Category: Lichfield

Plans Submitted for 300 More Homes at Arkall Farm

Plans have been submitted that could see an additional 300 homes built at the Arkall Farm development on the border between Lichfield and Tamworth.

The latest planning application proposes increasing the total number of homes permitted on the site from 1,000 to 1,300.

The development, situated north of Ashby Road, has been progressing since 2021, with approximately 315 properties expected to be completed by the end of 2026.

According to the planning documents, the proposed increase would be achieved through changes to the existing development layout rather than extending the approved site boundaries.

Part of the land originally reserved for a new primary school would instead be used for housing.

The applicant states that the local education authority has confirmed the full area previously allocated for the school is no longer required.

The proposals also include increasing housing density within part of a later development phase.

The application comes as Lichfield District continues to face pressure to deliver additional housing.

Planning documents submitted in support of the scheme argue that the additional properties would contribute towards meeting the district’s housing requirements.

However, the proposals remain subject to the planning process, and submission of an application does not mean permission has been granted.

Residents wishing to examine the proposals can access the relevant documents through Lichfield District Council’s planning system.

Image from Lichfield Live 

Lichfield Santa Sleigh Fundraiser Opens Applications to Local Charities

Local charities and community organisations are being invited to take part in one of Lichfield’s much-loved Christmas traditions as preparations begin for the annual Santa Sleigh fundraiser.

Organised by Lichfield Round Table, the popular festive initiative sees Father Christmas travel through local streets during December, bringing seasonal cheer to families while raising money for worthwhile causes.

Each evening, representatives from participating charities and community groups accompany Santa’s sleigh, helping collect donations and promote the work of local organisations.

Applications to participate open today, Friday 16 October 2026.

The Santa Sleigh has become a familiar part of Christmas in Lichfield, combining festive entertainment with practical support for the local community.

For participating organisations, the initiative provides an opportunity to raise funds, meet residents and increase awareness of their work.

The annual event also depends on volunteers who give their time throughout the Christmas period.

Local charities, voluntary organisations and not-for-profit groups interested in participating are encouraged to follow Lichfield Round Table’s announcements.

Further details about the application process will be published through the organisation’s Facebook page.

Photograph Courtesy of Lichfield Live

World Singing Day 2026

World Singing Day 2026: Sutton Coldfield, Lichfield and Tamworth Raise Their Voices!

Saturday 17 October 2026

Music has a wonderful ability to bring people together, lift spirits and create lasting memories. This Saturday, 17 October, communities around the world will celebrate World Singing Day 2026, and there’s plenty of musical entertainment to enjoy across Sutton Coldfield, Lichfield and Tamworth.

From traditional male voice choirs and community singing to pop classics and spectacular live performances, there’s something for almost every musical taste.

What is World Singing Day?

World Singing Day is an annual global celebration of singing, bringing people together through the simple pleasure of making music.

The occasion encourages everyone to participate, regardless of age, background or musical ability.

You don’t need to be a professional singer, belong to a choir or even consider yourself particularly musical. World Singing Day is about enjoying music, sharing experiences and celebrating the connections that singing creates.

And across our three local areas, Saturday promises to be a particularly musical occasion.

🎵 Sutton Coldfield: Birmingham Male Voice Choir Autumn Concert

St Columba’s Church, Banners Gate Road, Sutton Coldfield

Saturday 17 October | 7pm–8.30pm

One of the region’s established male voice choirs will be performing in Sutton Coldfield on Saturday evening.

Birmingham Male Voice Choir brings together singers who share a love of music, friendship and performing.

The choir’s repertoire includes traditional favourites, popular songs, show tunes and uplifting arrangements performed in four-part harmony.

Its Autumn Concert at St Columba’s promises an enjoyable evening for anyone who appreciates the distinctive sound of male voice choral singing.

Further information: Birmingham Male Voice Choir’s official website.

🎵 Tamworth: Everybody Sings! Choir and City of Lichfield Concert Band

The Coton Centre, Comberford Road, Tamworth

Saturday 17 October | 7.30pm–9.30pm

Tickets: Adults £12.50 | Children £5

A wonderful example of community music-making takes place in Tamworth when Everybody Sings! Choir joins forces with the City of Lichfield Concert Band.

The concert will feature a varied programme of popular music, combining the voices of a welcoming community choir with the instrumental talents of an award-winning concert band.

Everybody Sings! embraces a simple philosophy: singing is for everyone, whether you believe you can sing or not.

Meanwhile, the City of Lichfield Concert Band is a 50-piece community ensemble with an impressive record of performances across Staffordshire and the West Midlands.

Together, they promise an entertaining evening celebrating the enjoyment of making music.

Booking: Citizen Ticket.

🎵 Tamworth: Tamworth Young Musicians 2026

St Editha’s Church, Tamworth

Saturday 17 October | 7pm

Young musical talent will also take centre stage in Tamworth this Saturday.

Following the success of its 2025 event, Tamworth Young Musicians returns for 2026, showcasing musical performances by talented children and young people.

The event provides another opportunity to celebrate local music-making while supporting the next generation of performers.

Tickets are advertised from £3.

🎵 Lichfield: Tunde of Lighthouse Family at Lichfield Cathedral

Lichfield Cathedral

Saturday 17 October | Performance advertised from 7.45pm

The magnificent surroundings of Lichfield Cathedral will welcome Tunde Baiyewu, the unmistakable voice of Lighthouse Family.

Known for the group’s much-loved hits, including Lifted, Ocean Drive and High, Tunde brings his distinctive soulful vocals to one of Staffordshire’s most spectacular venues.

Performing with a full band, this promises to be a memorable evening for fans of soulful pop music.

Booking: Eventim and authorised ticket outlets.

🎵 Lichfield: 80’s Mania at the Garrick

Lichfield Garrick Theatre

Saturday 17 October | 7.30pm

Tickets: £34

For those who prefer their singing accompanied by a little dancing and nostalgia, 80’s Mania arrives at the Lichfield Garrick.

This energetic musical spectacular celebrates some of the biggest hits of the 1980s, featuring tributes to artists including Duran Duran, Madonna, Wham!, Culture Club, Kim Wilde and Bananarama.

With a live band, dancers and more than 35 chart-topping hits, audiences can look forward to an evening packed with familiar favourites.

🎤 Why Not Join a Choir?

World Singing Day isn’t just about watching other people perform.

It’s also the perfect opportunity to consider joining a local choir or singing group.

Community choirs offer opportunities to meet new people, develop musical confidence and enjoy performing together.

Whether your musical tastes lean towards classical, musical theatre, gospel or contemporary pop, there are singing groups catering for a wide variety of interests and abilities.

And remember, you don’t necessarily need any previous singing experience to get involved.

Let the Music Bring Us Together!

Whether you’re attending a concert, singing along to your favourite songs at home or considering joining a choir for the first time, World Singing Day is an opportunity to celebrate something that connects us all.

So this Saturday, why not turn up the music, sing your favourite song and join people around the world in celebrating the joy of singing?

Happy World Singing Day from What’s On In Sutton Coldfield, incorporating What’s On In Lichfield and What’s On In Tamworth!

Please note: The concerts featured are taking place on World Singing Day but are not necessarily officially affiliated with the international celebration. Event information and ticket availability may change.

🎟️ Event links for the article

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