Sutton Coldfield has a lot going for it at the best of times, but September is when the town really comes into its own. The school summer holidays are over, the weather is still (fingers crossed) holding, and the town centre fills up with events that remind you exactly why so many people choose to put down roots here. Whether you’ve lived here for decades or you’re still getting to know the area, there’s plenty to get involved in this month.
The big one. The Sutton Coldfield Food Festival returns to The Parade from Friday 11th through to Sunday 13th September, running 10am to 7pm on Friday and Saturday, and 10am to 5pm on Sunday. Street food, artisan produce, drinks, and live entertainment fill the town centre across all three days, and there’s no charge to attend. It’s the kind of event that draws in families, groups of friends, and anyone who fancies a wander and a good meal in the open air. A solid way to kick off the month.
Running across the same ten days as the national Heritage Open Days festival, Birmingham Heritage Week brings over 20 local events to Sutton Coldfield — talks, guided walks, and open days all centred on the town’s rich history. The Sutton Coldfield Heritage Network, a volunteer-run community group, organises the local programme with support from the Sutton Coldfield Charitable Trust. It’s a genuinely impressive offering for a town with as much history as this one, and a good excuse to explore corners of Sutton Coldfield you might not have visited before.
As part of Heritage Open Days, the Sutton Coldfield Town Hall opens up parts of the building that are rarely accessible to the public. That includes backstage areas and, weather permitting, the rooftop, with views out across the town and the famous clock tower. There’ll be local theatre entertainment, historical groups in attendance, and guided tours throughout the day. It’s a rare chance to see behind the scenes of one of the town’s most distinctive buildings.
Sutton Coldfield Town Hall is hosting its inaugural Literary Arts Festival on the weekend of 12th and 13th September, and the programme looks genuinely varied. Daytime sessions run from 11:30am on both days, with readings, creative writing workshops, and spoken word performances from local and visiting poets and authors. Saturday evening adds a ticketed show featuring composer David Lowe (known for some of British television’s best-loved theme tunes), singer Ramesh Alexander with bhangra dance, and a live jazz quartet. Day entry is free, and the evening show is £10 for adults, with under-16s getting in at no charge.
The monthly Farmers and Craft Market organised by Visit Royal Sutton Coldfield BID runs on the last Sunday of each month, 10am to 3pm on The Parade. September’s edition falls on the 28th. It’s a reliable fixture for anyone who likes to pick up fresh local produce, browse handmade goods, or simply enjoy the town centre on a Sunday morning. If you haven’t been before, it’s worth making a habit of.
Top UK tribute band ELO Encounter bring their Greatest Hits show to the Town Hall this September, paying homage to Jeff Lynne’s Electric Light Orchestra with what promises to be a high-energy evening. Check the Town Hall’s website for the specific date and ticket details if you’re a fan of the original band.
One for fans of the California sound: the Bootleg Beach Boys, widely regarded as the best Beach Boys tribute act in the world, play the Town Hall on the 17th. VIP packages are available for those who want to make a proper night of it. Tickets are on sale now through the Town Hall’s website.
Another big night at the Town Hall: a Queen’s Greatest Hits concert tour, which has previously sold out at dozens of UK venues, makes a stop in Sutton Coldfield this month. Worth checking dates and booking early given the track record of this particular show.
September is a reminder of what makes Sutton Coldfield such a good place to live. There’s food, music, history, and community all happening within a short walk of each other. If you’re new to the area or thinking about making the move, getting to a few of these events is one of the best ways to get a feel for the town and the people in it. We’d encourage everyone to get out and make the most of what’s on.
For more on life in Sutton Coldfield, keep an eye on our blog throughout the year.
