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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
Mystery surrounds the sudden departure of headteacher Helen Masaun from Perry Beeches and Marsh Hill Nursery Schools in Birmingham. The council confirms an 'internal process' is underway.
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.
Sandwell Council has approved plans to demolish the former Perry Hill Tavern in Oldbury, ending its use as a focal point for crime and disturbance. New housing is planned for the site. Read the full story.
Former Edge Hill University PhD student CD Rose has won the 2025 Goldsmiths Prize for his short story collection 'We Live Here Now', mentored by the world's first Professor of Short Fiction.
The Independent ranks Leicester's festive market 12th in the UK. Discover its dates, stalls, and the West Midlands favourites also on the list.
An independent evaluation reveals a pioneering three-year programme has successfully overhauled support for seriously ill children and their families in Lancashire and South Cumbria, filling critical service gaps.
Police are appealing for witnesses after a 17-year-old was stabbed with a machete at Merry Hill shopping centre on Black Friday. A 16-year-old suspect has been bailed.
Police are appealing for witnesses after a Black Friday stabbing at Merry Hill shopping centre. A 16-year-old suspect has been bailed. Call 101 with any information.
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.
TV presenter Holly Willoughby admits driving without due care after knocking a man off his scooter in London. Read the full court details and potential penalties here.
A Birmingham cocktail bar is giving away free Merry Mimosa drinks until December 7 in exchange for new toy donations, supporting local children's charities. Find out how to claim.
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 lavish charity dinner at Stockport's Royal Nawaab Pyramid raised over £25,000 for Stepping Hill Hospital's NHS charity. The funds will support neonatal care and hospital gardens.
Sandwell Council has refused plans to demolish the empty Crown Inn in Old Hill for a new shop, stating the land is reserved for future housing or employment use. Read the full details.
A 17-year-old boy was chased and stabbed at the Merry Hill shopping centre on Black Friday. Centre management reassures shoppers as police make an arrest. Witnesses urged to come forward.
A 16-year-old boy is in custody after a 17-year-old was injured with a machete at Merry Hill shopping centre. Police have increased patrols and are appealing for witnesses.
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.
Explore the inside of Birmingham's Spring Hill Library, perfectly preserved like a time capsule three years after its controversial closure. Discover the community's fight for its future.
West Midlands Police arrest a 16-year-old boy after a teenager was chased and attacked with a machete at Merry Hill shopping centre. Witnesses urged to come forward.