Rochdale's Christmas Organ Concert Sells Out Weeks Early
Jonathan Scott's festive organ performance packed Rochdale Town Hall. The event, streamed online, celebrated a historic Binns organ. Plus, local arts previews for 2026.
Jonathan Scott's festive organ performance packed Rochdale Town Hall. The event, streamed online, celebrated a historic Binns organ. Plus, local arts previews for 2026.
Anthony Horn, 47, was discovered near Bridgewater Hall. His family believes freezing conditions contributed to his death. A tragic reminder of the homelessness crisis.
Plan your post-Christmas shopping with our guide to opening hours for Bullring, Merry Hill, and other major centres from December 29 to January 2. Find key times for New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.
Plan your New Year's Eve with our guide to West Midlands Railway's early shutdowns, engineering works, and replacement bus services from Dec 27. Check last train times now.
Alfred Works, a massive 17,500 sq ft food hall, is coming to Digbeth's Custard Factory in 2026. Discover the first three vendors bringing Birria Ramen, Palestinian and Eritrean cuisine to Birmingham.
Birmingham's Bullring opens the UK's largest beauty hall outside London. Explore 30,000sq ft with Dior, Gucci, Armani & 160+ brands. Perfect for Boxing Day sales!
Discover Charles Dickens' deep connection to Birmingham, where he first performed A Christmas Carol in 1853, and how the city's spirit continues to inspire local journalism today.
The UK government has revised its inheritance tax plans for farmers after protests. The new rules allow couples to pass on up to £5m. Find out what changed.
A food-waste expert has partnered with Aldi to share vital safety tips for Christmas leftovers. Discover the 'two-hour rule' and how to store, freeze, and reheat food to cut waste and save money.
Two activists on a prolonged hunger strike for Gaza have been rushed to hospital with severe health deterioration. Read their demands and the government's response.
Discover Saint Paul's Market, the independent food hall in Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter that has wowed critics. Featuring top local vendors like Sai Deethwa and Corner Shop, it's a Brummie foodie heaven.
Sonia Exelby, 32, from Portsmouth, was found dead in Florida. Dwain Hall, 53, is charged with her murder after she allegedly flew to the US to be killed.
Nestlé hints at new confectionery products as social media buzz suggests a caramel-flavoured KitKat Chunky could hit UK shelves as early as February 2026.
Jessie J moved the Royal Albert Hall with a deeply personal song dedicated to her late bodyguard, Dave, at the Royal Variety Performance, attended by the Prince and Princess of Wales.
Major plans to transform a fire-damaged former pub in Willenhall into a 12-bed HMO and multi-use community hall have been approved. The New Testament Church of God will lead the regeneration.
Paula Burnham, owner of Luxe Hair Design in Solihull, stood in front of contractors after roadworks appeared without warning, severely impacting her crucial festive trade. Read the full story.
UK police face criticism for using 'cumulative disruption' powers quashed in May 2025 to manage pro-Palestine protests. Lawyers warn of a legal vacuum and stifled democracy.
Drivers visiting Birmingham's German Christmas Market face a 12% parking hike at Town Hall Car Park. The AA warns festive visitors to check tariffs and consider public transport.
Drivers heading to Birmingham's German Christmas Market face a 12% parking hike at the Town Hall multi-storey. The AA warns visitors to check tariffs and consider public transport.
The first three food vendors for the huge new Alfred Works food hall in Digbeth have been confirmed. All are making their Birmingham debut, bringing Birria Ramen, Palestinian and East African flavours to the city in 2026.
Birmingham residents face more missed bin collections after protests at a council depot. The city's long-running industrial dispute continues to cause disruption. Read the latest updates.
Staffordshire County Council deployed extra guards after a Reform UK-led meeting was disrupted by protesters demanding resignations over alleged racist social media posts. Read the latest.
Aston Villa will trial its new Warehouse matchday fanzone this Sunday against Manchester United. The 3,500-capacity venue will become the Premier League's largest beer hall. Read the full details.
The Robert Hopkins Company's 31st pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk, is a festive hit at Aldershot's Prince's Hall Theatre. Discover the magic behind this long-running success, with performances until 4th January 2026.
Birmingham City Council launches a public consultation on a Safer Route to School scheme for Chilcote School, including 20mph limits and traffic calming measures. Have your say by January 9.
A blue plaque now commemorates Charles Dickens' first public reading of 'A Christmas Carol' at Birmingham Town Hall in 1853. Discover the historic event and its modern celebration.
UK police chiefs announce a decisive crackdown on the chant 'globalise the intifada' following the Bondi Beach attack, stating the context has changed. Read the full statement and community reaction.
A new blue plaque at Birmingham Town Hall commemorates where Charles Dickens first read 'A Christmas Carol' to 2,000 people in 1853. Discover this remarkable literary moment.
Birmingham City Council launches consultation on 20mph speed limits and safety measures near Chilcote School in Hall Green. Have your say by 9 January.
Sir Lenny Henry is returning to his Dudley roots for a unique stand-up and storytelling show in May 2026. Tickets go on sale December 19 – don't miss out!