This year, there will be festive markets and Christmas lights switch-on event in Walsall town centre, organised by Walsall Council, sponsored by AR Demolitions in partnership with Walsall MakerFest Fringe. Taking place at three locations across the town centre including, The Crossing at St Paul’s, The Bridge and The New Art Gallery Walsall, it promises to be an afternoon and evening full of festive fun and entertainment. The event will take place on Saturday 29 November 2025 with festivities starting at 11am and will include a Christmas Makers’ Market, live performances of music and dance, and creative festive workshops. Illuminate…

Walsall Council is celebrating the lasting benefits delivered through the construction of a new Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC) and Waste Transfer Station (WTS) in Aldridge. The £32 million facility will change the way waste is managed in Walsall by reducing landfill and increasing recycling rates. Preparations for the site’s grand opening are underway, with the date expected to be announced soon. Across the duration of the project, more than £1 million worth of social value has been created through jobs, apprenticeships, carbon savings and community initiatives. The project helped 42 local people into work, with 581 weeks of local…

Walsall Council’s business growth team recently supported Polish Bakery Mazowsze Ltd to access a £70k UKSPF ‘SME Competitiveness grant’, delivered through Business Growth West Midlands. The grant has helped towards the cost of a large batch processor to make sourdough. On a recent visit to their factory, based near Junction 10 of the M6 in Walsall, Deputy Leader of the council Councillor Adrian Andrew was given a tour of the site, and discussed how the council can continue to support the business to grow. “ It’s fantastic to see another brilliant Walsall-based business expanding their operations and thriving with help…

A three-year plan outlining Walsall’s approach to providing better support for children and young people in the youth justice system will be presented to Cabinet this week. Councillors will be asked to endorse the Walsall Youth Justice Partnership’s strategic plan brought forward by the council and other agencies such as West Midlands Police, the Probation Service, and the NHS. The strategy recognises that serious youth violence, and the perception of associated crimes remain a real concern in Walsall. “ Walsall’s Youth Justice Partnership is absolutely committed to supporting our children and young people in the justice system, and this strategy…

Walsall Council is joining communities in marking Sickle Cell Awareness Month this September, raising awareness of the challenges faced by people living with sickle cell disease, celebrating resilience and building understanding of the disease. Sickle cell disease is the name for a group of inherited health conditions that affect the red blood cells. It is particularly common in people with an African or Caribbean family background. It causes red blood cells to become rigid and sickle-shaped, leading to painful crises, anaemia and increased vulnerability to infections. In Walsall, Plasma of Hope is at the forefront of community-based support for individuals…

A five-year Food Plan that sets out Walsall’s ambitious strategy to transform the borough’s food system was approved at a meeting of the Health and Wellbeing Board on 18 September 2025. Feeding Walsall’s Future, Walsall’s Food Plan for 2025-2030 has been developed in collaboration with the Walsall community and key stakeholders, including Walsall Council, NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board, housing associations and the voluntary and community sector. It outlines a vision to cultivate a borough where good food is grown, accessible and promoted, ensuring all residents have fair access to healthy, affordable and tasty food choices. The Food Plan…

Image depicts Anne Brunozzi and Councillor Flint holding a box of naloxone. Over 100 professionals and community members attended a half-day event this September to share ideas on tackling the growing risk of drug-related . Anne Brunozzi, Service Manager at The Beacon and Councillor Gary Flint with a box of naloxone. Preventing Drug-Related Deaths in Walsall, held on Tuesday 16 September at Manor Farm Community Association, brought together local statutory, voluntary, and community organisations to explore practical ways to save lives and prepare for the potential arrival of highly potent drugs in the area. It was organised in partnership with…

To support residents on their journey to quit smoking, Be Well Walsall, the wellbeing service commissioned by Walsall Council’s Public Health team is now offering access to Varenicline, a prescription-only medication that helps reduce cravings and eases withdrawal symptoms. Available through Be Well Walsall for eligible residents, Varenicline offers a new route to quitting. Combined with one-to-one support and tailored advice, this option strengthens Walsall’s commitment to helping more people quit for good. Regulated vapes were also introduced by the service in March as an additional aid to quit, alongside other nicotine products such as patches and gum (also known…

On Tuesday 23 September 2025, from 11.45am to 12.30pm, Walsall College will host a pre-launch event. At the event, the upcoming launch of a series of podcasts will be discussed over the coming weeks. Attendees will get a sneak peek into the stories, voices, and ideas that will be shared from across the borough. “ This new podcast is a wonderful way of showcasing the pride, passion and ambition of our community. We Are Walsall 2040 is not just a vision but a movement that belongs to everyone. Through this podcast, we will continue to listen, learn and celebrate the…

Wolverhampton came alive on Saturday as thousands gathered at West Park to take part in the annual UK Recovery Walk, a powerful show of solidarity and celebration of recovery from addiction. Hosted for the first time in the Black Country, the event drew participants from across the UK. The walk, endorsed by national charity Faces and Voices of Recovery UK (FAVOR UK), featured a vibrant 2 mile parade through Wolverhampton centre taking in some of the city’s iconic landmarks. Followed by a festival style Recovery Village filled with live music, community stalls, and family friendly activities. Annemarie Ward, CEO of…