Tag: Love Your Local Community

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COMPETITION: Win 10 x £10 vouchers at Erdington High Street Community Market on Saturday 25 April

Words by 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: [email protected]

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

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NEWS: Erdington High Street Community Market on Saturday 25 April – 10am to 4pm

Words by Ed King

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: [email protected]

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

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NEWS: Erdington High Street Community Market on Saturday 28 March – 11am to 5pm

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: [email protected]

 

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NEWS: Discover “hidden treasures” at first Erdington High Street Community Market on Saturday 28 February

Words by Ed King

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: [email protected]

 

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COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT: Oikos Café and Church celebrate 10 and 15 year anniversaries – with Community Fun Day on Saturday 28 February

On Saturday 28 February, between 11 am and 3pm, Oikos Church and Café will be hosting a free Community Fun Day outside their venue on Erdington High Street – with stalls, games, live music, family friendly fun, and a special Community Meal.

The special event is to celebrate the 10 and 15 year anniversaries of the Church and Café respectively, and the many years that Oikos has been a vibrant and cherished part of the Erdington community.

Ahead of the anniversary Fun Day celebrations, Nicola Murray shone our COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT at this long standing and well loved local stakeholder.

Words by Nicola Murray

A decade of coffee and community is being celebrated on Erdington High Street as Oikos Café marks its 10 year anniversary, as well as 15 years of Oikos Church serving the area.

Since opening its doors in 2006, Oikos café has grown into far more than a place to eat and drink, it has become a vital “third space” – a place between home and work where connections are formed and cemented.

Pastor Dan Mandley, who has been part of Oikos since its origin, says the vision was always people focused. He explains the church “started the café because we love the Erdington community, we see that there is a great need for a space where people can come and just be, and be known.”

Outside of Oikos Cafe on a sunny day on Erdington High Street / Yellow Mustard Photography

To mark the milestone, Oikos will be hosting a free Community Fun Day on Erdington High Street, outside the café, to “celebrate all of the amazing people of Erdington.”

This event will bring people together through food, activities and family entertainment. The celebration is designed as a thank you to the community that has supported Oikos Café over the last 10 years – and the people they have reached through their church over the last 15 years.

Community focus is what makes Oikos shine, with many customers remarking it is what sets the café apart. Loyal customers often call it “one of the best things about Erdington,” reiterating the café’s reputation as a social anchor on the High Street.

It has become a real community hub where people feel known, and a part of something bigger.

Staff serving inside Oikos Cafe on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Yellow Mustard Photgraphy

Over the years, the café has opened its doors to a variety of groups and events. “It has been so great to see so many different groups using the space, from the Women’s Institute to schools and music groups,” said Mandley.

Oikos Café plays a significant role as a flexible venue where different parts of Erdington life intersect and are celebrated.

One of the main highlights of the decade has been its regular and free Community Meal, held on the last Thursday of each month.

“It is an evening where we feed over 100 people from all walks of life and backgrounds,” adds Mandley. “The diverse community of Erdington is represented on these evenings and people get to know each other; many friendships have been made off the back of those events.”

The success of Oikos Café would not be possible without their volunteers, who have been central to making the vision of Oikos a reality.

Oikos Café reflects the church’s long-term commitment to Erdington. In a time when many public social spaces are disappearing, Oikos has left its mark on the community.

There are over 30 volunteers every week that make the café function. Over the past decade, more than 250 volunteers have offered their time, supporting everything from events to daily hospitality.

The café has helped offer paid work, and the ability to develop skills.

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

And as the 10 and 15 year celebrations begin, the focus is not only on the past but the future, “We have loved doing it over the last 10 years and we are looking forward to the next 10 years” Mandley remarked.

The Oikos anniversary Community Fun Day will be held on Saturday 28 February, between 11am and 3pm – outside Oikos Church and Café on Erdington High Street.

The event is partnering with the Erdington BID as part of LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY campaign and funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund – with support from Birmingham City Council, the West Midlands Combined Authority, and the Mayor’s Market Fund.

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

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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]

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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

 

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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.

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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

 

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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.