Free Halloween Spookfest Takes Over Tamworth’s Ankerside Shopping Centre Today

Halloween celebrations are getting underway in Tamworth today, Saturday 17 October 2026, as Darkside Markets brings its Spookfest event to Ankerside Shopping Centre.

The free event runs from 9am until 5pm, offering visitors the chance to explore an unusual collection of independent traders and Halloween-inspired products.

More than 30 alternative traders from across the Midlands and beyond are expected to take part.

A celebration of everything spooky

Spookfest promises a shopping experience with a difference, celebrating gothic styles, unusual handmade creations and the more imaginative side of Halloween.

Visitors can browse stalls offering distinctive products that may not be found in conventional high street shops.

The market is designed to appeal to fans of alternative fashion, gothic culture and Halloween-themed merchandise.

Supporting independent traders

The event also provides an opportunity to discover small independent businesses and creative makers.

Markets such as Spookfest offer traders a chance to introduce their products to new customers while bringing additional activity into the town centre.

With free admission, the event is accessible to anyone interested in browsing the stalls.

Event details

Date: Saturday 17 October 2026
Time: 9am–5pm
Venue: Ankerside Shopping Centre, George Street, Tamworth, B79 7LG
Admission: Free

Visitors can find further details through the Ankerside Shopping Centre website.

Lichfield City Centre Bucks National Trend as Shop Vacancies Fall by More Than a Third

Lichfield city centre is showing encouraging signs of resilience, with newly publicised figures revealing that the number of empty retail premises has fallen by more than a third since 2021.

Figures released by Lichfield District Council show that just 16 of the city’s 311 retail premises were vacant in June 2025, compared with 25 in April 2021.

That represents a vacancy rate of approximately 5%, significantly below the national high street average of 13.5% quoted by the council.

The findings offer encouraging news for local traders at a time when many British town and city centres continue to face challenges from changing shopping habits and competition from online retailers.

Investment in Lichfield’s future

Lichfield District Council leader Councillor Doug Pullen has welcomed the figures, pointing to investment in the city centre and improvements to public spaces as important parts of the council’s approach.

The authority believes its ongoing regeneration programme is helping make Lichfield an attractive destination for businesses, residents and visitors.

The planned Everyman cinema development is also expected to strengthen the city’s leisure and entertainment offering.

By providing additional reasons for people to visit the centre, the council hopes to support existing retailers, restaurants and hospitality businesses.

Supporting local businesses

Independent shops, established retailers, cafés and restaurants all contribute to Lichfield’s distinctive character.

The vacancy figures provide a positive indication of the city’s retail position, although they represent a snapshot from June 2025 rather than a current count of occupied premises.

The council has also indicated that its regeneration ambitions extend beyond Lichfield, with £1.2 million earmarked for improvements in Burntwood.

For Lichfield’s businesses, the latest report offers an encouraging reminder of the importance of a thriving and attractive city centre.

Image – Lichfield Live

⭐️ ⭐️ Christmas Events in Sutton Coldfield Town Centre ⭐️ ⭐️

⭐️ ⭐️ Christmas Events in Sutton Coldfield Town Centre ⭐️ ⭐️
🎄Sunday 30th November
Meet The Grinch & Cindy-Lou 12pm-3pm
Free Face painting 10am-3pm
Farmers & Craft Market 10am-3pm
🎄 Saturday 13th December
Walk In Snow globe 11am-4pm
Victorian Stilt Walker 12pm-4pm
Meet Father Christmas 12pm-4pm
Victorian Christmas Market 10am-8pm
🎄 Sunday 14th December
Walk In Snow globe 11am-4pm
Victorian Stilt Walker 12pm-4pm
Meet Father Christmas 12pm-4pm
Victorian Christmas Market 10am-5pm
🎄 Saturday 20th December
See The Gingerbreads 12pm-3pm
Victorian Stilt Walker 12pm-4pm
Meet Father Christmas 12pm-4pm
Victorian Christmas Market 10am-8pm
🎄 Sunday 21st December
See The Elves 12pm-4pm
Victorian Stilt Walker 12pm-4pm
Meet Father Christmas 12pm-4pm
Victorian Christmas Market 10am-5pm
🕯️ Victorian Christmas Market
Week 1)
Thursday 11th – Sunday 14th December
Week 2)
Thursday 18th – Sunday 21st December
Times) Thursday, Friday, Saturday 10am-8pm & Sunday10am-5pm
❤️Events brought to you by Visit Royal Sutton Coldfield BID and Victorian Market trader bookings through LSD Promotions
📍 Sutton Coldfield town centre
Pictures Courtesy Visit Royal Sutton Coldfield BID

FREE Parking in Sutton Coldfield

🚗 Free car parking is now LIVE in all Birmingham City Council owned car parks in Sutton Coldfield this Christmas on Thursdays & Fridays after 4pm, and all day Saturdays & Sundays.
📌 Included car parks:
• Station Street
• Upper Reddicroft
• Lower Reddicroft
• Mill Street
• Anchorage Road
• South Parade
• Duke Street
🚫 Private car parks at Newhall Walk and the Gracechurch Centre are not included.
📅 13 November 2025 – 4 January 2026
🚗 Thurs & Fri: Free from 4pm
🚗 Sat & Sun: Free all day
🛍️ Perfect timing for Christmas shopping and for visiting our brand new Victorian Christmas Market on these dates:
• Thu 11 – Sun 14 December
• Thu 18 – Sun 21 December
❤️ Support Sutton Coldfield town centre, enjoy festive events, and make the most of everything local this Christmas.
🎁 Free Christmas parking & travel funded by Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Council
🚲🚌 Plus: discounted bus travel and free cycle hire, funded by the Town Council and supported by the West Midlands Combined Authority.

Sweetfields’ Cafe Bakery

🌟 Exciting Discoveries at Sweetfields Cafe and Bakery! 🌟 
We recently took a trip to Wylde Green and were thrilled to visit Sweetfields Cafe and Bakery. This charming spot is much bigger than it appears! 😍 The homemade pastries and cakes are absolutely amazing, and the coffee? Some of the best we’ve had lately! ☕✨
If you’re looking for a delicious lunchtime snack, they also offer sandwiches, cheese plates, and more! 🥪🧀
We had a lovely chat with the owner, who shared that even more delights are coming to the cafe, including a deli counter featuring locally sourced produce. We can’t wait to see what’s next!
If you haven’t visited yet, make sure to stop by Sweetfields for a delightful experience! 💖
#WyldeGreen #SweetfieldsCafe #BakeryDelights #SupportLocal #FoodieFavorites

Christmas In Sutton Coldfield

PRESS RELEASE     7 NOVEMBER 2024

 Sutton Coldfield Town Centre Set to Sparkle

Visit Royal Sutton Coldfield BID has unveiled an exciting line-up of Christmas activities designed to make your Christmas shopping truly special this year.

 Shop locally at Sutton Coldfield’s new 22-day Christmas Market from Thursday 28th November to Sunday 22nd December, when The Parade will be home to twinkling wooden chalets selling mulled wine, beer, bratwurst, hot food, sweet treats, and one-of-a-kind gifts. The Christmas market is a partnership event with Visit Royal Sutton Coldfield BID and market operator LSD Promotions; it is set to be a local gem, offering a delightful alternative to the larger city markets. Open six days a week, Tuesdays to Sundays, with extended hours until 8pm on Fridays and Saturdays, the market is here to attract both residents and visitors to Sutton Coldfield town centre.

When you visit the market don’t forget to support the national retailers like House of Fraser, The Entertainer, Waterstones, Beaverbrook’s, Fat Face, Pandora, H&M, JD Sports, TK Maxx and more, as well as unique independent shops such as Magical Story, Military Chef, Toys 4 You, Smart Ideas, Bert & Gert’s and DJ Collectibles. Your shopping will not only be fun but will also help to boost our local economy!

Visit Royal Sutton Coldfield BID has also organised visits from whimsical characters including The Grinch, Christmas Sloths, Bouncing Snowmen, Toy Soldiers, Bouncing Elves, Christmas Tree Dresses and Christmas Granny Turismo; creating a fun atmosphere for all ages on The Parade, every weekend from Saturday 30th November. Live performances by the King Brasstards band will keep the spirits high as you shop!

 The festivities continue at Gracechurch shopping centre, where a brand-new ice-skating rink will be open from Thursday 28th November to Sunday 22nd December. Plus, children can enjoy a free magical meet-and-greet with Santa every weekend from Saturday 30th November to Sunday 22nd December, complete with a special certificate to take home. Don’t miss the real 20-foot Christmas tree, a pop-up florist and joyful performances from local choirs and community groups.

As well as funding the town’s Christmas lights, Sutton Coldfield Town Council is also making it more convenient to shop local by funding free parking in seven Birmingham City Council-owned car parks every Thursday and Friday after 4pm, and all-day Saturday and Sunday from Thursday 14th November to Sunday 5th January. The seven car parks are Station Street, Upper and Lower Reddicroft, Mill Street, Anchorage Road, South Parade and Duke Street. Plus, Gracechurch shopping centre is also offering free parking every Sunday in their multi storey car park.

Michelle Baker, Visit Royal Sutton Coldfield Business Improvement District (BID) Manager said, “Please join us in supporting our local economy and creating magical memories this Christmas. We are excited to introduce our new 22-day Christmas Market to boost footfall in the town centre, benefiting local businesses. Our hope is that the festive attractions and entertainment will enhance the shopping experience, encouraging shoppers to support both national retailers and the excellent independent businesses. With free parking and a host of attractions, we invite everyone to enjoy the magic of Christmas in Sutton Coldfield”.

Michelle Baker
BID Manager

 

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