Celebrating 750 Years of Knowle! 

Sunday 21st June 2026  |  11am–5pm  |  £££ Free entry

Knowle's biggest birthday is almost here, and it's going to be a day to remember

On Sunday 21st June, Knowle High Street closes to traffic and the whole village comes alive to celebrate 750 years. Free to attend, open to everyone, and packed with things to see, do and enjoy from 11am to 5pm.

Special Guests: The day gets under way with a Special Family Service at Knowle Parish Church at 10.30am, while the High Street event opens at 11am. We’re proud to have special guests at our official opening ceremony at 11.25am, attended by Christopher Loughran, Deputy Lieutenant of the West Midlands, Carmen Watson, High Sheriff of the West Midlands, and the Worshipful The Mayor of Solihull, Sardul Marwa MBE. At 12.15pm, the dignitaries will officially reopen Knowle Library following its major roof refurbishment.

On the main stage uptown by the Red Lion: Allure School of Dance, Knowle Musical Society, The Knowle Revels Drama Group, George Wilson, Shed Men Walking and The Definitive all take to the stage across the day, with a finale at 4.45pm. Downtown, Chipsum Gravy and Alcohol Licks perform outside Solihull Music School opposite the precinct, with Solihull Music School themselves performing at Monica's Bakes during the afternoon. Amy Price performs at The Vaults, and the day closes with a grand finale on the uptown stage. Oh - and there are a few surprises planned too.

Community at the heart of it: The community zone brings together some of Knowle's best-loved local organisations - from K&D Lions and their ever-popular Ball in a Bog game, to the Royal Air Force Association, Knowle British Legion, Challenge Adventure Group, The Knowle Society, Solihull Rural Police and Central Fast Response and 1st Knowle Scouts running a Treasure Hunt, and many more. There's something to explore at every turn.

History and heritage: The Knowle Society's special 750 exhibition runs all day in the Heritage Centre at Knowle Library, with 4,000 digitised photographs to explore and knowledgeable volunteers on hand. Families can take part in a 750 eye-spy quest along the High Street, and heritage trail leaflets - A Walk Through Time - are free to pick up on the day. There will also be a grand unveiling of a new heritage board and new seating in the library courtyard, both donated by the Knowle Society.

Library reopening: There’s so much happening at the library for the 750 celebrations too. As well as the official re-opening of the library at 12.15 (yes, there will be the cutting of a ribbon), there will also be the announcement of the name for the owl and the handing over the prize to the winner (check Knowle Library’s Facebook page for details on the competition); children’s activities including design a Knowle coat of arms and making a jester crown; a mini picture hunt in the children’s library and help in researching your family tree from 1pm - 5pm.

Food, drink and shopping: The artisan market brings independent makers and producers from across the region to the High Street - fine jewellery, original artwork, handcrafted goods, artisan products and more. Street food traders will offer savoury and sweet food whilst Eric Lyons will serving outside their shop and both Bistro Viola and Loki Wine Bar have barbecues. Dozens of local businesses are opening especially for the day - including Caroline Creba Fine Jewellery, Cristal Boutique, Decadence, Knowle Traditional Sweet Shop, Slow Century Records, Temptations, Perspectives, Pets World and Marie Curie among others.

Around the village: The pubs are going back in time with a ‘Knowle Through the Decades’ theme - 1920s Peaky Blinders at The Ale Rooms, 1940’s wartime at The Vaults, and the 1970s at the Red Lion. Get a photo on a real World War II truck in St John's Close, enjoy children's activities hosted by Busy Bees Nursery, and a bouncy castle and games on the grass in front of Knowle Church.

Visit the Visit Knowle stall for merchandise, a massive tombola and a chance to find out more about the work we do for the village.
 
For more information visit: https://visitknowle.co.uk/knowles-750-celebrations-everything-you-need-to-know/