Lichfield 3 - What's On In Sutton Coldfield

Marks & Spencer launches recruitment drive for new Lichfield distribution centre

Major investment expected to bring around 600 jobs to the area as new automated facility prepares for 2027 opening.

Marks & Spencer has begun recruiting staff for its major new distribution centre in Lichfield, marking another important step in the retailer’s investment in the area.

The new 437,000 sq ft automated facility will support M&S’s fashion operations, with approximately 600 jobs expected to be created when the centre becomes fully operational in 2027.

More than 70 vacancies are already being advertised, offering opportunities for local people to become part of the new operation ahead of its opening.

The development represents a significant boost for Lichfield’s local economy, bringing employment opportunities and further investment to the area.

Alongside the distribution centre, Marks & Spencer is also developing a new foodhall in Lichfield, which is expected to create approximately 70 additional jobs.

With recruitment now underway, the project is moving closer to becoming a major new employer in the district.

Looking for a new opportunity? Anyone interested in working for Marks & Spencer can explore current vacancies through the company’s official careers website.

What’s On in My Town – Bringing you the latest business and community news from Lichfield and the surrounding area.

St Giles Hospice Fundraiser Represents West Midlands at Pride of Britain Awards

A remarkable fundraiser who dribbled a football more than 2,000 miles from Morocco to the Midlands has represented the West Midlands at the prestigious Pride of Britain Awards.

Football coach James Lewis attended the national ceremony in London after being named the region’s Fundraiser of the Year.

His extraordinary fundraising achievements have helped raise more than £129,000 for St Giles Hospice, making him the charity’s biggest individual fundraiser.

An incredible journey for St Giles

James completed an 86-day challenge, travelling from Morocco to the Midlands while dribbling a football.

The journey was undertaken in memory of his father, who received care from St Giles Hospice when James was just 11 years old.

The challenge attracted considerable attention and support, helping James raise substantial funds for the hospice.

His fundraising page has now reached £75,680 for the challenge alone, while his lifetime fundraising total has exceeded £129,000.

The achievement earned him the West Midlands Fundraiser of the Year title in September and a place among 17 finalists competing for the national award.

Representing the region in London

James attended the Pride of Britain Awards ceremony at Grosvenor House in London, accompanied by St Giles Hospice events manager Sam Colclough.

Although the overall Fundraiser of the Year award went to 85-year-old Barry Walden from Hull, James’s selection among the national finalists was a significant recognition of his dedication.

Barry received the national honour in recognition of 65 years spent raising money for charities through his singing.

For James, the evening provided an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of fundraisers from across the country.

A proud moment for St Giles Hospice

St Giles Hospice Chief Executive Elinor Eustace welcomed James’s achievement and the recognition it brought to the charity.

His fundraising has made a substantial contribution to the hospice, which provides specialist care and support to people and families facing serious illness.

The challenge has also inspired young people, with James sharing his experiences in schools.

His determination, commitment and willingness to undertake such an extraordinary journey have made him an outstanding ambassador for the charity.

Pride of Britain television broadcast

The Pride of Britain Awards ceremony will be shown on ITV1 and ITVX on Thursday 22 October 2026 at 8pm.

For supporters of St Giles Hospice, it will be another opportunity to celebrate the remarkable achievements of a fundraiser whose efforts have made such a difference.

James may not have taken home the overall national award, but his journey from Morocco to the Midlands has already secured something equally important: lasting support and recognition for a charity close to his heart.

Lichfield Karting Star Finlay Lines Secures International Success in Belgium

A talented young racing driver from Lichfield is celebrating a remarkable achievement after finishing runner-up in the 2026 BNL Karting Series.

Finlay Lines completed his championship campaign in style at Karting Genk in Belgium, taking overall victory during the final weekend and securing second place in the championship standings.

The result means the young driver finishes the season as BNL Junior Max vice-champion.

A successful end to the championship

Finlay arrived at the final round holding second place in the Junior Max standings, with the championship still to be decided.

Facing competition from international drivers, he produced an impressive performance to secure the overall weekend victory.

Although the championship title remained out of reach, finishing as vice-champion represents a significant achievement in a competitive international series.

The result is also an important milestone in his developing motorsport career.

Representing Team UK in Portugal

Finlay’s performance has earned him a place at the 2026 Rotax MAX Challenge Grand Finals in Portimão, Portugal.

He will represent Team UK at the international event in November, competing against talented karting drivers from around the world.

The opportunity represents another important step for the Lichfield racer, whose achievements are attracting attention beyond the local motorsport scene.

A proud achievement for Lichfield

Karting provides an important pathway into competitive motorsport, requiring considerable skill, determination and commitment.

Finlay’s latest success demonstrates the opportunities available to talented young drivers willing to compete at an international level.

With a championship runner-up finish secured and another major competition approaching, the young Lichfield driver has plenty to look forward to.

His next challenge will be representing Team UK in Portugal as he continues his motorsport journey.

G4 Christmas

Gather to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year as G4 bring glad tidings of great joy this festive season, with the return of their ‘G4 Christmas’ tour in the most awe-inspiring cathedrals, priories, minsters, halls and abbeys across the UK.

Step into a world of vocal enchantment, on a breathtaking musical journey with beautifully-blended voices.

Ignite your Christmas spirit with a sprinkling of G4’s yuletide magic. Nourish your soul with their extraordinary and unique renditions of traditional carols, sacred contemplations, classical favourites and modern festive hits including Silent Night, O Holy Night, All I Want for Christmas, Walking in the Air, When a Child is Born, The 12 Days of Christmas and many, many more.

With mesmerising harmonies and impeccable showmanship it’s no wonder this hotly-anticipated tour sells out year after year, where the guys leave you with chills of delight and a heart full of Christmas cheer.

After the show you’ll dash, dance and prance your holly jolly way all the way home, having no doubt experienced something more precious than gold, frankincense and myrrh!

Pre-show ‘Meet and Greet’ tickets are available at all venues, taking place at 6pm, unless otherwise stated, and includes a welcome drink, plus the opportunity to meet G4 and have photographs with them and items signed by them.

Echoes of Remembrance

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart – Solemn Vespers and Requiem in D Minor

Join Lichfield Cathedral Chorus for a performance of two of Mozart’s best loved pieces – in a special performance for the season of remembrance, in the candlelit surroundings of Lichfield Cathedral.

The Solemn Vespers capture the splendour of worship and the quiet intimacy of prayer and remains one of Mozart’s most enduring sacred masterpieces.

Mozart’s requiem in D Minor is one of the most profound and compelling works in the choral repertoire and it continues to move audiences with its timeless blend of solemnity, hope and transcendent beauty.

Artisan Market

Come and explore a range of stands by local craftspeople and producers.

From food and drink to unique, handmade gifts this is a perfect opportunity to pick up something special.

This is a dog-friendly event!*

Entry by donation.

* We request that owners ensure their dogs are well-behaved, on a short lead, accompanied at all times, and that they do not disturb other visitors.

Bruce Springsteen Candlelight Concert

Get ready for a night that brings the spirit, sound and stories of The Boss to life like never before. Performed by the outstanding live band ‘The Sound of Springsteen’, this show is a full-scale tribute to one of rock’s greatest icons, all set against the warm glow of candlelight.

This isn’t just a gig – it’s an immersive experience. As Bruce Springsteen’s music fills the room, the atmosphere comes alive with thousands flickering candles and every song carries the energy, heart, and grit that made Bruce Springsteen a legend.

Expect to hear all the classics that defined generations. From the drive of Born to Run and the anthems of Born in the U.S.A. and Glory Days, to the soul of The River and Streets of Philadelphia. Sing along to Dancing in the Dark, lose yourself in Thunder Road, and feel the pulse of Hungry Heart. Every note, every lyric, is performed with passion and authenticity.

The setting makes it even more special. Surrounded by candlelight, the band delivers a performance that feels both intimate and powerful. Whether you’ve followed Springsteen from the beginning or you’re discovering his music for the first time, this is a show that will stay with you.

Join us for an evening that celebrates the music, the stories and the fire of Bruce Springsteen.

Anne Hathaway: A Monologue by Lesley Smith

Married to William Shakespeare for more than 30 years, Anne Hathaway remains one of the most fascinating and misunderstood women of the Elizabethan age. This thoughtful and engaging portrayal brings to life the woman behind one of history’s greatest literary figures.

Lesley Smith is a historian known for her dramatic portrayals of historical characters in full costume. She served as Curator of Tutbury Castle in Staffordshire from 2000 to 2024. She is a specialist in Tudor history, and most of her characters relate to that period, but the full range includes characters from the first to the twentieth centuries AD.

Lichfield Book Extravaganza

Book lovers, aspiring writers and collectors are in for a treat as the Lichfield Book Extravaganza returns to the historic Guildhall on Saturday 17 October 2026, bringing together more than 50 independent authors, booksellers and creative traders.

Taking place from 10.30am until 4pm, the event promises a celebration of books, storytelling and creativity, with something to interest readers of all ages.

Organised by Rosie’s Retro Bazaar in association with independent publisher Fantom, the Book Extravaganza offers visitors the chance to discover new authors, browse unusual literary treasures and support independent businesses.

Meet the Authors

One of the highlights of the event will be the opportunity to meet writers working across a wide range of genres, from contemporary fiction and romance to crime thrillers, fantasy and science fiction.

Among those appearing will be crime thriller writer Gemma Walker, romance authors Celia Tandy and Millie Bowker, and fantasy author Nick Snape.

Visitors will have the opportunity to discover their work, explore different styles of writing and perhaps find a new favourite author.

For aspiring writers, the event also offers an opportunity to connect with people involved in independent publishing.

Much More Than Books

The Guildhall will be filled with stalls offering far more than traditional books.

Visitors can expect comics, graphic novels, zines, illustrations, prints, stationery, gifts and literary memorabilia.

Specialist and second-hand booksellers will also offer opportunities to uncover unusual titles and collectable editions.

Whether you’re searching for a particular book, looking for an unusual gift or simply enjoy browsing independent creative stalls, there should be plenty to explore.

Supporting Independent Creativity

The Book Extravaganza celebrates the independent authors, publishers, artists and small businesses that contribute to the region’s creative community.

Events like this give writers and traders the chance to meet their audiences face to face while introducing visitors to work they might not otherwise discover.

The historic surroundings of Lichfield Guildhall provide a fitting setting for a day dedicated to literature and creativity.

Threads through the Cross

We are delighted to welcome Threads through the Cross, a spectacular large-scale textile exhibition by acclaimed artist Jacqui Parkinson.

Telling the story of Jesus’s life, death and resurrection through textile art, the exhibition comprises 18 monumental panels, each nearly three metres high. Together, they explore key moments from the events leading up to the crucifixion through to the resurrection and ascension.

Jacqui Parkinson combines silk, paint, metallic leather and gold leaf to create richly textured and highly detailed works, using colour, movement and symbolism to bring these familiar stories vividly to life. The scale of the panels makes for a striking display within Lichfield Cathedral, inviting visitors to take a closer look and reflect on the story from a fresh perspective.

Threads through the Cross offers a unique opportunity to experience the Christian story through contemporary textile art, with powerful imagery and exceptional craftsmanship.