Tamworth’s FA Cup Run Ends at Carlisle

Tamworth FC Exit FA Cup Following Narrow Defeat at Carlisle United

Tamworth FC’s hopes of progressing in this season’s FA Cup came to an end on Saturday 17 October 2026 following a 2–1 defeat away to Carlisle United.

The Lambs travelled to Brunton Park for their fourth qualifying round encounter but found themselves facing an uphill battle after conceding twice during the first half.

Difficult opening period

Carlisle made an early breakthrough when Regan Linney scored in the sixth minute.

The home side doubled their advantage shortly before half-time, with Linney finding the net again.

Tamworth therefore went into the interval trailing 2–0.

Second-half response

The visitors responded quickly after the restart.

R. Calder scored in the 48th minute to reduce the deficit and give Tamworth renewed hope of a comeback.

However, despite their efforts, the Lambs were unable to find an equaliser.

Carlisle held on to secure a 2–1 victory and progress to the next round of the competition.

Focus returns to the league

The result brings Tamworth’s FA Cup campaign to an end for another season.

Attention now returns to the club’s National League programme as the team looks to improve its position in the competition.

The Lambs are scheduled to travel to Gateshead on Friday 23 October before returning to The Lamb Ground for a home fixture against Scunthorpe United on Tuesday 27 October.

Supporters can follow club announcements for further match information.

Petrol Station Approved at Former Canwell Caravan Site

Plans Approved for New Petrol Station at Former Canwell Caravan Sales Site

Plans to transform a former caravan sales site at Canwell into a petrol station have been approved by Lichfield District Council despite objections from nearby residents.

The development will occupy the former Canwell Caravans Ltd site on London Road.

The approved proposals include a petrol filling station, car wash facilities and drive-through jet wash bays.

A change of use for the site

According to documents submitted with the application, the land previously operated as a petrol station before being converted to caravan sales.

The new development will use existing access arrangements from London Road.

However, the proposals attracted objections from residents concerned about the potential impact on the surrounding area.

Concerns over traffic and lighting

Objectors questioned whether the proposed development would generate significantly more traffic than the former caravan showroom.

Concerns were also raised about external lighting, the size of the proposed structures and the possible effects of additional activity on nearby homes.

One issue considered during the planning process was the site’s location within the Green Belt.

Council considers impact

Planning officers acknowledged that the proposed petrol station would represent a more intensive use of the land.

They also recognised that additional lighting, vehicle movements and new structures would have some effect on the site’s appearance.

However, officers concluded that the impact would be limited by the site’s existing developed character and the fact that the proposals remained within previously developed land.

The application was therefore approved.

Proposed opening hours

The application documents indicate that the petrol station would operate between 6am and midnight.

The jet wash facilities would operate between 8am and 8pm.

No confirmed construction timetable or opening date has been established from the published report.

Residents wishing to examine the approved proposals can access the planning documents through Lichfield District Council.

Police Report Burglaries and Vehicle Thefts in Four Oaks

Four Oaks Police Issue Community Safety Update Following Burglaries and Vehicle Thefts

Police in Sutton Coldfield have reported several residential burglaries and vehicle thefts as part of their latest neighbourhood update covering Four Oaks, Mere Green and Harvest Fields.

The Four Oaks Neighbourhood Team has also been carrying out patrols in local shopping areas, parks and residential streets following reports of anti-social behaviour.

The update, published on Saturday 17 October, highlights recent incidents and offers practical advice to help residents protect their homes and vehicles.

Burglaries reported in Four Oaks

Three incidents were recorded between 6 and 14 October.

On Lichfield Road, offenders gained access to a property through a side door during the early hours of 6 October. They were disturbed before anything was stolen.

A second burglary occurred on Heathfield Road between 9 and 11 October, when entry was gained through an insecure rear door and a handbag was stolen.

A further incident took place on Harvest Fields Way between 13 and 14 October. Offenders attempted to force a door lock but were unsuccessful.

Vehicles targeted

Police also reported the theft of two vehicles.

A bronze Lexus was stolen from Worcester Lane on 10 October, while a red Jaguar was taken from Ethlered Close between 9 and 10 October.

Officers are reminding owners of keyless-entry vehicles to consider using Faraday pouches to protect their keys against signal interception.

Steering-wheel locks can also provide an additional visible deterrent.

Patrols and community engagement

Neighbourhood officers have been conducting patrols around Mere Green’s retail areas, Hill Hook Nature Reserve and Badgers Bank Road.

Two people were spoken to following anti-social behaviour concerns on Badgers Bank Road, with the incidents reported to the relevant housing association.

Police have also been visiting schools to address inconsiderate parking, particularly around entrances where obstructed pavements and vehicles parked on restrictions can create difficulties for children and parents.

Volunteers wanted

The neighbourhood team is encouraging residents to get involved in local Street Watch groups.

Volunteers are particularly sought for patrols around Hill Village Road, Dunton Close and the Harvest Fields estate.

Residents interested in participating can contact their local neighbourhood policing team.

Further crime prevention information is available through West Midlands Police.

The latest update provides a reminder of the importance of reporting suspicious activity and taking sensible precautions to protect homes, vehicles and neighbourhoods.

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

Spectacular Winter Light Experience Coming to The Belfry This Christmas

A magical new illuminated Christmas experience is coming to The Belfry Hotel & Resort near Sutton Coldfield, promising families an enchanting evening of festive lights, interactive entertainment and seasonal surprises.

The Winter Light Experience opens on Friday 27 November 2026 and continues until Saturday 2 January 2027, with the attraction closed on Christmas Day.

The event will transform part of The Belfry’s famous Brabazon golf course into a spectacular illuminated trail featuring more than 30 installations.

Visitors will follow a route stretching over a mile, with the experience expected to take approximately 60 to 90 minutes.

A Christmas mystery to solve

The attraction follows a festive storyline in which Santa has accidentally scattered Christmas magic after an unexpected landing.

Families will be invited to search for clues and help recover the missing magic as they make their way through the illuminated displays.

Along the route, visitors can expect interactive features, games and characters bringing the Christmas adventure to life.

Festive food and winter treats

A Christmas Courtyard will provide a place to enjoy seasonal food and drinks before or after exploring the trail.

Entry to the courtyard itself will be free.

Visitors will also find opportunities to toast marshmallows beside fire pits, while heated winter cabins will be available to book separately.

Something for the whole family

The organisers have also planned quieter sensory sessions on 30 November and 8 December, offering an alternative experience for visitors who prefer reduced sound levels and smaller crowds.

Selected evenings will welcome dogs, while guide dogs will be permitted throughout the event.

Tickets and dates

The Winter Light Experience opens on Friday 27 November, with a special preview evening offering reduced admission prices.

Standard tickets start at £18.50 for adults and £12.50 for children aged three to 15.

Family tickets for two adults and two children start at £57.25, while children under three can attend free of charge.

Prices vary depending on the date and session selected.

The event runs daily during its advertised operating period, except Christmas Day.

For tickets and full information, visit the official Winter Light Experience website.

Sutton Santa Run 2026 Seeks Local Business Support for Christmas Charity Fundraiser

Businesses across Sutton Coldfield are being invited to support this year’s Sutton Santa Run, which will raise money for two local mental health charities.

The popular festive fundraising event returns to Sutton Park on Sunday 6 December 2026, bringing together runners, walkers, families and local businesses for a Christmas-themed 5K.

Organised by SE Fitness Running & Walking Club, the event will start at Town Gate at 10am.

Now in its third year, the Sutton Santa Run will raise funds for Acacia Family Support and Our Place Support, two organisations providing important support to people and families experiencing mental health difficulties.

Last year’s event raised almost £6,000 for the charities, and organisers are hoping to build on that success in 2026.

Local businesses invited to get involved

The organisers are particularly keen to encourage businesses across Sutton Coldfield to support the event through sponsorship.

Opportunities start at £100, making it possible for businesses of different sizes to participate.

Companies can also encourage staff members to join the run, bringing colleagues together for a festive activity while supporting worthwhile local causes.

The event has particular significance for Acacia Family Support, which has been selected as the Royal Sutton Coldfield Chamber of Commerce’s charity of the year for 2026–2028.

A festive event for everyone

The Sutton Santa Run welcomes participants of different ages and abilities, whether they prefer running, jogging or walking.

Christmas fancy dress is encouraged, with prizes planned for the best-dressed individual and family.

The event offers an opportunity to enjoy Sutton Park during the festive season while helping two charities continue their work in the local community.

Event information

Date: Sunday 6 December 2026
Time: 10am
Venue: Sutton Park, Town Gate, Sutton Coldfield
Distance: 5K
Charities: Acacia Family Support and Our Place Support

Businesses interested in sponsorship can contact Kate Davarzadeh at Acacia Family Support.

Further event information and participant booking are available through the SE Fitness website.

Tamworth Assembly Rooms Announces Assembly Amplified Music Programme

Live music fans in Tamworth have plenty to look forward to following the announcement of Assembly Amplified, a new programme of standing concerts at Tamworth Assembly Rooms.

The venue is preparing to welcome a wide range of tribute bands and music acts, with performances celebrating everything from classic rock and indie to reggae, Northern Soul and the sounds of the 1980s.

Assembly Amplified is designed to bring the atmosphere of a live gig to the historic venue, allowing audiences to enjoy music in a standing concert setting.

The programme begins on Friday 13 November 2026 with Jilted Generation, a tribute to The Prodigy.

Allstar Reggae follows on Friday 20 November, before Kick Up the 80’s takes to the stage on Saturday 21 November.

The month’s programme concludes with Foo Fighters GB on Saturday 28 November.

Looking further ahead, the series continues into 2027 with performances celebrating artists including The Smiths, Oasis, The Stone Roses, Stereophonics, AC/DC and The Cure.

Selected performances will also offer limited balcony seating for those who prefer not to stand.

The announcement adds another dimension to Tamworth’s growing live entertainment programme, giving music fans opportunities to experience familiar songs in an energetic concert atmosphere without travelling further afield.

Tickets for the November performances are available through Tamworth Assembly Rooms, with prices beginning at £18.50 for Jilted Generation.

Visitors are encouraged to check individual show details, including performance times, ticket prices and seating arrangements, before booking.

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