Churches across Rochdale, including St Luke's, St Mary's, and St Chad's, have released their schedules for Advent and Christmas services, community groups, and fundraising events. Find service times, study groups, and festive activities.
Darren Mackenzie transforms his Yardley home into a free Winter Wonderland and Santa's grotto for families, offering gifts and photos at no cost. Visit 553 Hob Moor Road.
Families can visit a magical reindeer grotto at Planters Garden Centre in Tamworth, just 20 minutes from Birmingham. Meet Santa, see Swedish reindeer, and enjoy festive crafts. Open weekends in December and Dec 22-24. Book now!
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.
Families are raving about Warwick Castle's festive Light Trail, calling it 'magical' and 'beautifully decorated'. However, cheaper midweek tickets are selling fast, with prices rising for weekends and school holidays. Book now to secure the best value.
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.
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.
A former detective who stole cocaine from police stores has been ordered to repay £75,420. Andrew Talbot was jailed for 19 years in 2024. Read the full story of his downfall.
Discover Statfold's Magical Santa Express near Tamworth. Meet Santa, ride an illuminated train & enjoy festive activities. Runs until Dec 23. Book tickets from £27.50.
Celebrate Rochdale's vibrant arts scene by nominating local heroes for the Rochdale Culture Awards 2026. Submit your entries before December 19 deadline.
Linda Campbell, an activities coordinator at Springbank Nursing Home in Barry, has won a Bronze Outstanding Service Award at the prestigious Wales Care Awards for her two decades of dedicated service.
Bournville's charming Christmas Festival returns on November 29 with Santa, crafts & lights. Discover the unique alcohol-free tradition in Birmingham's historic village.
Gary Neville's Relentless development firm will transform the historic Kendals department store into offices and retail, securing the future of this Manchester landmark with £44m funding.
Rushcliffe Borough Council awards £20,700 for free inclusive dance sessions across the borough. Join joyful movement classes designed for older adults and anyone feeling isolated.
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!
Discover Winter Wood Grotto in Rochdale - an immersive storytelling experience combining theatre, music and dance for all ages. Book tickets now for magical winter wonder!
Discover enchanting Christmas light trails across Birmingham and the West Midlands you can still book for 2025. From Warwick Castle to botanical gardens, find your perfect festive family outing.
Book your tickets for Midlands Air Ambulance Charity's Santa Experience on 13th-14th December. Meet Santa, enjoy festive fun and support lifesaving work.
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.
Loughborough's popular Community Christmas Tree Festival is back, featuring 80 dazzling trees at All Saints Church. Free entry from Nov 29-Dec 20. Donations support church roof repairs.
Discover stunning winter walking trails across Birmingham and West Midlands. Perfect for all fitness levels and moods, these routes offer beautiful seasonal scenery.
Andy Burnham's £1bn Good Growth Fund is set to unlock prime office space in Manchester, addressing a critical shortage and boosting the local economy from 2028. Discover the impact.
Join Rochdale's first poet laureate Sammy Weaver for a creative poetry workshop exploring belonging. Beginners welcome. Submit poems for Rochdale's Year of Culture anthology.
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!
Developer Manner commits to rebuilding Manchester's historic Hotspur Press as a student tower, preserving its heritage after the devastating 2024 fire. Learn about the new proposals.
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.
Discover why Stratford-upon-Avon's traditional Victorian Christmas market is a cheaper, more atmospheric alternative to Birmingham's for 2025. Plan your festive visit now!
Lancashire's libraries transform into warm community hubs offering free hot drinks, activities, and social connection this winter. Find your local Warm Space today.
Middlesbrough's festive season begins this weekend with a Christmas parade, light switch-on, and new 'Shine On, Boro' installation. Find event times and details for family fun.
Discover the unique Fleckney Christmas Tree Festival where Santa makes his historic debut. Explore the history and enjoy festive fun on November 22-23. Join us!