16/06/2026
EVENTS ON SUNDAY TO CELEBRATE KNOWLE'S 750th ANNIVERSARY
COME AND JOIN IN THE FUN
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.
Knowle Library
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 page for details on the competition)
• Design a Knowle coat of arms activity for children - these will be displayed in the library
• Children can make a jester crown
• a mini picture hunt in the children’s library
• help in researching your family tree from 1pm - 5pm
Plus, Knowle Society will be exhibiting in the Heritage Centre upstairs.
Special Guests
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.
Community at the heart
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.
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 Knowle Stall
Visit the Visit Knowle stall for Knowle merchandise, a massive tombola including prize tickets for Knowle Party in the Park, and a chance to find out more about the work we do for the village.
Food, Drink & 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.
Road Closures
To make the 750 celebrations as safe and enjoyable as possible, road closures will be in place across parts of Knowle on Sunday 21st June.
Knowle High Street and the one-way section of St Johns Close will be closed to vehicles from 7am until 8pm. The junction of Kenilworth Road and Wilsons Road will also form part of the closure area, with parking along Kenilworth Road adjacent to the churchyard suspended from the evening of Saturday 20th June to allow for event preparations.
Residents with properties within the closure area at Kenilworth Road will retain vehicle access, and a 5mph speed limit will be in operation throughout the event except for residents. Please take extra care and be mindful of the large number of pedestrians moving around the High Street across the day.
All public car parks will be accessible all day and as it’s a Sunday it’s free to park. We do however encourage you to leave your car at home if you can.
Read more at Solihull Council.
Read all about it! BBC coverage
We were really proud to be invited to be interviewed by the BBC. Both Visit Knowle and The Knowle Society had an opportunity to talk about Knowle's history, the 750 celebrations and what we love about Knowle. Read the article at BBC news.
Get involved in socials
We'd love to see your images from our day of celebrations. Tag if you're posting about the day.
Thank you to our sponsors
Proudly supported by headline sponsor FBC Manby Bowdler Legal Services, and sponsors Heritage Healthcare, Busy Little Bees and The Marketing Pod.
The event wouldn't be what it is without the support of our sponsors.
The Visit Knowle Team
[email protected] | visitknowle.co.uk
