Newsround

Transforming haircuts into hope: Meet the ‘super hairoes’

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T

Before and after. Top Willow and Isla before the haircut and below the twins looking smart with their new shorn locks

Seven-year-old twins became ‘super hairoes’ when they had their knee-length hair cut for charity, inspired by a TikTok video they watched over a year ago. Willow and Isla have raised over £4,000 for cancer charities by donating their never-before-cut hair to The Little Princess Trust.

The big day: A carnival atmosphere

Last weekend, the Oscott Social Club on Witton Lodge Road was transformed into a magical carnival—and the stars of the show were the twins.

A community comes together

The fundraising event was nothing short of spectacular. Organisers turned the social club into a family-friendly fun day featuring:

  • Food and gift stalls offering treats and treasures
  • Face painting that turned children into butterflies and superheroes
  • Bouncy castles that kept the youngest guests bouncing with joy
  • Raffles with dozens of prizes donated by local businesses and supporters

Dozens of prizes were up for grabs, and the turnout was overwhelming. As the scissors snipped through 12 inches of hair from each twin, they remained brave and smiling throughout, embodying the “super hairoes” nickname their proud mother had given them.

The fundraising results

The day was a resounding success:

Fundraising MilestoneAmount
Raised on the day£1,100
Total raised overall£4,000+ (and still counting)
Original target£1,400
Target statusExceeded by nearly 300%

The twins smashed their original goal of £1,400 – enough to fund two wigs for children battling cancer. The final total now sits at over £4,000, with donations continuing to pour in.

The charity: The Little Princess Trust

The twins donated their beautiful knee-length hair to The Little Princess Trust—a charity that provides real-hair wigs to children and young people who have lost their hair due to cancer treatment and other medical conditions.

Why their donation matters:

  • It costs £700 to make a single wig for a child
  • With both twins donating 12 inches each, they aimed to fund two wigs (£1,400)
  • They raised enough to fund nearly six wigs with their £4,000+ total

The charity relies entirely on public donations to provide both hair and hope to families facing the trauma of childhood cancer.

A mother’s pride and gratitude

Shaunah Henderson was overwhelmed by the support on the big day:

“My babies did something amazing. They had their first ever haircut and donated to The Little Princess Trust charity. I could not be prouder of the girls. I was overwhelmed by the turnout for the funday. To those who came, I can’t thank you enough. It meant the world, and a special thank you to my family. I couldn’t have done it without you.”

A promise sparked by compassion

While the big day was unforgettable, the story of Willow and Isla’s generosity began over a year ago with a simple scroll through TikTok.

Willow was sitting next to her mother, Shaunah, when they came across a video of a little girl with no hair.

“Willow was curious and asked why she didn’t have any hair,” her mother explained. “I just told her she was poorly, and that made her hair fall out.”

Willow’s response was instantaneous and heartfelt:

“Aww, that’s ok little girl. I will give you some of my hair.”

Her mother admitted: “I honestly felt like my heart was about to burst out my chest.”

A journey of resilience: Born fighters

The twins’ act of generosity is even more remarkable given their incredible backstory. Willow and Isla were born three months premature, weighing just 1lb each—small enough to fit in the palm of a hand. They spent 17 weeks in the hospital fighting for survival.

“They came out fighting,” their mother says proudly.

Now living with autism, the twins have retained that resilience and they have channeled it into an act of generosity.

How you can help

The twins have inspired hundreds, but The Little Princess Trust still needs support to provide wigs for the thousands of children facing cancer every year. You can support their mission by:

  1. Donating to their JustGiving page
  2. Sharing their story on social media
  3. Spreading awareness about childhood cancer and hair loss

Support the Twins’ Fundraiser:
👉 https://www.justgiving.com/page/willow-isla-superhairo

Newsround

Sutton Coldfield Police boost community safety efforts

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Police in Sutton Coldfield say they are stepping up their crime prevention activities as part of an ongoing commitment to keeping local communities safe. Officers from the Four Oaks and New Hall Neighbourhood Team are focusing on high-visibility patrols, community engagement, and targeted action against vehicle crime and anti-social behaviour,

Here is a roundup of activity, incidents, and crime prevention advice.

1. High-Visibility Patrols

Officers have conducted increased patrols in the retail areas of Mere Green, Walmley, and Wylde Green this week. The focus has been on deterring shoplifters and reassuring local businesses. The teams remain visible and engaged across the local high streets.

2. Crime Update: Vehicle Thefts

Four Oaks has recorded zero burglaries or vehicle thefts this week, which is positive news. However, the neighbouring New Hall area has unfortunately seen a spike in vehicle crime:

  • Cover Croft (Sunday 26th July, 00:36): Theft of a Blue Land Rover Defender and a White BMW 116. Method unknown.
  • Weaver Avenue (Thursday 30th July, 22:00): Theft of a Grey Mitsubishi. Method unknown.
  • Maybrook Business Park (Wednesday 29th July): Theft of a Black Triumph motorbike.

Keyless Entry Warning:
Residents who own keyless entry vehicles are urged to store their keys in a Faraday pouch. It is important to check the pouch regularly to ensure it is still working, as thieves use relay devices to capture key fob signals from inside homes. Pairing a Faraday pouch with a visible deterrent, such as a steering wheel lock, is strongly recommended.

For more prevention advice, visit the West Midlands Police Crime Prevention page or Secured by Design.

3. General Home Security

Residents are reminded to lock all windows and doors, even when at home. Keys should never be left in doors, particularly if a property has a cat or dog flap, as thieves can use tools to hook keys through these openings. Before heading out, residents are encouraged to make their homes look occupied, for example by using timer switches for lights or leaving a radio on.

4. Community Engagement: Surgeries

Drop-in surgeries were held this week at the Cosy Coffee shop and St James Church in Mere Green. Officers spoke with residents about local issues and provided tailored crime prevention advice. The teams appreciated the opportunity to engage face-to-face with the community.

5. A Big Thank You to Street Watch

Thanks are extended to the volunteers in Sutton Park, Walmley, Dunton Close, Harvestfields, and Wylde Green Street Watch groups. These volunteers have been out on patrol, speaking to local residents, and reporting any issues in the areas they cover.

Get Involved: The teams are actively looking for more volunteers in the Sutton Coldfield area. Anyone interested in helping to keep their street safe can email streetwatch@westmidlands.police.uk or reply to this message.

6. Dealing with Anti-Social Behaviour

  • Walmley: A Community Protection Warning was served on a beggar in Walmley who had been causing significant issues for local businesses and residents. The situation will continue to be monitored.
  • Sutton Park: Following reports of Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB), officers from the Four Oaks and Erdington Neighbourhood Teams, along with the Neighbourhood Crime Team, conducted foot and bicycle patrols in Sutton Park this week to ensure it remains a safe environment for all visitors.

Stay Safe and Stay in Touch

The neighbourhood teams hope residents have a peaceful week ahead. The community is reminded that reporting suspicious activity helps build a clearer picture of local issues. Anyone with concerns is encouraged to get in touch.


Four Oaks and Walmley Neighbourhood Teams

Newsround

Rock for Heroes and Jazz Nights in Sutton Coldfield

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Time to rock 🎸

Sutton Coldfield Town Hall is gearing up for a double dose of musical excellence this autumn, with two very different but equally unmissable shows now on sale.

Rock for Heroes Returns for a Night of Anthems

Fans of classic rock are in for a treat as Rock for Heroes storms back to the Town Hall stage on Friday 20th November. Promising to be Bigger, Louder and More Electrifying than ever, the show is set to be a Full-Throttle Celebration of the music that defined generations.

An incredible live band will tear through a setlist packed with the Greatest Rock Anthems of All Time. Audiences can expect Powerhouse Performances paying tribute to legendary artists such as Queen, Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, AC/DC, Bon Jovi, Fleetwood Mac and Def Leppard, alongside many more surprise favourites.

The evening will feature Epic Guitar Riffs, Huge Singalong Moments and plenty of laughter throughout, creating an atmosphere of Pure Rock ‘n’ Roll Adrenaline that audiences will not soon forget.

Tickets for this high-octane event are still available, but demand is expected to be high

Bryan Corbett Trio brings cool jazz for holiday weekend

For those seeking a more laid-back musical experience, the Town Hall has also announced a second show—an Intimate Evening of Timeless Jazz on Sunday 30th August (Bank Holiday Weekend), featuring the acclaimed Bryan Corbett Trio.

Bryan Corbett is widely recognised as one of the UK’s most accomplished jazz trumpeters. A recipient of the prestigious Jerwood Rising Star Award, he has performed on some of the World’s Most Iconic Stages, including the Royal Albert Hall, the Sydney Opera House and Ronnie Scott’s.

Joined by piano and double bass, Corbett will lead audiences through an elegant evening featuring the Cool Sounds of Miles Davis, Classic Jazz Standards and Sophisticated Improvisation. The trio’s performance promises an intimate and refined atmosphere, making it the perfect way to round off the long weekend.

Tickets for this exclusive jazz night are on sale now.

Stay Connected
For more information on these events and the full programme of upcoming shows, visit the Town Hall’s website and follow them on social media.

Newsround

YMCA Sutton Coldfield marks 125 years of community impact with celebration

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Pictured left: Councillor Alex Yip, Councillor David Pears, Neil Thorogood, Deputy Lieutenant Karen Williams, Joy Scott-Thompson, Beverley Redguard, Rachel Dutta Choudhury, and Nick Owen.)

YMCA Sutton Coldfield, one of the West Midlands’ most enduring charities, recently hosted a historic celebration at Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Hall to commemorate 125 years of service to the local community.

The milestone event earlier this month brought together a diverse group of attendees, including long-standing supporters, corporate partners, dedicated volunteers, staff members, and service users, all united to honour the charity’s legacy and its ongoing commitment to empowering vulnerable residents across Sutton Coldfield and the surrounding areas.

A legacy of supporting people

Since its founding in 1901, YMCA Sutton Coldfield has evolved into a vital community anchor, delivering a comprehensive range of support programmes designed to help people overcome adversity, build resilience, and unlock their full potential. The charity provides critical services for young people, families, and disabled adults, addressing pressing social challenges such as isolation, mental health, and economic hardship.

The anniversary event served as a powerful reminder of the charity’s heritage while shining a spotlight on its modern-day impact – transforming countless lives through youth work, family support, and disability care.

Community partnerships take centre stage

The celebration also underscored the importance of collaboration in the nonprofit sector. Representatives from local businesses, stakeholder organisations, and partner charities gathered to discuss how joint efforts are essential to tackling regional social issues.

Rachel Dutta Choudhury, Bid Writing, Fundraising and Development Manager at YMCA Sutton Coldfield, commented:

“Our 125th anniversary celebration was a wonderful opportunity to recognise everyone who has been part of our journey. We are incredibly grateful to our staff, volunteers, trustees, partners, supporters, and service users – past and present – who have helped shape YMCA Sutton Coldfield over the last 125 years. Together, we have changed countless lives, and we remain committed to supporting local people for generations to come.”

The 125 club: a call for community sponsorship

In alignment with the anniversary, YMCA Sutton Coldfield has launched the 125 Club—a new sponsorship initiative inviting local businesses and community advocates to make a one-off contribution of £125. This initiative provides an accessible way for organisations to demonstrate their support for local youth and family services while directly contributing to the charity’s sustainability for the next 125 years.

Distinguished guests and local dignitaries

The celebration was attended by several notable figures, including Councillor Alex Yip, Councillor David Pears, Neil Thorogood, Deputy Lieutenant Karen Williams, Joy Scott-Thompson, Beverley Redguard, and Nick Owen. Their presence highlighted the strong civic and ceremonial support for the charity’s mission within the Royal Town of Sutton Coldfield.

Looking ahead: the next chapter of local impact

As YMCA Sutton Coldfield looks towards the future, the charity remains steadfast in its mission to provide a safe, supportive environment where everyone can thrive. With 125 years of history as a foundation, the organisation is poised to expand its reach and deepen its impact across the Birmingham region.

Newsround

Inspiring twins turn hair into hope for children with cancer

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In a story that has melted hearts, seven‑year‑old twins Willow and Isla are preparing to chop off their knee‑length hair for charity – after a spontaneous act of kindness sparked by a TikTok video over a year ago.

The sisters, who have never had their hair cut in their lives, are set to lose at least 12 inches each on July 25 to raise funds for The Little Princess Trust. The charity provides real‑hair wigs to children and young people who have lost their own hair due to cancer treatment.

A fundraising event will be held on July 25 at Oscott Social Club in Erdington, where the little girls will lose their long locks while a host of activities take place throughout the day, including bouncy castle, face painting, a raffle and of course food and drink will be available all day.

The fun begins at the club on Witton Lodge Road at midday and runs until 5pm.

The twins’ journey to this moment began long before the scissors come out – on a day that started with a simple scroll through social media and ended with a promise that would last an entire year.

‘Rough start’ that forged a fighting spirit

Willow and Isla’s mother has spoken candidly about the twins’ arrival into the world. Born three months premature and weighing just 1lb each – small enough to fit in the palm of a hand – the girls spent 17 weeks in hospital.

Yet despite the odds, she says, ‘they came out fighting.’

Now aged seven and living with autism, the twins have retained that resilience – and now, they are channelling it into an act of generosity that has left their family bursting with pride.

The TikTok that changed everything

The idea was born last year, when Willow was sitting next to her mother scrolling through TikTok. The pair came across a video of a little girl with no hair.

‘Willow was curious and asked why she didn’t have no hair,’ her mother explained. ‘I just told her she was poorly, and that made her hair fall out.’

Willow’s response was instantaneous. ‘Aww, that’s ok little girl,’ she said. ‘I will give you some of my hair.’

Her mother admitted: ‘I honestly felt like my heart was about to burst out my chest.’

A promise kept

Twelve months on, Willow has not forgotten. She still tells people: ‘I’m going to give my hair to the poorly children.’ And where Willow leads, Isla follows. The twins’ mother said: ‘Of course, Isla wants to be just like her twin sister, so she’s been telling all her friends at school. They are very excited!’

The girls’ hair currently falls all the way to their knees, making them, in their mother’s words, ‘my very own Rapunzels.’ On 25 July, that will change, as they both sit for their first‑ever haircut.

A mission to make two wigs

The family has launched a fundraising page with a goal of £1,400 – because it costs £700 to make a single wig for a child. With both twins donating their hair, they hope to raise enough for two wigs to be created.

The Little Princess Trust relies entirely on public donations to provide both Hair and Hope to children and young people facing cancer. Every contribution, no matter how small, helps turn locks of love into lifelines.

‘The girls are our very own superHAIROES,’ their mother said. ‘It would mean the world to us if people could donate, or even just share the page.’

The twins’ story is a testament to the power of a child’s compassion – and a reminder that sometimes, the biggest heroes come in the smallest packages.

To donate or share the family’s fundraising page, visit justgiving

Newsround

Council under fire with chaos again at Sutton tip

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If you ventured anywhere near the tip this week, you likely found yourself stuck in a queue that stretched far beyond the entrance gates. Once again, residents are facing massive delays, and the knock-on effect is causing major disruption across the entire local area.

It simply isn’t good enough. It’s inefficient, costly and potentially dangerous – with accidents waiting to happen.

Residents in Birmingham attempting to dispose of their rubbish this week have been met with gridlocked traffic, as queues for the Norris Way recycling centre spiral out of control. The severe backlog is causing chaos on Coleshill Road, with lines of traffic snaking all the way back to the Kings Arms pub, raising serious concerns about public safety and local accessibility.

This waste management crisis, exacerbated by the ongoing Birmingham bin strike and a surge in garden waste due to the summer weather, is turning the weekly tip run into a daily ordeal for motorists.

Queues cause standstill on Coleshill Road

The disruption at the Sutton Coldfield tip is no longer confined to the site itself. Witnesses report that traffic is backing out of Norris Way, spilling onto major arteries, and causing significant delays for commuters and local businesses.

“It’s becoming a daily nightmare,” said one frustrated resident. “The traffic is backing up to the Kings Arms. It’s inefficient, costly, and potentially dangerous—accidents are waiting to happen.”

Similar issues have also been reported at the Perry Barr recycling centre, suggesting a city-wide failure in waste disposal services during the current industrial action.

Garden waste problem

With summer in full swing, green waste is piling up faster than the site can process it. The on-site containers are struggling to keep up with demand as residents take advantage of the good weather. However, with no kerbside garden waste collections taking place due to the strike, the tips have become the only outlet, overwhelming capacity.

Adding to the mayhem is a lack of adherence to the booking system. Staff are reportedly turning away vehicles without appointments, but these rejected cars remain in the queue, adding to the gridlock and wasting fuel.

‘Root cause is bin strike’

Local officials are now stepping in, calling for urgent action from the new Birmingham City Council administration and waste contractor Veolia.

Reddicap ward councillor, David Pears, spoke out about the “unsustainable” situation on his Facebook page. He stated:

“The queues we are seeing are completely unsustainable. It’s not just an inconvenience—it’s bringing our local roads to a standstill, affecting businesses, bus routes, and emergency vehicle access. While we are pressing council officers for answers, the root cause is clear. This seemingly never-ending bin strike is crippling our waste services. The new administration at Birmingham City Council must make resolving this strike their absolute number one priority. Our communities cannot afford to wait any longer.”

Impact on business and emergency services

The traffic disruption is having a domino effect across the area. Local business owners are reporting reduced footfall as customers avoid the area, while bus passengers face significant delays due to diverted routes.

Most critically, there are growing fears that the stationary traffic will block access for emergency services. With roads at a standstill, an ambulance or fire engine could face life-threatening delays trying to navigate through the chaos.

What can residents do?

Until the industrial action is resolved, residents are advised to:

  • Stick to the booking system: Ensure you have a valid appointment before visiting the tip to avoid being turned away.
  • Check live traffic: Use local traffic apps to check the status of Coleshill Road before setting off.
  • Home composting: Where possible, consider home composting for garden waste to reduce the burden on the site.
Newsround

Meet Sutton Coldfield’s new mayor

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Sutton Coldfield councillor Nitish Raut has spoken of his pride after being elected as the new mayor of the royal town.

Cllr Raut  who has lived in Sutton Coldfield since 2009 along with his wife Dr Aarti Raut and their two children, will serve for the municipal year 2026- 2027.

NHS consultant

For more than 25 years, he has worked for the NHS as a Consultant Gynaecologist and is passionate about improving women’s health and healthcare standards.

Alongside his clinical work, Cllr Raut undertakes professional and educational roles with the General Medical Council and the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. He also holds a Masters degree in Medical Education.

New connections

Cllr Raut, who has represented the Mere Green ward since 2028, said: “I’m truly honoured and delighted to have become mayor of the Royal Town.

“I look forward to connecting with and supporting a wide range of local organisations and groups, and I hope that throughout the coming year there will be many opportunities for new conversations to begin and new connections to be formed.”

Cllr David Pears has been elected as deputy mayor.

Newsround

Alpacas bring joy to Sutton Coldfield care home

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Residents at a care home in Sutton Coldfield received an unforgettable surprise this National Pet Day, thanks to a pair of gentle, four-legged guests.

Care UK’s Mercia Grange, located on Lichfield Road in Four Oaks, welcomed Jack and Roo – two charming alpacas from Wildwood Alpacas – for a heartwarming session of animal therapy for the elderly.

A unique sensory experience

The visit was designed to engage residents through touch, sight, and sound. The team from Wildwood Alpacas led the session, offering their expertise and encouraging residents to get hands-on. The elderly participants were invited to stroke, handle, and even feed the alpacas, who seemed to thoroughly enjoy the pampering.

One resident, Bunty Speight, described the encounter as deeply moving:

“They are so adorable. They looked right at me as if we understood each other. It’s not every day you get to connect with animals like that.”

Benefits of animal therapy for dementia care

According to care experts, interactions like these are more than just entertainment. Animal therapyhas been proven to:

  • Lift mood and reduce anxiety
  • Encourage social interaction among residents
  • Trigger positive memories, particularly for those living with dementia

Michael McNelis, Home Manager at Mercia Grange, explained:

“We always strive to create fun and interactive experiences for residents. A visit from some furry friends is a great way to bring a smile to everyone’s faces. Animal therapy is hugely beneficial for older people, especially those living with dementia, as it can help lift a person’s mood and encourage social interaction.”

He added: “We want to thank Wildwood Alpacas for making our day. We look forward to seeing our new fluffy friends again in the future!”

About Mercia Grange

Mercia Grange is a leading residential, nursing, and dementia care home in the Four Oaks area of Sutton Coldfield. The three-storey, state-of-the-art facility features:

  • 67 en suite bedrooms
  • A cinema room
  • A hair and beauty salon
  • Sadlers Café, a popular on-site café for residents and visitors

The home is designed to promote independence while offering full-time care, short-term respite stays, and specialist dementia support.

To arrange a tour or enquire about availability, contact Customer Relations Manager Sevgi Halil:

📞 Phone: 0121 314 7849
📧 Email: sevgi.halil@careuk.com
🌐 Website: careuk.com/mercia-grange

Newsround

Safe parking outside schools: key guidelines

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Parking in school areas can cause traffic chaos and be dangersous. West Midlands Police have put out this comprehensive guidance

Pick-up and drop-off times are busy outside schools in the Sutton Coldfield area. This can cause an increased safety risk to both children and parents.

Parking restrictions outside schools are there to keep you and your children safe. Parking inconsiderately can put people in danger and you also risk being fined. It’s important that motorists follow the Highway Code.

Parking restrictions outside schools

Understanding yellow zigzag markings

Most school entrances and exits in the UK have yellow zigzag road markings with the writing ‘School Keep Clear’.

Zigzags can also be found at entrances and exits of hospitals, fire stations, police stations and ambulance stations. They indicate the part of the road where motorists should not wait, stop, or park a vehicle.

Sometimes there may be an accompanying sign that shows specific times when these restrictions are in place. Motorists are legally allowed to park on the zigzags outside of these hours.

Both yellow and white zigzags also show areas that must be kept clear so that children and other road users can see clearly when crossing the road.

Parking on yellow zigzags

You can legally park on yellow zigzags under certain circumstances.

Yellow zigzags without accompanying signs advise motorists not to wait or park there at any time for the safety of children and others. We can and do issue tickets for parking on them, based on causing an obstruction to other motorists or pedestrians.

Some yellow zigzags have a single or double yellow line, which indicate different parking restrictions.

Find out more:

  • The Highway Code – Parking and Waiting
  • The Highway Code – Road Markings

Parking opposite yellow zigzags

You can legally park opposite yellow zigzags. However, this can make crossing the road more dangerous, especially for children. Some schools have yellow zigzags on both sides of the road for this reason.

Safety tips for parking outside schools

When picking up or dropping off children at schools, you should do the following:

· Allow yourself plenty of time as the area is likely to be busy.

· Do not park on yellow zigzag lines and avoid parking opposite them.

· If you decide to park further away, please be considerate of local residents and avoid blocking driveways or accessways.

Fines

Local councils can issue motorists with penalty charge notices (PCN) for waiting, stopping, or parking on yellow zigzags if restrictions are in place. These are issued by civil enforcement officers.

Most parking or waiting fines are now enforced as a civil matter, rather than a police matter. A PCN does not result in a criminal record or points on a licence if dealt with by the council.

In some areas, the local council doesn’t have civil parking enforcement powers. In these areas parking is enforced by us or by police-employed traffic wardens who will issue a fixed penalty notice (FPN) . These are enforced through the criminal justice system.

Fines can vary depending on location. Stopping in a restricted area outside a school will result in a higher fine. The fee is also halved if paid within 14 days and you have 28 days to pay or challenge the fine.

Business, Newsround

Harvey Norman opens new store in Sutton Coldfield

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Harvey Norman, the global retail giant specialising in furniture, bedding, appliances and technology, is set to soft open its highly anticipated new store at the Gracechurch Centre.

The soft launch, commencing at 11am on Thursday 2 April, offers the local community an exclusive first look at the retailer’s integrated retail concept just in time for the Easter weekend. This opening marks a significant milestone in the brand’s UK growth strategy, building on the momentum from its flagship Merry Hill location.

A new UK headquarters in the West Midlands

Beyond serving as a premier shopping destination, the new Sutton Coldfield location will also function as Harvey Norman’s UK headquarters. This dual-purpose facility establishes a centralised hub for the company’s expanding operations, underscoring the importance of the West Midlands region to the brand’s future.

Lachlan Roach, managing director at Harvey Norman UK, commented on the strategic significance of the launch:

“We are delighted to be opening our Sutton Coldfield store and to be continuing our expansion across the UK. The West Midlands is an important region for our growth, and the Gracechurch Centre provides an excellent location for both our retail offering and our UK headquarters.”

Community partnerships: cupcakes and brass bands

To celebrate the soft opening, Harvey Norman is engaging with the local community through partnerships with independent businesses and organisations.

  • Silver Tree Bakery partnership: the first 200 customers through the doors on opening day will receive complimentary cupcakes provided by local independent business Silver Tree Bakery.
  • Live entertainment: in collaboration with Visit Royal Sutton Coldfield BID, a standing brass band will perform outside the store, creating a vibrant atmosphere for shoppers.

What to expect at the new store

The Gracechurch Centre location promises to deliver Harvey Norman’s signature “integrated retail” experience, bringing together a wide range of home and lifestyle products under one roof. Customers can expect dedicated departments for:

  • Furniture: living, dining and bedroom collections.
  • Bedding: mattresses and bedroom accessories.
  • Appliances: major kitchen and laundry appliances.
  • Technology: the latest in consumer electronics and computing.

Mr Roach added: “We’ve worked hard to create a space that brings together a wide range of home and lifestyle products under one roof, supported by knowledgeable teams and a strong customer experience. We’re also proud to be working with local businesses such as Silver Tree Bakery as part of our opening.”

Grand opening to follow

While the soft launch invites the public to explore the store starting 2 April, an official grand opening event is planned for the coming weeks. This event is expected to welcome VIP guests from across the UK.

Harvey Norman’s expanding UK footprint

Established in 1982, Harvey Norman operates over 300 stores worldwide across Australia, New Zealand, the Republic of Ireland, the United Kingdom, Malaysia, Singapore, Slovenia and Croatia. With the addition of the Sutton Coldfield location, Harvey Norman’s UK portfolio now includes:

  • Merry Hill Shopping Centre: flagship store (opened 2024)
  • Belfast: Boucher Road and Holywood Exchange
  • Sutton Coldfield: the Gracechurch Centre (new UK headquarters)

For more information about the soft launch or to explore product ranges, visit the new store at the Gracechurch Centre starting Thursday 2 April.