White smoke over Villa Park

Villa appoint Dean Smith as Head Coach, as Dave Woodhall comments.

The man from Mountain

Corky Laing, drummer extraordinaire, talks to Dave Woodhall.

The Genesis revelations

Richard Nevin enjoys a pomp-themed weekend at Symphony Hall.

Safety advice at Birmingham rail station

Security roadshow heads to Snow Hill.

Piping hot chillis set for Birmingham

World’s top bagpipe band to play Town Hall.

Coolair conditions Cannock junior footballers

Midlands firm sponsors local U11 football team.

The Wipers Times at the Birmingham Rep: Mud, blood and the written word

Richard Lutz takes to the trenches for this World War One play.

Review: Graham Parker

Bernie Jackson watches the inimitable Graham Parker partying like it’s 1976.

DanceXchange and Sampad announce new artistic appointments

Expansion plans for Centre for Advanced Training for South Asian and Contemporary Dance.

New baking business for Kings Heath

Caroline Smyth talks about her new bakery.

Countdown on for Birmingham Improv Festival

Gigs, workshops and anything else you want to make it up as you go along.

Two new pieces by Theatre Absolute announced

Are We Where We Are returns this autumn.

Mailbox announces student shopping event

First launch for prestige venue.

UB40 at the Hare & Hounds

Dave Woodhall watches a local band play a low-key pub gig.

The more things change at Villa Park…

Dave Woodhall on Villa’s defeat at Millwall and the continued search for a manager.

Screengrab: Get shorties

Richard Lutz trawls through the best TV films of the week.

Blues grind down the Millers

Andy Munro watches as Blues beat Rotherham.

Urgent call for Birmingham blood donors

Donors needed at Birmingham Donor Centre due to low stocks.

Birmingham Comedy Festival’s Breaking Talent Award winner revealed

Local comedian Laura Monmoth scoops the prestigious prize.

Bouquets and brickbats from comic

Comic Stephen K Amos talks to Brian Donaldson.

Regional delegation leads trade mission from Birmingham Airport

Trade mission aims to build on vital routes from Birmingham to India.

Villa Park – situation (again) vacant

Dave Woodhall reflects on Steve Bruce’s sacking as Villa manager.

The fire and fury of a world premiere

Richard Lutz takes his pew at the Birmingham Hippodrome for dance with fire in its soul.

Awayday blues in the right way

Andy Munro on Blues’ 1-1 draw at Brentford.

Boris and his fringe appearance

Political columnist Will Mapplebeck drops in on the Tory shindig in Birmingham.

Drama at Villa Park as Bruce on the brink

Dave Woodhall reports on the events surrounding Villa’s drama-filled 3-3 draw at home to Preston.

May to EU: Drop dead – Brave Brits will do all the work

Theresa May, England chief, tells our Westminster snoop Sir Howard Elston how Euro-workers can f***k off.

Demolition starts on Wolverhampton railway station

Plan to provide transport hub for city.

Enterprise partnership backs businesses and young talent scheme

New film showcases economic successes across Greater Birmingham and Solihull.