In and around Lickey!
Blackwell Tree Lighting – 13 Dec 2025 (11)
Supported by the Blackwell Concert Band, Santa handed out prizes to the Children’s Christmas Competition winners. Special Father Christmas Coins were handed out to the band. Organised by the Lickey & Blackwell Parish Council. Pics by Simon Woolford
Barnt Green Christmas Lighting – 29 Nov 2025 (29)
Well over 200 attended this annual tree and high street lighting event. With music, singing and Santa handing out little gifts to the children. Organised by the Barnt Green Parish Council. Pics by Simon Woolford
Bishop of Bolivia – 23 Nov 2025 (20)
To celebrate the return visit of Bishop Walter the congregation of the Holy Trinity and St Catherines churches laid on a welcoming lunch and presented the bishop with gifts. Led by the Curate Revd. Louise Beasley she was assisted by Bishop Maurice who was on hand to translate.
Remembrance Service – 9 Nov 2025 (10)
A smaller number gathered this year at the Lickey Memorial as the majority attended the service at St Catherines church down the road in Blackwell Village.
Creative Arts Showcase – 8/9 Nov 2025 (154)
Report and pics soon…
Blackwell Scarecrow Festival – 18 October 2025 (29)
This years event in Blackwell village was even better with more homemade scarecrows than you could shake a stick at.
Starting at Blackwell First School playground, where hot dogs, pizza’s and drinks were available, you could make some craft items and have your face painted. By purchasing a map, you followed the village trail to find each one and an attached letter. These letters would then be rearranged to form a phrase with prizes to be won.
There was also an opportunity to vote for your favourite. This year ‘Beauty & the Beast’ came first, a ‘Blood Thirsty Blushing Bride’ was in second and in third place was ‘Beaver Scout’.
The magnificent amount raised was £1,154, which PFTA organiser Manjit Ghat was delighted with and said “These funds would be used for classroom resources and subsidising school trips for the pupils”.
Heritage Weekend – 20-21 Sept 2025 (9)
Part of the National Heritage Week, the Lickey Hills Country Park played host to this annual event once again.
Organised by The Lickey Hills Local History Society, all manner of maps, artefacts and images were on display with members were on hand to help with any queries.
The World War Walks, led by Head Ranger Steve Hinton, captivated the large number attending. This also allowed a unique entry into the Gun Butts where repaired Howitzers were tested before being returned to the front in WWI.
On display for the first time was a map of nearby Rubery depicting all the houses where men had lived before enlisting in the First World War and never returned. An eye-opener and very moving tribute to the fallen. The organisers intend to complete one for Lickey, Cofton and Barnt Green soon.
The Society held the event in the Visitor Centre, rather than the much smaller School Room, as the cafe had still not re-opened after more than 12 months.
Creative Arts Showcase – 18 July 2025 (31)
With Atrix venue in Bromsgrove now in full swing, visitors to the Creative Arts summer Public Art Exhibition event were given a bonus backstage tour.
A positively delighted curator Sonya Russell-Saunders was jubilant about the response. Both exhibitors and the public were upbeat with the art work on display. The original-work local artists were on hand to discuss their ideas and technique.
Hogging a whole corridor was an exhibition of images from members of the Bromsgrove Photographic Society (pictured). Many of the ’snappers’ had proudly turned up to support the launch evening.
Trustee Dee Hirst and principal organiser, who helped secure funding to promote the arts going forward, said it would encourage even more people to be engaged. Those who would not necessarily be attracted or indeed afford the opportunity to take up an artistic endeavour. Dee highlighted the groups aim underlined that “At Creative Arts we believe that Creativity and Art is inspiring and helps everyone mentally and physically”.
During the event, Matthew Doige’s entertained everyone by tickling the ivories of the foyers Steinway grand piano as Barty and Baby, the two bees, buzzed around the exhibition.
The enormous success of a revitalised Artrix as a fit-all venue has nessitated in a rethink regarding bookings as they are coming in thick and fast. Graham Mackenzie, Artrix trustee who conducted the tour, said “It’s amazing, some of the visitors had never ever been in the building! They were very impressed with the quality and depth of offering we have here, which is a haven of creative connectivity for our community”.
Pics soon…
Bromsgrove Beer & Cider Festival – 27/28 June 2025 (113)
A permanent fixture on the beer and cider enthusiasts calendar saw over 1,500 visitors through the marquee door of this popular festival during the summer.
Although there was plenty of parking available, many took advantage of the easily accessible local transport links to really enjoy the event.
This year’s festival organiser, Paul Richards, remarked that the event wouldn’t be possible without his hard working and dedicated volunteers. “Apart from the build up and planning from the previous festival, the week before the doors opened all of the shelving, barrels, glass cleaning equipment and much more need transporting and installing”. Paul goes on to say, “We have a few new faces on this years festival committee and I could not be more pleased with the outcome.”
Belting out a welcome was Bromsgrove Town Cryer Kevin Ward fresh from his success of hosting and organising the national Cryers competition. Accompanied by suitably attired members of the Bromsgrove Court Leet, and, after very careful and thorougher tasting, it was finally deem that the festival ales were fit to drink!
Each year, the Redditch & Bromsgrove Branch of CAMRA choose a charity to support. Benefitting for 2025 were the Primrose Hospice who received over £1,400 through the generosity of those attending.
Entertainment included the ever-popular Got2Sing Choir and the four-piece band ’The Kemastree Set’ on the Friday, Saturday saw the Blackwell Concert Band outside in the glorious sunshine followed by an evening performance by singer-songwriter and guitarist Clare Portman. Clare was taking requests from the audience on the hoof and at one point needed to quickly learnt a brand new arrangement to her repertoire to oblige!
Ever present was the ‘Alvechurch Morris’ side offering their reliable and energetic dancing, which included the usual bruising of sticks.
The ‘Branch Pub of the Year’ was once again awarded to ’The Weighbridge’ in Alvechurch. On this occasion, the newly appointed manager Caroline Spreckley was on hand to accept the award. The pubs specialty canal-based ‘Summer Breeze’ beer, brewed by Bromsgrove ‘Brew 61’, was also acknowledge during the festival and received an award.
Pics soon
GlastonBeoley Music Festival – 27/28 June 2025 (178)
Hailed as the most successful yet, the two-day music festival saw record crowds. More than 1,000 attended over Friday and Saturday spurred on with a great programme of acts and super-sunshine.
The principal organiser, Debbie Joynes, found it difficult to pick her particular favourites, but did highlight the ’Sick Boys Club’ and the eight-piece ’Sound of Lioness’ – “belting out Amy Winehouse songs with precision and soul”. Mindful that her all-important team of volunteers played their part in the smooth running of the event, now firmly located at the Redditch Cricket Hockey & Rugby Club, Debbie paid tribute to them all.
There were some 35 acts spread over the two days across the two main stages and the club house. Tickets sales continued to support local charities…
GlastonBeoley – Friday 27 June ’25… (78)
GlastonBeoley – Saturday 28 June ’25… (100)
Blackwell Music Festival – 21 June 2025 (millions)
The Blackwell Festival Committee se
Pics soonish
Blackwell Fringe – 9/10/11 May 2025 (113)
The Blackwell Festival Committee seem to have endless reserves of energy as they have added a third event to their already busy schedule in the village.
Truly a community affair as Blackwell First School, the Community Hall, St Catherines Church and the Social Club opened their doors as venues across the three days.
From a more relaxed Coffee, Cake & Chat, a plant sale, a flower arrangement competition and an art exhibition through to a one-woman ABBA tribute act by Sarah Hewson, there was plenty to see. Other actives included a children’s story time, more choirs than you could shake a stick at, busking pupils, crafts, a comedy evening, music, a Ceidhli and an Eco-Poem presentation by John Doidge offering a rude awakening on climate change.
A nostalgic black and white silent film of Blackwell & Burcot from 1964 was screened with an accompanying live narration by Roy Collins, the VP at the social club.
The Blackwell Festival organisers were delighted that their first Fringe had been such a phenomenal success. Emma Westwood went on to say “with support from our whole community – from the four venues who have been really pro-active in creating, promoting and hosting the events to our visitors of all ages who enjoyed so many aspects of creativity free of charge”.
The highly popular Music Festival is being held Saturday 6 September with tickets going on sale from Saturday 21 June at their Summer Fayre, from Blackwell Convenience Stores the following day and then online.
Pics soonish
May Day Dawn – 1 May 2025 (38)
Early risers would have been treated to not only the dawn chorus of bird song but a team of Morris Men dancing on Beacon Hill on May Day.
Now heading towards their second decade of welcoming the new light in the Lickey Hills Country Park, the Jockey Morris were suitably clothed in their recognisable costume accompanied by music and some lucky onlookers – a wonderful way to greet the day.
Pics soon
Parish Assembly – 28 April 2025 (5)
Following the Lickey & Blackwell Parish Council’s monthly meeting, refreshments were served while Cllr. Backup Kumar introduced members of local groups and interested parties to talk about their activities.
Those taking part included Emma Westwood who spoke of the coming Blackwell Fringe, CPSO Julie Garvey on issues at the Bilberry Hill Centre and parking, and Brett Laniosh from the Footpaths Volunteer Group.
One of the local hot topics is that of speeding on the Old Birmingham Road in Lickey and discourteous parking near the school by its visitors. The Lickey Hills Primary School were represented by headteacher David Dathan and his deputy Helen Williams who explained that they send regular notices to parents encouraging them to park considerately but reminded those present that the priority must be the safety of its pupils.
To concluded the evening, Jenny Ryder, president of Lickey WI and programme secretary Jean Whitehead said they were celebrating their 60th anniversary. Terry Pauley promoted the recently successful refurbishment of the Blackwell Community Hall and what it had to offer. The final speaker was from The Lickey Community Group who talked on the role of the volunteer and said they were also celebrating 25 years since formation.
Pride of Longbridge – 26 April 2025 (43)
Another spectacular turnout of vehicles associated with Longbridge.
Blackwell Litter-Pick 23 March 2025 (6)
As part of the nationwide scheme, the Lickey & Blackwell PC organised a Sunday morning working party to play their part. Led By Cllr. Bakul Kumar, local residents along with their newest co-opted Parish Councillor David Beattie and Cllr Kit Taylor were issued with grabbers and bags!
Alvechurch Wassail 1 February 2025 (115)
Nearby Alvechurch village held its annual Wassail organised by the Aelfgythe Border Morris. Along with guest sides dancing their stuff at The Crown Inn, everyone processed to the Weighbridge Inn by the marina. More of the same plus the Green Man doing Green Man stuff, a specially written Wassail poem and a hanging of toast on the tree. A group of musketeers made the loudest noise of the night and lit up the sky.
Lickey Wassail & Mummers Play 18 January 2025 (89)
With 200 attendees enjoying an afternoon of merriment, warm apple juice and the Black Adder Morris Dancers, the fairy lights were a’twinkling in the Community Orchard. With the usual resources now stretched, this year it was organised by members of The Lickey Hills Society with guest Mummers from Rubery Drama Group joining the stalwarts.