Knowle's 750 Celebrations
2026 is the anniversary of when Knowle became a manor in its own right.
Sunday 21st June 2026, Knowle High Street will be closed to traffic for a day of fun, food, entertainment, and activities for all ages. Led by Visit Knowle, the day promises something for everyone - from live music and performances to delicious local food and family-friendly activities.
The celebrations will be attended by distinguished guests including Christopher Loughran, the Deputy Lieutenant of the West Midlands, representing His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of West Midlands . Carmen Watson, the High Sheriff of the West Midlands will also be attendance, as well the new Mayor of Solihull.
Why 750?
Knowle's story stretches back long before 1276 - there is evidence of a settlement here as early as 1068 but it was in 1276 year that the village first became a manor in its own right,
Before 1276, Cnolle (as it was known in Saxon times) was part of the manor of Hampton-in-Arden, owned by the de Arden family.
In 1276 on the death of the grandson of William de Arden Knowle lacked an appropriate heir and the Manor passed to the Crown in April 1276. But in July 1276 the Manor was assigned to his widow Agnes by dower for life, making Knowle a Manor for the first time.
Knowle became a Royal Manor when Agnes died. Her daughter Amice, wife of Sir John Le Lou sold the manor to King Edward 1 and Queen Eleanor, his consort
Read about what Knowle was like in the 1200's in our blog.
Community Groups on the High Street
Community will be at the heart of the day, with stalls from a host of local organisations including
- Knowle Revels
- Knowle Male Voice Choir
- KDBH Neighbourhood Forum
- K&D Lions (with their ever popular ball in the bog game)
- The Royal Air Force Association
- Solihull Soroptimists
- Knowle United Reformed Church
- Knowle British Legion
- Challenge Adventure Group
- and more
From heritage and history to community services and local clubs, there will be something for everyone. Take an opportunity to meet representatives from community groups who make Knowle the village we know and love.
Official Re-opening of Knowle Library
Knowle Library officially re-opens after being closed for a major roof refurbishment.
Christopher Loughran, Deputy Lieutenant of the West Midlands will be cutting the ribbon to officially reopen the Library.
The library will be open all day, and during the afternoon, there will be activities for children.
Entertainment Uptown & Downtown
Sunday 21st June promises to be a special village occasion. A main stage (by the Red Lion) will host a line-up of live performances from local acts including
- Allure School of Dance
- Knowle Music Society
- The Knowle Revels
- George Wilson
- The Shed Men Walking
- The Definitive
‘Downtown’, three bands will perform outside Slow Century Records, plus Solihull Music School will be performing nearby.
Plus there are a few surprises are planned for the day.
History Groups
Knowle’s fascinating history will be explored by historical groups through the year.
Knowle Society will have a special 750 exhibition in the Heritage Centre, upstairs in Knowle library.
Volunteers from the Society will be on hand to answer questions and share their knowledge.
Heritage trail walk leaflets "A Walk Through Time" can also be picked up from the heritage centre. Find out when Knowle church was built, what Knowle library used to be, where preacher John Priestley once preached and about some of the families who shaped the village over the years.
Artisan Market
The market will bring a wonderful mix of independent traders to the High Street, with something to tempt everyone. Foodies can browse locally produced delicacies, artisan cannoli, gelato, liquorice and French regional specialities, while Spirit of Birmingham will be on hand with locally crafted spirits. For those looking for something to take home, the stalls include fine jewellery, original artwork, handcrafted wooden goods, skincare, flowers and gifts - a proper celebration of independent makers and producers from across the region.
Street Food
Street food traders will be set up across the village, with something to suit every taste — from freshly cooked churros and crepes to grilled meats from Istanbul Grill, a wide-ranging menu from Oz Catering and Italian classics from MBM Food.
Eric Lyons will be serving hot food from outside their shop & of course you can pick up lots to eat & drink from our local businesses.
What's on around the village
We'll be sharing news of special events our cafes, bars, shops and businesses will be putting on to celebrate 750 years.
Knowle's pubs and cafes will also be getting into the spirit of the occasion with a Knowle Through the Decades theme.
- The Vaults will be kitted out in wartime style
- The Ale Rooms will take on a 1920s Peaky Blinders feel.
Knowle Church will hold two special services in church, and have a bouncy castle and children’s games on the grass in front of the church.
Further details on other venues joining the themed trail will be announced as we get closer to the day.
Thank you to our Sponsors
Thank you to our sponsors. FBC Manby Bowdler who are sponsoring marshals for the day.
FBC Manby Bowdler Solicitors is a leading full-service law firm providing expert legal advice to individuals and businesses across the West Midlands, Shropshire, and Worcestershire.
With a reputation for delivering exceptional service, the firm prides itself on working in partnership with its clients to provide commercial, innovative, and cost-transparent legal solutions that add value and simplify the legal process. Committed to doing things differently, FBC Manby Bowdler strives to make legal services more accessible and aligned with the evolving needs of its clients.
Renowned for its client care, FBC Manby Bowdler has received multiple industry awards and exceptional client feedback. The firm is ranked as the number one law firm locally across all service areas on Review Solicitors, with 99% of clients saying they would recommend the firm to others.
A good day to be had by all
You’ll find Knowle merchandise and a raffle at the Visit Knowle stall throughout the day and you can talk to volunteers about the work of Visit Knowle.
The event is led by Visit Knowle, the place-making and business support organisation for the village. Our High Street Celebrations have always been a day of fun-filled community spirit, but this event is set to be even bigger and better than ever.
Come along and join in the celebrations between 11am and 5pm on Sunday 21st June.