Warwickshire Council leader George Finch insists 'big investors' are being secured to revive town centres, amid a heated debate over rising on-street parking charges. Read the full story.
The historic Cotswold town of Malmesbury, England's oldest borough, has been celebrated in The Sunday Times' prestigious 'Best Places to Live 2025' guide. Discover its charm and community spirit.
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.
Reported thefts at Birmingham's German Christmas Market have fallen dramatically, new police data reveals. Discover the full crime statistics and what it means for visitors.
The government's £3 bus fare cap, extended to 2027, makes Christmas markets and New Year's Eve fireworks accessible and affordable. Discover routes and savings.
Explore Henley-in-Arden, a historic West Midlands market town with storybook streets, lively pubs, and a 12th-century heritage. Perfect for a day trip or a new home.
Discover a perfect countryside escape just an hour from Birmingham. This writer's weekend in a Worcestershire hamlet and the Cotswolds offers idyllic walks, cosy shops, and delicious food.
Mansfield Town FC players and staff, including manager Nigel Clough, visited the children's ward at King's Mill Hospital with gifts. The annual tradition aims to bring Christmas joy to young patients. Read more about this heartwarming community story.
Local mortgage experts reveal the top neighbourhoods to live in Birmingham for 2026, from the cool streets of Digbeth to the leafy suburbs of Sutton Coldfield. Discover average house prices and key attractions.
New analysis reveals the cost of festive treats at Birmingham's Frankfurt Christmas Market could skyrocket by 2030. See the projected prices for mulled wine, bratwurst, and more.
Average property prices in Rotton Park, Birmingham, fell by £109,000 in a year, the sharpest drop in the city. Discover the local insights and market trends behind the figures.
Birmingham City Council unveils new hostile vehicle bollards and knife detection arches for the final weekend of the German Market. Enhanced patrols and CCTV aim to ensure a safe festive season.
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.
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.
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!
Time is running out to experience Birmingham's Frankfurt Christmas Market 2025. The festive attraction departs on Christmas Eve. Discover what's still on offer for your last-minute visit.
Jet2 announces eight 'fairytale' Christmas market destinations from Birmingham Airport for Winter 2026/27, including new flights to Copenhagen. Book your festive getaway.
Jet2 announces a brand-new festive flight route from Birmingham Airport to Copenhagen for Winter 2026/27, expanding its Christmas market getaways to eight European cities. Book your festive break now!
Little Actors Theatre Company secures a Cheshire West grant to launch free performing arts workshops for 11-18 year olds at Neston Town Hall from spring 2026. Book now!
Discover the ultimate guide to Birmingham's festive weekend before Christmas 2025. From the iconic Frankfurt Market to light trails and pantomimes, plan your perfect seasonal visit.
Walsall's once-thriving high street now has over 40 vacant units, with locals describing a 'dying ghost town'. Discover the impact on community and business.
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.
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.
Sex and the City star Kim Cattrall has wed her partner of nearly a decade, audio engineer Russell Thomas, in a private London ceremony. Discover the details of their relationship and her life now.
A 123-year-old pub clock in a historic Midlands market town is telling time again after a £6,000 restoration. Discover the story behind this community landmark.
The Independent ranks Leicester's festive market 12th in the UK. Discover its dates, stalls, and the West Midlands favourites also on the list.
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.