Tag: Love Your Local Community

Posted on

NEWS: Local traders and stall holders wanted for new Community Markets on Erdington High Street

Words by Ed King

Local traders are wanted for a new outdoor Community Market coming to Erdington High Street, as organised by the Erdington Business Improvement District (BID).

From established traders to start up stalls, Erdington BID is looking for market traders selling a range of items – from homemade arts and crafts, children’s toys and games, fresh fruit and veg, to bargain goods and everyday essentials.

Stall selling children’s toys at Erdington BID Winter Warmer community event on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Ed King

Local community groups and services are also welcomed to secure a tabletop, giving them the chance to let Erdington locals and visitors to the Town centre know more about their activities and services.

The Community Markets will be held from 11 am to 5pm on the pedestrianised area near the Village Green – in between the entrance to the B&M Superstore and Wilton Market.

With the first Community Market planned for Saturday 28 February, running alongside the Oikos anniversary celebrations, Erdington BID are asking anyone interested in a pitch to contact them by emailing: [email protected]

Another Community Market is scheduled for Saturday 28 March – with plans to host more events at least every quarter.

A spokesperson for the Erdington BID and 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 series of Community Markets on the High Street.”

Stall holder at Erdington BID Summer Fun Day on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Ed King

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 shopping treasures you can’t find online, as well as enjoying an afternoon of free fun and children’s entertainment on Erdington High Street.”

Organised by Erdington BID, the Community Markets are being delivered with support from the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and the ‘Mayors Market Fund’ – as part of the Erdington BID’s LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY campaign.

LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY campaign stickers on information stall at Erdingotn BID Summer Fun Day community event on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Ed King

Erdington BID’s LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY campaign celebrates positive community action in the Town Centre and invites people to be part of a brighter future for Erdington High Street.

Up to 10 free stalls and traders training sessions

To encourage new traders and local bright business sparks who want to try running a market stall, Erdington BID is offering up to 10 free spaces for the first three Community Markets – alongside a series of free traders training workshops.

Organised by business support provider Good2Great, the traders training sessions will offer valuable advice to both experienced traders and start up stall holders – starting on Thursday 12 February.

Stall holder and public at Erdington BID Summer Fun Day on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Ed King

Delivered in both a group and one to one setting, the traders trainings sessions will also offer first hand advice from Kate Gittens – who ran Shrewsbury Market Hall and won Britain’s Favourite Market in 2018, 2023 and 2024.

Erdington BID is also offering a limited number of free stall spaces to any trader who has recently lost a patch elsewhere in the city due to closures – such as Oasis Indoor Market in Birmingham City Centre and Market Village in Sutton Coldfield.

Places are limited so anyone interested in a free stall space and traders training session should contact Erdington BID as soon as possible.

Anyone interested in securing a stall at the Erdington Community Markets, or wanting more information about the free stalls and traders training sessions, should email Erdington BID at: [email protected]

Posted on

NEWS: First free Community Meal of 2026 at Oikos Café on Thursday 29 January – 5:30pm to 6:30pm

Words by Ed King

On Thursday 29 January, Oikos Café opens its doors for its first free Community Meal of 2026 – cooked and served by volunteers from Oikos Church.

Located at 58 Erdington High Street, opposite The Swan and near the Village Green, Oikos Café serves meals, snacks, and non-alcoholic drinks from 9am to 4pm from Mondays to Saturday.

Held on the third Thursday of every month, the free Community Meal invites people in from 5pm until 6:30pm – with the first event taking place on Thursday 29 January.

Community Meal at Oikos Cafe and Church on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Yellow Mustard Photography

Delivered as part of Oikos Church’s ministry – using their time and resources to reach out to the local community and build positive relationships – the Community Meal is a friendly and popular event that brings people together from all over Erdington

Local families and individuals of all ages are invited to drop in at any point for a healthy hot meal and a chance to sit and chat in the café.

One Erdington local told: “Oikos do a great job with their Community Meal, it’s a lovely atmosphere and the food is always a hearty homecooked meal. There’s no judgement or pressure and it’s a really mixed crowd of all ages and stages.”

They added: “I love going, and even though I go on my own I’ve started to make friends from some of the regular faces you see there. It’s a truly special event.”

Staff and volunteers serving inside Oikos Cafe on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Yellow Mustard Photography

Oikos Café and Church are a longstanding and cherished part of the High Street community, having opened their doors 10 and 15 years ago respectively.

To celebrate the double anniversary, Oikos will be hosting a special Fun Day community event on Saturday 28 February – held outside their venue on Erdington High Street.

Erdington Business Improvement District (BID) will be supporting the Oikos anniversary events as part of their ongoing LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY campaign, celebrating all the positive aspects and community of Erdington Town Centre.

Outside of Oikos Cafe and Church on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Yellow Mustard Photography

A spokesperson for Erdington BID told: “If anyone ever asks me to sum up the community spirit in Erdington, I tell them about the Oikos Community Meal – it’s a really special event, delivered from a place of absolute love and goodwill.

“It also tastes great and is genuinely a lot of fun.”

They added: “Oikos Church and Café are fundamental part of Erdington Town Centre and amazingly supportive of our local community – they do so much for so many, we are truly blessed to have them on our High Street.

“It is with great pleasure and friendship that we will join them at their upcoming anniversaries on the High Street – we hope everyone else will come along on Saturday 28 February and join in the celebrations too.”

For more on Oikos Café visit www.oikoscafe.co.uk

 

Posted on

NEWS: Win a Christmas hamper worth £130 from City Meats and Erdington BID – entries close midnight on Sunday 21 December

Owner of City Meats, Frank, holding a sign showing all the contents of the Christmas Hamper / Photograph supplied by Erdington BID

Words by Ed King

City Meats and Erdington Business Improvement District (BID) are giving one lucky local family the chance to have a packed Christmas cupboard this year for free – with a competition to win a special Christmas Hamper worth £130.

But hurry, as this yummy yuletide competition is only open this weekend – so get your entries in before midnight on Sunday 21 December if you want to bin in the draw to win a slap up Christmas dinner for free.

Specially prepared by City Meats, the longstanding Erdington butchers who have been trading for over 45 years and are a well-known family run business on Erdington High Street, the City Meats Christmas Hamper will include joints of beef, pork, lamb, gammon, a turkey crown, and jumbo packs of bacon and sausages.

The City Meats Christmas Hamper will be enough to feed any Christmas dinner table, with loads left over for the New Year.

City Meats signage and counter in Wilton Market, Erdington High Street / Photograph supplied by Erdington BID

All you have to do is send your name and address (including your postcode) along with a contact telephone number to [email protected] – with the subject heading ‘CHRISTMAS HAMPER COMPETITION’.

You can also enter by coming to the Erdington BID Winter Warmer Fun Day on Saturday 20 December, between 12noon and 4pm, and submitting your details to staff at the Winter Warmer food and drinks tent next to Santa’s Grotto – just outside the entrance to Wilton Market.

The lucky winner will be selected at random, with names pulled out of Santa’s hat, and issued a special token to claim the Christmas Hamper direct from City Meats – which can be collected anytime up to 4pm on Tuesday 23 December.

Sign promoting Christmas offers at City Meats, Wilton Market – Erdington High Street / Photograph supplied by Erdington BID

The only rules to enter this festive online competition are that entries need to be made by families with at least one child aged 16 or under – who live in the Erdington constituency.

Before claiming their prize, the winner will be required to provide Erdington BID with photographic ID and proof of address, as well as proof of their family status.

A spokesperson for the Erdington BID told: “Christmas is a festive and fun time of year, but it can be a big expense too – especially if you got several hungry mouths to feed on Christmas Day.

“So, at the Erdington BID thought we’d spread a little yuletide cheer and give Erdington locals the chance to win a bumper Christmas meats hamper for free.”

Sign promoting Christmas offers at City Meats, Wilton Market – Erdington High Street / Photograph supplied by Erdington BID

They added: “City Meats have been serving this community for over 60 years and are one of our longest High Street traders, and a belly busting hamper form them seems like the perfect Christmas gift for one lucky Erdington family.”

City Meats have been serving good quality fresh meats for just under half a century and are a well-established family business on Erdington High Street.

Always promoting special offers and family sized deals, to help your Christmas budget go a little bit further City Meats are currently offering: 3 packs of pigs in blankets for £10, 3 packs of gammon for £10, a jumbo leg of lamb for £23, half turkey crowns for £18, packs of turkey drumsticks for £6, any joints of any meat for £16, and special Christmas deals on ribs of beef.

Christmas charity donations box on counter at City Meats, Wilton Market – Erdington High Street / Photograph supplied by Erdington BID

Head into City Meats and speak to Frank, Dave, Emma, or any staff member and see what you can get cooking from your local butcher this Christmas.

The City Meats Christmas Hamper competition is organised as part of the Erdington BID LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY campaign, celebrating all the positives of Erdington Town Centre and Erdington High Street.

City Meats can be found at the entrance to Wilton Market, Erdington High Street, Birmingham B23 6RP – to contact the butchers directly you can call 07976 696 724.

Posted on

NEWS: Santa’s Grotto and Christmas Lantern Parade on Erdington High Street – Friday 19 and Saturday 20 December

Words by Ed King

Santa will be back in his Grotto on Erdington High Street for two last chances to visit ahead of Christmas Day – on Friday 19 December (between 3pm and 6pm) and Saturday 20 December (between 11am and 3pm).

Hoping to meet as many Erdington children as possible, before he has to fly off across the world delivering presents, every child coming into the Grotto will get a chance to have their phot taken with Santa – and receive a special free gift.

Santa’s Grotto on Erdington High Street / Photograph supplied by Erdington Business Improvement District

Single child tickets are priced at £5 (including a photo opportunity and free gift), with discounts for families of over two children visiting the Grotto at the same time. No advance booking is necessary, with payments made on the day.

Organised by the Erdington Rotary Club and Erdington BID, all money raised at Santa’s Grotto will go back into supporting local projects and Erdington High Street.

Santa has been in his Grotto for the last two weekends, having already met hundreds of local children and families.

Families queing to visit Santa’s Grotto on Erdington High Street / Photograph supplied by Erdington Business Improvement District

Ahead of the last weekend he will be back in his Grotto, Santa told Erdington Local: “Ho, ho, ho… we’ve had a lot of fun on Erdington High Street this Christmas – and there’s still time for you to come and visit my Grotto this weekend, before I have to get the reindeers and presents ready for all our Christmas deliveries.”

He added: “Christmas is a time for friends, family, and community, and however you celebrate the festive season, from everyone at the North Pole – and on Erdington High Street – we wish you a very merry Christmas.”

Free Christmas treats and children’s activities at Erdington BID’s Winter Warmer Fun Day on Erdington High Street / Photograph supplied by Erdington Business Improvement District

On Saturday 20 December, Erdington Business Improvement District (BID) will also be organising another Winter Warmer Fun Day community event, taking place around Santa’s Grotto and the Christmas Tree – by the entrance to Wilton Market and B&M Superstore.

An afternoon of free family fun, from 12noon until 4pm there will be a bouncy castle (children only), arts and crafts workshops, and a children’s face painter.

The Erdington BID Winter Warmer tent will also be giving away free hot chocolate, hot drinks, and Christmas treats to those coming out of the Grotto and enjoying the activities.

Children enjoying arts and craft workshop at Erdington BID’s Winter Warmer Fun Day on Erdington High Street / Photograph supplied by Erdington Business Improvement District

Then at 4:30pm, a special Christmas Lantern Parade will be held – starting from the Village Green and walking to the Christmas Tree and then back to the Green.

Beautifully decorated lanterns and illuminated props will be paraded along the High Street by local children and volunteers, with live music and a Christmas sing-along to keep the crowds engaged and welcome in the Winter solstice.

Over the past few weeks, local children have been decorating the special Christmas lanterns in arts and crafts sessions – as part of the previous Winter Warmer Fund Days on Erdington High Street.

Children decorating lantern for Christmas Lantern Pararde at Erdington BID’s Winter Warmer Fun Day on Erdington High Street / Photograph supplied by Erdington Business Improvement District

All ages are invited to come and celebrate the last Santa’s Grotto, Winter Warmer Fun Day, and watch the beautiful Christmas Lantern Parade on Saturday 20 December – with free Santa’s hats for the first 50 people attending the Parade.

Erdington High Street’s Christmas and community events are being organised as part of the Erdington BID’s LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY campaign – and are part funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

PICTURE GALLERY: Santa’s Grotton and Winter Warmer Fun Days on Erdington High Street

 

Posted on

NEWS: Christmas lights switch on and Christmas sing-along on Erdington High Street – Saturday 6 December

Words by Ed King

Erdington Town Centre will switch on its Christmas lights this Saturday (6 December) at 5:30pm.

Local families, residents, shoppers, and visitors to the Town Centre are invited to come to this free event and help celebrate the start of the Christmas season on Erdington High Street.

The lights will be switched on at 5:30pm by Santa and the Erdington Ward Councillors, Robert Alden and Gareth Moore – from a raised platform by the Christmas Tree on Erdington High Street, outside B&M and Wilton Market.

From 5pm, there will also be a special Christmas sing-along service led by the SoS Choir – arranged and performed by members of the Erdington Arts Forum.

Everyone is invited to join in with classic Christmas songs and carols such as ‘Jingle Bells’, ‘Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer’, and ‘Away in a Manger’.

And as a Santa’s hat tip to the Midland’s, the SoS Choir will also be singing the Slade Christmas classic ‘So Here it is Merry Christmas’ – with buddy Noddy Holders getting a chance to clear their vocal pipes with a festive “IIIITTTTSSS CHRISSSMAASSS…”

Organised by the Erdington Business Improvement District (BID), there will be song sheets available for anyone unsure of the words – and a free Santa’s hat for the first 100 people, to keep them a little warmer on this winter’s evening.

Erdington BID’s hardworking elves will also be serving free hot chocolate, hot drinks, mince pies, and some special Christmas treats – to add a little more festive cheer, as the SoS choir leads the High Street into Christmas.

Hoping everyone will join him on Saturday 6 December, Santa has a special message for Erdington: “Christmas is coming and we want to start spreading some festive cheer across Erdington Town Centre.

“So, come and join us by the Christmas Tree on Erdington High Street this Saturday (6 Dec) for the official Christmas lights switch on and carol service, and grab a free mince pie whilst you’re with us.

“It’ll be a lot of festive fun and everyone is welcome – no matter which list your name is on this year.”

A spokesperson for the Erdington BID added: “Christmas is a time to celebrate community, to reconnect with old friends and take a little time to make new ones.

“Erdington has an amazing community spirit, whatever the time of year, and we hope everyone can come along on Saturday as we brighten up the darker nights and spread a little festive cheer across Erdington Town Centre.”

Erdington local can also see Santa at his Grotto on Erdington High Street, on Saturday 6 December (11am to 3pm), Saturday 13 December (11am to 3pm), Friday 19 December (3pm to 6pm), and Saturday 20 December (11am to 3pm).

Single child tickets are priced at £5 (including a photo opportunity and free gift), with discounts for families visiting the Grotto at the same time. No advance booking is necessary, with payments made on the day.

Organised by the Erdington Rotary Club and Erdington BID, all money raised at Santa’s Grotto will go back into supporting local projects and Erdington High Street.

To further celebrate the festive season, Erdington BID are organising a series of special Winter Warmer Fun Days on Erdington High Street – held every Saturday on the run up to Christmas Day (6, 13, and 20 December) from 12noon to 4pm, by Santa’s Grotto and the Christmas Tree.

Following on from the series of community events held over the summer, the Erdington BID Winter Warmer Fun Days will bring back a day of free children’s games and activities to the Town Centre – including a bouncy castle and arts and crafts workshops.

There will also be a chance for Erdington locals – of all ages – to design their own Christmas decoration or lantern, which will be displayed during a special light parade on Erdington High Street on 20 December and welcome in the Winter Solstice.

Erdington High Street’s Winter Warmer Fun Day and Christmas events are being organised as part of the Erdington BID’s LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY campaign – and are part funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Posted on

NEWS: Santa’s Grotto on Erdington High Street every weekend in December before Christmas Day

Words by Ed King

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, as Santa opens up his Grotto on Erdington High Street and welcomes young people and families to help him kickstart the festive season.

Located outside the entrance to Wilton Market, opposite the Christmas Tree, Santa’s Grotto will be open on the following days:

  • Saturday 6 December (11am to 3pm)
  • Saturday 13 December (11am to 3pm)
  • Friday 19 December (3pm to 6pm)
  • Saturday 20 December (11am to 3pm)

And no matter what list you might be on this year – naughty, nice, or a little of both – everyone visiting Santa’s Grotto can get their picture taken with the big man in red and receive a free Christmas gift to take away.

Santa Claus preparing for Christmas, surrounded by presents and holiday decorations / Image from Adobe Stock

There will also be free hot chocolate, teas, coffees, mine pies and other Christmas treats for everyone as they exit the Grotto – served by the hardworking elves from the Erdington Business Improvement District (BID).

Single child tickets are prices at £5 (including a photo and free gift), with discounts for families visiting the Grotto at the same time.

No advance booking is necessary, and payments can be made by card or in cash on the day.

Organised by the Erdington Rotary Club and Erdington BID, all money raised at Santa’s Grotto will go back into supporting local projects and Erdington High Street.

Santa will be also sticking around for a special appearance on Saturday 6 December – to join the Erdington Ward Councillors Robert Alden and Gareth Moore as they switch on the Town Centre Christmas lights at 5:30pm.

To celebrate the festive season, Erdington Business Improvement District are organising a series of special Winter Warmer Fun Days on Erdington High Street – held every Saturday on the run up to Christmas Day (6, 13, and 20 December) from 12noon to 4pm, by Santa’s Grotto and the Christmas Tree.

Following on from the series of community events held over the summer, the Erdington BID Winter Warmer Fun Days will bring back a day of free children’s games and activities to the Town Centre – including a bouncy castle and arts and crafts workshops.

There will also be a chance for Erdington locals – of all ages – to design their own Christmas decoration or lantern, which will be displayed during a special light parade on Erdington High Street on 20 December and welcome in the Winter Solstice.

A spokesperson for Erdington BID told: “Christmas is a time to celebrate community, and we hope to see everyone on the High Street this December to enjoy a bit of free festive fun and welcome in the yuletide.”

They added: “Santa will be with us every weekend until Christmas Day, and there will be a lot of free games and activities – and mince pies – for everyone to enjoy.

“Come down and celebrate Christmas every Saturday in Erdington Town Centre and help us warm up the winter months.”

Erdington High Street’s Winter Warmer Fun Day and Christmas events are being organised as part of the Erdington BID’s LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY campaign – and are part funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

 

Posted on

NEWS: Free Community Meal and ‘design your own Christmas decoration’ workshop at Oikos Café on Thursday 27 November

Words by Ed King

On Tuesday 27 November, Oikos Café opens its doors and invites all Erdington locals to another free Community Meal – cooked and served by volunteers from Oikos Church.

Doors at the High Street hotspot open at 5pm, with the Community Meal continuing until 6:30 – providing local families and individuals a hearty hot meal and a chance to socialise in the café.

Held on the third Thursday of every month, the Oikos Community Meal is a lively and popular event that attracts people from all over Erdington.

Free Community Meal at Oikos Cafe on Erdington High Street / Photograph supplied by Oikos Cafe

Erdington Business Improvement District (BID) will also be setting up a couple of stalls outside the front of Oikos Café on Thursday 27 November, from 4:30pm, giving away a few special Christmas treats and free hot drinks.

Erdington BID will also be kicking off a series of festive arts and crafts workshops on Thursday, where young people and locals can design their own Christmas decoration – with all materials will provided by Erdington BID.

The unique and handcrafted decorations can then be hung up and displayed up Erdington High Street on Saturday 20 December – ahead of a special Christmas lantern parade, organised by Erdington BID, which will usher in the yuletide and Winter solstice.

More ‘design your own Christmas decoration’ workshops will be held on Saturday 6, Saturday 13, and Saturday 20 December – alongside the Santa’s Grotto and Winter Warmer events, in conjunction with Erdington Rotary Club, coming to Erdington High Street on the run up to Christmas Day.

Erdington High Street’s Christmas lights will also be switched on at 5:30pm on Saturday 6 December – with Erdington Ward Councillors Robert Alden and Gather Moore joining Santa to officially illuminate the festive season in Erdington Town Centre.

A spokesperson for Erdington BID told: “We are officially kicking off our Christmas programme by supporting the fabulous Oikos Community Meal this Thursday [27 November], and giving away some free Christmas treats and hot drinks outside Oikos Café.

“Come down, say hello, and treat yourself to a hot chocolate and mince pie on us.”

They added: “And why not design your own Christmas decoration whilst you’re with us – which can then be hung up on the High Street on 20 December. We’d love to see everyone’s personal decorations on display this Christmas, showing some love for the local community and celebrating the spirit of the season.

“We really hope you can join us at Oikos or any of our Winter Warmer events, on Erdington High Street every Saturday across December – up to Christmas Day.”

The design your own Christmas decoration workshops, Santa’s Grotto, and Winter Warmer events are being organised as part of Erdington BID’s LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY campaign, to celebrate Erdington Town Centre and encourage more positive engagement on the High Street.

LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY projects are part-funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, with support from Birmingham City Council and the West Midlands Combined Authority.

For more on Oikos Café visit www.oikoscafe.co.uk

For more on Erdington Business Improvement District visit www.erdingtonhighstreet.co.uk

Posted on

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

Posted on

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

Posted on

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