The Moseley Of North Birmingham?

And why Sutton Coldfield is flying higher than ever this week

WEATHER

Thurs: 15°C 🌤️ | Fri: 16°C 🌤️ | Sat: 15°C 🌤️ | Sun: 15°C 🌤️

Good morning Royal Sutton Coldfield,

Welcome back to the only Sutton Coldfield newsletter that classifies eating out and attending live music as work and then still has the audacity to look forward to a 4 day weekend.

Spirits are high across Sutton Coldfield this week. No, not because some of us have had two bin collections in the space of 6 days, but of course everyone is still high following an incredibly successful food festival at the weekend.

If you missed it, don’t worry, it is already confirmed to be returing and there’s still plenty going on across the Royal Town this weekend, much of which you can find out about in this very newsletter - so you’re in the right place.

Let’s get in to it…

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SUTTON SPOTLIGHT
Hit The Rhode For A Good Night Out

If you love live music it’s fair to say you are pretty spoilt for choice in Sutton Coldfield. From events at many local pubs, cafes and lounges, right through to dedicated performance spaces such as the Town Hall - there’s always somewhere to catch a bit of live entertainment.

The Rhodehouse however, which is situated on The Parade, is something else. It’s impressive decor is littered with nostalgic pieces from decades past, which somehow just work perfectly with the live music that is played weekly - usually with songs from across the decades.

My most recent visit was Thursday evening after a trip to Patty Freaks (another fave local haunt) to watch a collection of bands and solo artists take to the stage. On this particular occasion, entrance was free and the place was extremely busy.

I have to say, the quality of the performances were right up there, and there was a lovely atmosphere with performers mixing with us mere mortals and everyone supporting one another - it was a joy to behold.

At weekends, you will often need to buy tickets in advance - trust me, I’ve turned up without one before and been turned away - but it’s such a privilege to have access to live music like this on our doorstep in such a great venue.

Drinks prices are very reasonable too, so be sure to check out what’s coming up by visiting their website here.

Oh and if you were wondering, apart from the impressive motorbikes adorning the walls my favourite piece of nostalgia was the life size Terminator 🦾

LOCAL
Sutton Coldfield Food Festival

The town centre was heaving last weekend thanks to the food festival that was organised by Sutton Coldfield BID and LSD Promotions.

Everything went without a hitch as 100 or so stalls and 1000’s of you turned up to create an incredible atmosphere in the town centre. Even the sunshine decided to turn up!

Image credit - Sutton Coldfield BID

Roll on the next one which has already been planned for September and thanks to everyone who helped make it happen.

GET INVOLVED
Find Your Atlantic Roots In Sutton This May

If the Sutton Spotlight has whet your appetite for live music then why not consider his offering in May? Holy Trinity Church presents Cornwall based duo, Our Atlantic Roots (Mac and Laura Johnston) on May 10th.

The duo bring an uplifting blend of American & British alt-folk, with harmonies that are rich, dynamic and unite beautifully. Mac’s guitar playing is full of character and accompanies lyrics that are both poetic and direct, hopeful, and authentic.

It’s their first visit to Sutton Coldfield and with over 4 million streams and hundreds of live shows under their belts, as well as several TV appearances, they are an emerging act to look out for.

GET INVOLVED
Local Group to Celebrate 80th Anniversary of D day

The Sutton Coldfield branch of National Service 'RAF' Association will celebrate the 80th Anniversary of D Day with a special event at Wishaw Country Sports Club on Thursday 8th May.

A 2 course meal will be followed by entertainer Maggie O'Hara singing songs from the Forties to which everyone will join in with.

It’s also worth mentioning that the group meet monthly at the Plough and Harrow in Slade Road, Sutton Coldfield.

Any ex RAF or WRAF are welcome to join can contact John on 0121 353 4694 for further info. 

LOCAL
Boldmere Celebrates Local Identity & Community Spirit

A vibrant new street mural has been unveiled in Boldmere as part of an exciting initiative to showcase the area’s unique identity, rich history, and thriving community.

The stunning 10m x 2m digital artwork, titled "We are BOLDMERE," has been designed by local artist Donna Newman of Eden-Designs Murals, commissioned by Boldmere Futures CIC and funded through HM Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund, administered by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and Birmingham City Council.

The mural, located above shops on Boldmere Road’s high street, serves as a visual signpost to the community, celebrating what makes this part of Birmingham truly special. The piece incorporates the bold and empowering words "We are BOLDMERE," with each letter reflecting a key aspect of the area’s identity and values.

Donna Newman’s design beautifully encapsulates the essence of Boldmere by breaking down each letter of the phrase into illustrations that highlight different facets of the local community and its culture:

  • B for "Beginnings" – Representing the rich history of Boldmere, this section of the mural honours the area’s roots, reflecting its history and evolution over time.

  • O for "Ourselves" – Celebrating the diversity of the Boldmere community, this letter represents the people who make the area unique and vibrant.

  • L for "Leisure" – This part of the mural showcases Boldmere’s wide range of clubs, societies, and activities, highlighting the area as a hub for leisure and social engagement.

  • D for "Drinking & Dining" – With a nod to Boldmere’s array of local bars and restaurants, this letter captures the community’s dynamic food and drink scene.

  • M for "Makers" – Honouring Boldmere’s thriving creatives, this letter represents the area’s public art, workshops, and local artists.

  • E for "Environment" – Depicting Boldmere’s green spaces and abundant wildlife, this section illustrates the area’s commitment to maintaining a sustainable and welcoming environment.

  • R for "Recreation" – Celebrating the local sporting events and recreational activities that bring the community together, this letter embodies Boldmere’s active and engaging lifestyle.

  • E for "Entertainment" – This final letter showcases the energy of Boldmere’s street festivals, celebrations, and public events that make the area a lively and exciting place to live and visit.

"This mural is a visual representation of everything that makes Boldmere such a wonderful place to live, work, and visit," said Donna Newman, the artist behind the mural. "It was an honour to create something that reflects the history, diversity, and spirit of the community. I hope it will inspire both locals and visitors to take pride in Boldmere’s uniqueness."

Paul Long, chairman of Boldmere Futures CIC, said “Our vision is for Boldmere to become known as a cultural destination for arts and heritage, the Moseley of North Birmingham. 

We like the sound of that, congrats to all involved.

WHAT’S ON
Local Cinema Showings This Weekend

Here’s what’s on this weekend at your local cinema. View times and book here

Film Title

Friday Showtimes

Saturday Showtimes

Sunday Showtimes

A Minecraft Movie (PG)

10:30, 11:30, 13:00, 14:30, 15:30, 18:00

10:00, 11:00, 12:30, 16:00

10:30, 11:30, 13:00, 15:30, 18:00

Disney’s Snow White (PG)

10:20

14:30

14:30

The Amateur (12A)

19:50

19:20

19:20

Sinners (15)  

17:30, 20:00

17:45, 20:00

17:00, 20:20

The Penguin Lessons (12A) 

11:15, 14:00, 16:45, 19:30

11:15, 14:00, 16:45, 19:30

11:15, 14:15, 16:45, 19:30

Peter Rabbit (PG)

13:30

Warfare (15)

20:30

17:00

19:40


Six The Musical Live! (12A)

12:50, 15:00

12:30

Sylvanian Families: The Movie (U)

10:10

The Chosen: Season 5

17:00

15:00

16:40

The Greatest Showman (PG)

19:00

14:00

The King Of Kings (PG)

12:00

10:10

GET INVOLVED
Easter Activities For The Big & Little Ones

There’s plenty going on over the Easter holidays for kids and adults alike. Below is a selection of events taking place in and around Sutton…

Meet Peter Rabbit
Saturday 19th April 10am - 3pm at Gracechurch Shopping Centre

Kids Easter Party (under 9s)
Saturday 19th April 11am - 1pm at Avery Fields Sports & Events

Kids Easter Party (10 - 13 year olds)
Saturday 19th April 2pm - 5pm at Avery Fields Sports & Events

Easter Food & Drinks Quiz
Sunday 20th April 7pm at The Quill & Taper

Mum & Me Event
Wednesday 23rd April 10am - 12pm at Sutton Rugby Club

Workshop Week (12 - 18 year olds) 
22nd - 25th April at The Venue, Trinity Hill

EMPLOYMENT
Local Jobs Roundup

New local employment opportunities:

Lecturer of Sociology at BMet - Details

Merkur Slots Supervisor at Merkur Casino - Details

Probate Solicitor - Details

Head Of Maths at Sutton Coldfield Grammar School For Girls - Details

LOCAL DEALS
Senior Cinema Films For March

Don’t forget you can enjoy a movie, hot drink and biscuits for just £5 on Wednesday’s at 11am at the Royal Cinema.

Coming up in April:

April 23: The Brutalist

April 30: Some Like It Hot

SUTTON SOLVER
Where Was Where In Sutton?

I’m not quite sure what happened last week. Some people are telling me that there was no image attached to the Where In Sutton. Is this the case? Or did no-one really know where this one very specific tree is located?

It’s the first time we’ve had zero replies to the Where In Sutton so let’s run this one again… and if you don’t see an image, please let me know as something is amiss (or perhaps the tree is haunted).

If you know where this image is taken, hit reply and let me know for a chance to feature next week.

LIVE MUSIC & OTHER EVENTS THIS WEEKEND
What’s Going On In Sutton This Week…

TODAY:

Krav Maga Trial Class
7:45pm at Harvest Fields Centre

The Heartless Princess
7:30pm at Highbury Theatre Centre

FRIDAY:

Free Times Tables Workshop
3:30pm -4:30pm at Explore Learning

SATURDAY:

Meet Peter Rabbit
10am - 3pm at The Gracechurch Centre

Women Like Me: The Little Mix Show
7:30pm - 9:30pm at Sutton Town Hall

Subterraneans 
7pm - 11:30pm at Sutton United Football Club

Labour Of Love
9pm at Walmley Club

The Let It Beatles
9pm at Plough & Harrow, Slade Road

Live Music From Roger Bird
7:30pm at The Four Oaks

SUNDAY:

Rosies Returns 
8pm - 2am at The Townhouse

Easter Food & Drink Quiz
7pm - 9:15pm at The Quill & Taper

Pure McCartney
7:30pm at The Sutton Town Hall

Hunny Bunny Brunch
11am - 9pm at The Slug & Lettuce

Amigos Open Mic
3pm at The Rhodehouse

Phew… and I thought it was going to be a quiet one this week.

I wish you a very happy Easter and hope you enjoy the bank holiday weekend. I’ll be kicking it off tonight by visiting Leviathan for another of their infamous whisky tastings - probably a good thing I’m not working tomorrow!

Sincerely,

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