What's on in Birmingham: Weekend Before Christmas 2025
Discover the ultimate guide to Birmingham's festive weekend before Christmas 2025. From the iconic Frankfurt Market to light trails and pantomimes, plan your perfect seasonal visit.
Discover the ultimate guide to Birmingham's festive weekend before Christmas 2025. From the iconic Frankfurt Market to light trails and pantomimes, plan your perfect seasonal visit.
Nick Reiner, 32, was arrested on suspicion of murder after his parents, filmmaker Rob Reiner and wife Michele, were found dead in their LA home. Read the latest details.
A series of festive events in Cambridgeshire, including a Christmas market and a cathedral fayre, have collectively raised nearly £6,000 for East Anglia's Children's Hospices (EACH). The funds will support vital care for children and families.
Sutton Coldfield's Victorian Christmas Market returns for 2025 with over 60 traders, festive entertainment, and free parking. Discover the magical two-weekend event.
Discover the three main contrasts between Birmingham's huge German Christmas Market and the Cathedral Square craft market. Plan your perfect festive visit with our guide.
A man and his carer were assaulted in Birmingham city centre. The victim, a regular at the German Market, now says he is too afraid to visit this Christmas. Read his story.
From Transylvanian traders to economic impact, we explore the love-hate relationship with Birmingham's sprawling Frankfurt Christmas Market. Discover the facts and share your thoughts.
Join Lauren Eddie in remembering her nannie through North Devon Hospice's Light Up a Life appeal. Dedicate a star, attend a free concert on Dec 18, and support vital hospice care.
Shoppers are snapping up real Christmas trees for a bargain £10.99 at Home Bargains. Discover the best festive tree deals from Tesco and Morrisons too.
The Independent ranks Leicester's festive market 12th in the UK. Discover its dates, stalls, and the West Midlands favourites also on the list.
The iconic Coca-Cola Christmas Truck Tour 2025 has announced its next steps. Find out where to see the festive lorry, get a free drink, and capture perfect holiday photos.
Jake Bedson, the new manager of Brentwood Theatre, discusses his vision to modernise the venue and turn it into a creative hub for the whole of Essex. Listen to the full interview.
The Independent's guide to the UK's best festive markets features Birmingham's Frankfurt Christmas Market and Worcester Christmas Fayre. Discover dates, highlights, and what makes them special.
Birmingham's Brindleyplace hosts a festive market on Dec 18 with local vendors like Early Bird Bakery and the Salvation Army Band. Discover food, gifts, and festive cheer.
Local firms in Brentwood and Shenfield warn of job cuts and rising costs after Chancellor Rachel Reeves' Autumn Budget. Read the full impact on businesses and jobs.
Nationwide's latest index shows UK house prices rose by £772 in November to £272,998. Experts discuss market resilience and the outlook for 2026. Read the full analysis.
A journalist's first taste of a Christmas market bratwurst in Birmingham left her disgusted. Discover why this festive favourite failed to impress and whether it's worth trying.
Birmingham's two Christmas markets go head-to-head in our festive comparison. Discover which market offers the best food, gifts and atmosphere this winter season.
Discover five magical Christmas markets across the West Midlands this December 2025. From Birmingham's Cathedral Square to a Victorian market in Sutton Coldfield, find unique gifts and festive fun.
Discover Alcester, a charming Warwickshire town offering a traditional Christmas with timber-framed buildings, twinkling lights, and festive events like St. Nicholas Night.
Discover the top spots to buy a high-quality real Christmas tree across Birmingham and the West Midlands. Open daily from 9am to 8pm. Find your festive centrepiece today!
Local author Sylvia Kent returns to Phoenix FM's Book Club, sharing Essex writing groups and November book recommendations. Hear her interviews at phoenixfm.com.
Discover unique handmade gifts at Ikon Gallery's Winter Craft Market in Brindleyplace on December 4. Support local artists and enjoy a festive shopping experience.
Endeavour School in Brentwood faces disruption as a DfE construction project fails. MP Alex Burghart vows to intervene. Support local festive businesses.
A festive market in Manchester was brought to a standstill after a violent altercation between Dougie Joyce and Simon McGinley. Read the full story and watch the footage.
Discover Birmingham Museum's hidden corridors, wartime mortuary and secret spaces in special 140th anniversary tours. Book now for unique access to areas normally off-limits.
House prices in Greets Green, West Bromwich, show dramatic split with western properties soaring 38% while eastern homes fall 18% in same period. Discover why this small suburb faces such extreme market differences.
Discover why Kinver, a picturesque West Midlands village, is the perfect winter destination with its charming Christmas market, cosy pub, and scenic walks. Plan your visit now!
Discover everything you need to know about Birmingham's Frankfurt Christmas Market 2025, from festive stalls and live music to opening times and travel tips. Plan your visit today!
Homebase launches real Christmas trees in over 250 The Range stores, rivalling Tesco and Morrisons. Choose from three sustainably grown UK varieties starting at £19.99.