☕ Midlands Morning No. 7 · Saturday 27 June 2026 · West Midlands |
Good morning 👋 Morning, West Midlands, and happy Saturday. If your weekend plans go anywhere near the NEC or the airport, start with our first story — a big chunk of the M42 is shut until Monday for HS2 works. After that: the police apology that's made national news, England's women through to a home World Cup semi, and — at last — the moment the heat breaks. Then, when the sun dips, Digbeth is throwing a proper UK garage party. Oh — and we're launching a daily quiz today, right at the bottom. Play along and you could be our very first leaderboard champ. Let's get into it. 🌤️ The worst of the heat is behind us. Today is warm but far more comfortable, with sunny spells and highs around the mid-20s°C — though a little cloud may build this afternoon and the odd shower is possible. Fresher, more changeable air settles in for the rest of the weekend and into next week. |
💡 DAILY FUN FACT Here's one for your next day out. On Birmingham's northern edge sits Sutton Park — all 2,400 acres of it — one of the largest urban parks in Europe and a National Nature Reserve in its own right. Tucked into Sutton Coldfield, it has seven lakes, ancient heathland and woodland, and herds of wild ponies and cattle that roam it freely. A former royal hunting ground, it was handed to the people of the town back in the 16th century and has been theirs to wander ever since — no entry fee, just a proper slice of wilderness a few miles from the city centre. |
🚧 GETTING AROUND |
A big stretch of the M42 is closed until Monday morning for HS2 bridge work. Heading for the NEC or the airport? Read this first.
🏳️🌈 ACROSS THE REGION |
The force has formally apologised for how LGBTQ+ people were treated in the past. Here's what was said, and why it matters.
🏏 SPORT |
The home T20 World Cup that kicked off at Edgbaston has England through to the last four.
🌦️ WEATHER |
The furnace has switched off. Today is warm but far more comfortable — here's the forecast and when it stays fresh.
🎶 OUT TODAY |
Artful Dodger, DJ Luck & MC Neat and a load of garage royalty take over LAB11 this afternoon and into the night.
🎯 ON TODAY |
Garage Republic Festival — a full day of UK garage (18+)
today, Sat 27 Jun, 1pm–9pm · LAB11, Trent St, DigbethTutankhamun: The Immersive Exhibition (open daily)
today, daily until 13 Sep · NEC, Birmingham
★ SPONSORS ★ |
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📅 WHAT'S ON THIS WEEK |
Garage Republic Festival
Sat 27 Jun · LAB11, DigbethWomen's T20 World Cup semi-finals (England chasing the final)
Tue 30 Jun & Thu 2 Jul · The Oval, LondonTutankhamun: The Immersive Exhibition
until Sun 13 Sep · NEC, BirminghamTitanic: The Exhibition
until Sun 19 Jul · NEC, BirminghamGladiators: The Exhibition
until Mon 31 Aug · NEC, Birmingham
✅ TO-DO AROUND THE PATCH |
☐ SUTTON COLDFIELDLose an afternoon in Sutton Park (today's fun fact in the flesh) — pack a picnic, find one of the lakes, and see if you can spot the wild ponies roaming free.
☐ COVENTRYCoventry Cathedral is free to wander and quietly moving — the bombed ruins of the old church stand right beside Basil Spence's striking modern one. An hour well spent, rain or shine.
☐ WOLVERHAMPTONWightwick Manor (National Trust) is a gem — a richly decorated Arts and Crafts house with Pre-Raphaelite art and lovely gardens to stretch your legs in now the heat's easing.
☐ WALSALLWalsall Arboretum is one of the Midlands' best free Victorian parks — 80 acres of lakes, gardens and shady paths, perfect for a fresher-feeling weekend stroll.
☐ DUDLEYSpend a day in the past at the Black Country Living Museum — costumed streets, an old-school chippy and proper Black Country welcome. Comfortable footwear advised.
☐ SANDWELLSandwell Valley is back to its best with the heat breaking — RSPB hides, big open skies and easy walking, with a working farm to keep younger ones busy.
🧠 DAILY QUIZ Brand new feature, starting today! Which world-conquering rock band was formed in Aston, Birmingham, in 1968? |
A) Led Zeppelin
B) Black Sabbath
C) The Rolling Stones
👉 Hit reply with A, B or C. Get it right and you'll be among the very first names on our brand-new leaderboard — winners get a shout-out in tomorrow's edition. Let the games begin!
🏆 LEADERBOARD — JUNE 2026
The board is empty — be the first name on it!
That's your Saturday sorted — mind the M42, enjoy the fresher air on its way, and if you're heading to Digbeth tonight, have one for us. Spotted something we've missed, or got a tip for next week? Just hit reply — we read every email. Have a good one. 👋 |
Midlands Morning · your daily West Midlands briefing. |