Free Birmingham 2026 Events: Your Essential Guide
Discover 12 fantastic free events and activities in Birmingham for 2026. From light festivals to heritage weeks, enjoy the city without spending a penny. Plan your year now!
Discover 12 fantastic free events and activities in Birmingham for 2026. From light festivals to heritage weeks, enjoy the city without spending a penny. Plan your year now!
Sevenoaks District Council has published a new list of planning applications. Residents have until January 15, 2026, to submit comments on proposals ranging from house extensions to a Gypsy and Traveller site variation.
Birmingham Council's pilot for temporary traveller sites is delayed again, with no start in sight. The plan aims to reduce unauthorised encampments and their associated costs.
Walsall Council submits plans to convert the Leather Museum into a SEND college facility, despite a 3,300-signature petition. Decision expected next month.
Construction is underway for a new Lidl supermarket in Darlaston, Walsall, set to open in autumn 2026 and create 40 local jobs. The store will replace the former Buzz Bingo site.
Amber Film and Photography Collective unveils a new digital and community-focused model after the permanent closure of Newcastle's iconic Side Gallery. Discover the future plans and the new wellness hub now on the Quayside.
Explore the 11 historic Birmingham buildings, from the birthplace of heavy metal to iconic cinemas, that locals are desperate to see restored and brought back to life in 2026.
From demolition to revival, we track the fate of Wolverhampton's pubs in 2025. Discover which historic locals are gone for good and which have a new lease on life.
Birmingham's Perry Barr Stadium held its final event on 25 August, ending 97 years of greyhound and speedway history. The site will become housing.
A nostalgic journey through Macclesfield's history with rare archive photos from the 1900s to 1960s, showing Mill Street, Gawsworth Hall, and more. Discover the stories behind the images.
Discover the hidden gems of Birmingham's historic Jewellery Quarter, from award-winning food and historic pubs to fascinating museums and green spaces. Plan your visit today.
Explore Birmingham's quirky, lesser-known historical sites for 2026. From a Serbian church to a notorious alley, discover the city's hidden past.
Explore Birmingham's ancient history through 12 of its oldest surviving structures, from a 12th-century church to a 1368 pub. Discover the city's heritage beyond the Industrial Revolution.
Woodhall Spa Parish Council secures funding to restore historic Victorian signage and picket fencing on The Broadway, preserving heritage and improving village centre safety.
A major police operation responded to reports of violent disorder involving weapons and damaged vehicles at a Stourport caravan site. Several arrests made. Read the latest.
Step back to 1968 in the West Midlands. See the Bull Ring, Kennedy mosaic, and a region transforming. Explore our gallery of 30 rare photos.
Explore over 40 locally listed heritage assets across Solihull, from 17th-century cottages to Art Deco landmarks. Discover how these buildings shape the borough's unique character and enjoy local protection.
Residents and parish councillors in Charlton, Worcestershire, strongly oppose plans for six bungalows on agricultural land, citing traffic and sustainability concerns. Read the full story.
A captivating collection of historical images from Macclesfield, Bosley, and Poynton showcases local pubs, libraries, and community events from the 1910s to 1970s. Explore Cheshire's heritage.
A heritage railway near Birmingham is running special Christmas Day steam trains on a 'pay what you can afford' basis. Enjoy mince pies and mulled wine on a festive journey from Loughborough and Leicester. Book your magical alternative now!
The Rochdale Pioneers Museum, birthplace of the co-operative movement, is named one of Historic England's 100 most important UK heritage sites. Discover its story and local creative projects.
Ormskirk's ancient market celebrates 740 years in 2026, while its iconic Clock Tower turns 150. Discover the rich history and upcoming events marking these major milestones for the Lancashire town.
Explore Birmingham's fading 'ghost signs' - hand-painted adverts on brickwork that offer a unique glimpse into the city's industrial and commercial heritage. Discover where to find them.
Birmingham councillors have refused plans for a 263-bed student block near New Street station, citing 'less than substantial' harm to historic buildings like the Town Hall.
Birmingham's planning committee has refused a 263-bed student accommodation tower, fearing harm to historic buildings like the Town Hall. Read the full debate.
Plans for a new safe centre in Birmingham to house vulnerable children have been narrowly approved by councillors, despite concerns over the demolition of heritage buildings. The facility aims to address a critical local shortage.
Hinckley Museum and dozens of local volunteers were celebrated at the annual Making a Difference awards. Discover the community champions making a real impact.
A new study reveals the nation's pride in UK engineering, from the London Underground to the World Wide Web. Discover the top 20 and hear from Nissan's Sunderland plant on future innovation.
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.
Discover 21 fascinating historic sites across Birmingham and the West Midlands, from medieval churches to fire museums, perfect for your 2026 visit. Plan your cultural journey now.