in partnership with them to keep the area safe.

Our StreetWatch volunteers regularly head out with officers, chatting with residents and offering a reassuring presence. Just recently, they stepped in to help someone during a medical emergency – staying with them until help arrived. That kind of care really shows the heart of our community.

We also have SpeedWatch groups made up of local residents who work with us to tackle speeding. We’ve invested in new equipment to support them, and if speeding is something you’re worried about in your area, please do get in touch so we can look to address it.

If you’ve ever thought about volunteering and can spare just a couple of hours a week, we’d love to hear from you. You can drop us a line at [email protected]

Meanwhile, our neighbourhood team is continuing to act on what matters most to you. We’ve recently arrested a suspected drug dealer in The Gardens and seized cannabis from a vehicle linked to drugs.

We’re also working closely with Operation Fearless and Trading Standards to crack down on illegal goods being sold on the High Street – seizing several items as part of our ongoing efforts.

As always, if there’s anything you’re worried about or if you have any information to share, please feel free to contact us.

Stay safe,

Sergeant Gary Grove

For more on the police and crime in Erdington visit www.westmidlands.police.uk/area/your-area/west-midlands/birmingham/erdington

You can also follow the Erdington police team on Twitter www.x.com/ErdingtonWMP

NEWS: Erdington Fire Service and working fire engine at Summer Fun Day on Erdington High Street – Saturday 26 July

Fire Service and working fire engine at community evemt / Photograph supplied by West Midlands Fire Service

Words by editorial team

Erdington Fire Service will be coming to the Summer Fun Day on Erdington High Street this Saturday (26 July), giving locals a chance to meet the team and explore a real-life working fire engine.

A crew from Erdington Fire Station, situated on the corner of Orphanage Road and Edwards Road, will be driving the fire engine onto the High Street for 2pm.

Parked up alongside B&M Superstore, children and families attending the Summer Fun Day event will be invited climb aboard and explore the fully kitted emergency response vehicle.

Working fire engine out on call / Photograph from Adobe Stock Images

Fire crew will also be offering helpful advice and guidance around issues including fire safety and safer driving. The team will also be offering support around water safety – as concerns over children and young people plating around open water are heightened in the summer months.

A spokesperson from Erdington Fire Station confirmed: “[Erdington Fire Service] will be attending in the afternoon from about 2pm.

“We will be showing children around the appliance (fire engine) and giving out advice around home fire safety, safer driving and water safety.”

Erdington Business Improvement District (BID) is organising it’s second Summer Fun Day event on Erdington High Street – running from 12noon until 4pm on Saturday 26 July.

The event is part of a wider year long programme of activity in the Town Centre, in line with the Erdington BID’s LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY campaign.

Completely free to attend, the Summer Fun Day will offer free games and activities for children – alongside a range of stands and stalls from local groups and services.

Face painting at Erdinigton BID’s Summer Fun Day in June / Photograph by Selina Gooden

Young people will be able to get their face painted free of charge, with free arts and crafts sessions also being run by local creative group Arts All Over the Place.

Inclusive sports charity Make A Change will also be running games that people of all physical abilities can enjoy, including wheelchair basketball and soft play archery – helping to promote inclusivity through sport and encourage physical activity.

There will also be a free bouncy castle for young people to enjoy, with event staff on hand to keep all the activities safe and make sure everyone gets a go. Very small children will be able to enjoy the front space of the bouncy castle, under supervision of a parent or carer.

Bouncu Castle at Erdington BID’s June Summer Fun Day / Photograph by Darren Dodd

The Summer Fun Day will also have a series of tabletop displays and stalls from local community groups, engaging with local people and letting them know about the community activities and services in their area.

Attending the Summer Fun Day on Saturday 26 July will be Erdington Litter Busters, Short Heath Fields Trust, Erdington Lunar Society, Erdington Local, and members of the Erdington local police force.

There will also be displays from POMOC – a local charity that represents Erdington’s Eastern European community, and Incredible Surplus – offering some free food and snacks, as part of their mission to challenge food waste.

Stalls from local community groups and services at Erdington BID’s June Summer Fun Day / Photograph by Selina Gooden

Then, once the outdoor activity has finished at 4pm, there will be a special free live music event held inside Oikos Café – as New Zealand blues rockers Lazy Fifty will be performing live, as part of the citywide Blues and Jazz Festival.

Taking inspiration from the stalwarts of 70’s British rock such as Black Sabbath and Led Zepplin, the Lazy Fifty gig will be completely free to attend – with tickets allocated at the door at Oikos on a first come first served basis.

Erdington BID is organising a yearlong programme of events and activities as part of its LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY campaign, encouraging people to celebrate the positives of the Town Centre and to and support local business on and around the High Street.

New Zealand blues rockers Lazy Fifty – performing a free live gig at Okos Cafe on Saturday 26 July

A spokesperson from Erdington BID told: “The first Summer Fun Day in June was a really lovely day, with a great atmosphere and lots of fun for local families and children.

“We’re excited to be back on the High Street for another free and family focused event on Saturday 26 July – and hope to see lots of smiling faces again. And a few painted like tigers and butterflies.”

They added: “Erdington High Street, as with High Streets across the country, has seen businesses rise and fall over recent years – with both shoppers and retailers moving online.

“But the community spirit is as strong as it has ever been, and the BID events are all about breathing life back into our Town Centre.”

The first Summer Fun Day was held in June, with another free event planned for Erdington High Street on Saturday 23 August.

Erdington BID is supported by local businesses and retailers, raising extra money for the Town Centre through from community events and fundraising.

PICTURE GALLERY: Games and activities at Erdington BID’s first Summer Fun Day / Photographs by Selina Gooden and Darren Dodd

For more information about the LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY campaign, or any events and activities in the Town Centre, please email Erdington BID at: [email protected]

For more information on Erdington BID visit www.erdingtonhighstreet.co.uk

ERDINGTON POLICE: A Message from Sargeant Gary Grove

Sgt Gary Grove standing by patrol vehicle on Erdington High Street / Photograph supplied by West Midlands Police

Words by Sgt Gary Grove

It’s a busy time for our dedicated Erdington officers as we continue to work hard to make the area as safe as possible.

I’d previously updated you on our new Community Engagement Hub at the heart of the High Street, which was formally opened by Operation Fearless, alongside Paulette Hamilton MP and our community partners.

As ever, we’re welcoming your feedback and thoughts on any issues in the area and how we can work together to tackle them – and the hub should be a place for you to speak to dedicated officers about any concerns.

We’re targeting those looking to cause harm in the area, and we recently arrested a man after seizing several dangerous weapons, another wanted for a serious assault, and two more who were wanted on recall to prison.

We’re also aware of reports of anti-social behaviour in The Feldings, and we’re actively patrolling there as we look to disrupt it. Again, if you have any reports or information about ASB – please do let us know.

We’ve also had complaints from residents about problem vehicles and I’m pleased to say our team recently recovered one van which shouldn’t have been on the road, and recovered another which had been stolen.

Our patrols will continue as we support the Safer Streets Summer campaign, and it’s always a pleasure to join partners and our dedicated Street Watch volunteers. If you’re interested in joining us – please get in touch.

Stay safe.

Sgt Gary Grove.

For more on the police and crime in Erdington visit www.westmidlands.police.uk/area/your-area/west-midlands/birmingham/erdington 

You can also follow the Erdington police team on Twitter www.x.com/ErdingtonWMP

OPINION: A message from Paulette Hamilton, MP for Erdington

Paulette Hamilton MP (centre) with Linda Hines (centre left) and Afzal Hussain (centre right) from Witton Lodge Community Association, alongside local police officers, at the launch of the Community Pod on Erdington High Street / Photograph supplied by Paulette Hamilton MP

Words by Paulette Hamilton MP

Summer is here, and it’s been wonderful meeting so many of you recently, including at my pop-up surgery during the Summer Fun Day on Erdington High Street.

We officially opened the new Community Pod on the High Street, a fantastic space for the Police and local groups to work together.

Residents have asked me whether this replaces a front desk at Erdington Police Station. It does not. Last year, Simon Foster, our Police and Crime Commissioner, confirmed that a front desk will reopen at Erdington Station, and that commitment still stands. I’ll share an update as soon as I have it.

It was also a pleasure to visit Sainsbury’s in Castle Vale to see how they’re offering affordable, healthy food options, a small but important step in tackling food inequality in our community.

Paulette Hamilton MP by Big Ben and Houses of Parliament in London / Photograph supplied by Paulette Hamilton MP

In Parliament, I’ve been standing up for Erdington. Over 11,000 PIP claimants and 3,000 carers in our constituency were at risk from welfare changes.

I joined more than 120 Labour MPs in demanding protections. We pushed back against Clause 5, which would have imposed harsher eligibility thresholds, and we secured vital exemptions for existing claimants. A hard-fought win.

On assisted dying, I voted against the bill. While I respect differing views, I believe the core issue is chronically underfunded palliative care. Until every terminally ill person has access to dignified, high-quality support, changing the law risks leaving the vulnerable behind.

From local policing to fair welfare, I’ll keep fighting for every corner of Erdington, Kingstanding, Castle Vale and South Oscott.

For more on Paulette Hamilton MP for Erdington visit www.paulettehamilton.org

NEWS: Erdington BID to host free Summer Fun Day on Erdington High Street – Saturday 26 July

Promotional poster for Erdington BID’s Summer Fun Day on Saturday 26 July

Words by editorial team

Erdington Business Improvement District (BID) is organising it’s second Summer Fun Day event on Erdington High Street – running from 12noon until 4pm on Saturday 26 July.

Following the success of their first event in June, Erdington BID will be bringing back the summer fun in July – with free games and activities for children, alongside a range of stands and stalls from local groups and services.

Completely free to attend, there will be face painting, arts and crafts sessions, and a bouncy castle for young people – all paid for by the Erdington BID, as supported by local retailers.

Families and young poeple enjoying the bouncy castle at Summer Fun Day / Photograph by Darren Dodd – supplied by Erdington BID

The event will be held in the same location, on the pedestrianised area of Erdington High Street in between the entrances to Wilton Market and the new B&M Superstore.

A family friendly day out, Erdington BID is organising the Summer Fun Days as part of the LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY campaign – to bring a programme of events back to Erdington Town Centre and give local families something fun to do on the High Street that won’t cost them a penny.

Alongside the children’s games and entertainment, local community groups and service providers will have information displays and engagement activities – including Erdington Litter Busters, Erdington Lunar Society, Short Heath Fields Trust, Aquarius, and Witton Lodge Community Association.

Face painting at Summer Fun Day / Photograph by Selina Gooden – supplied by Erdington BID

West Midlands Fire Service will also be bringing a real-life fire engine from the local station, on site between 2pm and 4pm – with adults and children alike invited to get up close and personal with the emergency vehicle, to meet the fire fighters, and learn about fire safety.

Then, once the outdoor activity has finished at 4pm, there will be a special free live music event held inside Oikos Café – as part of the citywide Blues and Jazz Festival.

New Zealand blues rockers Lazy Fifty will be performing live, taking inspiration from the stalwarts of 70’s British rock such as Black Sabbath and Led Zepplin. Free to attend, tickets will be allocated at the door at Oikos on a first come first served basis.

Stalls from local community groups and services at Summer Fun Day / Photograph by Selina Gooden – supplied by Erdington BID

A spokesperson from Erdington BID told: “The first Summer Fun Day in June was a really lovely day, with a great atmosphere and lots of fun for local families and children.

“We’re excited to be back on the High Street for another free and family focused event on Saturday 26 July – and hope to see lots of smiling faces again. And a few painted like tigers and butterflies.”

They added: “Erdington High Street, as with High Streets across the country, has seen businesses rise and fall over recent years – with both shoppers and retailers moving online.

“But the community spirit is as strong as it has ever been, and the BID events are all about breathing life back into our Town Centre.”

Children’s free arts and craft sessions at Summer Fun Day / Photograph by Selina Gooden – supplied by Erdington BID

Another Summer Fun Day is being organised on Erdington High Street for Saturday 23 August.

Erdington BID is organising a yearlong programme of events and activities as part of its LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY campaign, encouraging people to celebrate the positives of the Town Centre and to and support local business on and around the High Street.

PICTURE GALLERY: Check out our photographs from Erdington BID’s first Summer Fun Day

GALLERY #1 / Photographs by Darren Dodd – supplied by Erdington BID

Gallery #2 / Photographs by Selina Gooden – supplied by Erdington BID

For more information about the LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY campaign, or any events and activities in the Town Centre, please email Erdington BID at: [email protected]

For more information on Erdington BID visit www.erdingtonhighstreet.co.uk