A complete guide to all the major new openings at Merry Hill shopping centre in 2025, from Flying Tiger to Slim Chickens, plus what's coming in 2026. Discover the latest retail and dining options.
Families slam Toby Carvery's 'morning of magic' Santa breakfast event as a major letdown, citing a grumpy Santa and lack of festive cheer. Read the full story of the disappointing £10.99 experience.
A mischievous Staffordshire Bull Terrier pup named Nova snatched Santa's beard at a festive doggy daycare event in Sunderland, sparking a hilarious 10-minute chase. Read the full story of the Christmas chaos.
The beloved NORAD Santa Tracker is live for Christmas Eve 2025. Use the interactive tool to follow Father Christmas's global journey, see when he'll reach England, and discover the heartwarming story behind this festive tradition.
A must-have children's baking set is now just £4.99 at Home Bargains in Merry Hill, saving over 80% on the RRP. Discover this last-minute Christmas bargain before it's gone!
Four festive Pomeranians surprised Santa at an Asda in Rhyl, boosting the Rotary Club's Christmas charity appeal for the NSPCC and St Kentigerns. Join the festive fun!
All about the Hallmark festive film Christmas in Notting Hill. Discover the cast, where it was filmed, how to watch, and if a sequel is planned. Get your cosy Christmas watch sorted.
Plan your Boxing Day 2025 shopping in the West Midlands. See opening hours for Bullring, Merry Hill, The Fort, Resorts World and more. Check which major stores are closed.
Three new Birmingham railway stations are finished, with passenger services set to start early next year. The project ends an 80-year wait for rail travel in the area.
Construction is finished on five new stations in Birmingham and Walsall, marking a major step for the Camp Hill line's return. Passenger services are set to begin early in 2025.
Pupils at Loughborough Schools Foundation have raised nearly £2,000 for Rainbows Hospice and delivered 50 festive hampers to vulnerable residents across the East Midlands.
Construction on five new West Midlands stations, including Kings Heath and Moseley, is finished. Passenger services will begin in early 2026, ending decades-long waits.
Construction on five new stations in Birmingham and the Black Country is finished. Services will begin in early 2025, restoring passenger trains to some lines after decades. Read more.
Rossendale Rotary spreads festive cheer with Santa's sleigh, collections at Tesco Haslingden, and a carol concert. Discover how they support local causes and how you can get involved.
Torfaen's 20th annual Santa Appeal has surpassed expectations, delivering gifts and hampers to over 300 children and young people. See how community generosity made Christmas brighter.
A UK family shares their unforgettable journey to Lapland to meet Father Christmas, enjoy husky rides, and witness the Northern Lights. Discover travel tips and what makes this festive adventure so special.
Edge Hill University appoints Professor Abigail Moriarty as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education & Students), bringing expertise in student experience and digital innovation from the University of Lincoln. Read more.
Five distinguished Edge Hill University law graduates returned to campus for an inspiring alumni panel, sharing career journeys and advice with current students. Discover the paths from degree to practice.
A life-size Santa figure has mysteriously appeared at Banksy's 2019 Jewellery Quarter artwork. Is it the artist's return or a brilliant tribute? Discover the clues.
Chippenham RFC's Under-11s receive a £1,000 grant from Persimmon Homes Wessex for new match-day kits. Discover how this local developer supports community youth sports.
American fast food chain Wendy's has launched its latest UK outlet at Merry Hill shopping centre in Brierley Hill, delighting fans with its signature burgers and Frosty desserts just before Christmas.
A 15-year-old boy has been charged after a 17-year-old was stabbed at Merry Hill Shopping Centre in Brierley Hill. Police continue their investigation. Contact 101 with information.
Discover Birmingham's stunning parks and green spaces that earned it the UK's first 'Nature City' title. Explore the top 10 spots, from Sutton Park to Moseley Bog.
Motorists in Birmingham city centre report 'standstill' traffic and confusion due to a new one-way layout. Discover the key changes and the council's response.
J D Wetherspoon confirms its first European pub, Castell de Santa Bàrbera, opens at Alicante-Elche Airport on January 29, serving UK favourites and Spanish tapas to British holidaymakers.
Varden Callaghan, 8, from Bromley, completed the Santa in the City 5km run with his family after beating a brain tumour. They raised over £2,000 for Brain Tumour Research's vital Christmas appeal.
Merry Hill shopping centre has welcomed six major new retailers in 2025, including EE, B&Q, and Goldsmiths. Discover the latest additions transforming the Black Country destination.
The executive headteacher of two Birmingham nursery schools is absent as the council conducts a confidential internal process. Both schools remain open.
A Leicestershire family, led by Neil 'Buddy The Elf', will cycle dressed as Christmas characters on Dec 20 & 21 to raise vital funds for LOROS Hospice. Follow their festive route.
Dudley Council planners are set to decide on 13 new canal-side homes in Brierley Hill, while approving one HMO and rejecting another. Read the latest local planning news.