Life's a Beach

In a pun worthy of a raft of awards, Touchwood is opening a blimmin' great sandy beach in the heart of their shopping complex and they're calling it the Costa Del Solihull. Take a bow, team. From this Saturday and well into August visitors will be welcomed to slump into deckchairs, build Westeros-esque sandcastles, chill out to muzack and get their ? on. The theme is African safari, and live music will abound. The soulful sounds of the Roy Forbes Band are just one of a packed programme of ear-tickling, as are the show-stopping nine-piece Zulu Land Warriors, while kids (and adults, presumably) can have their face-painted and/or get into mask-making. Plus, if you're looking for something a little more substantial for your tum than ices, may we point you in the direction of Touchwood's independently-owned Caribbean venue, Jamaya? Their fried chicken game is tip-top. More