GET set for Astwood Bank Carnival which takes over the village’s streets tomorrow (Saturday, July 9), with a packed programme of fun and entertainment.
However, the weekend kicks off tonight, (Friday) with a horse racing night from 7.30pm in the carnival tent on the field at SE Davis in Edgioake Lane, Astwood Bank.
There will be a fully licensed bar and snacks from the Little India restaurant, while live music will be provided by electro-acoustic combo Wychwood.
On Saturday, there will be at least 15 floats in the parade, with more expected, along with a Samba band, the Rubery Youth Marching Band, the Redditch & Bromsgrove Air Cadets, and the Birmingham Irish Pipes and Drums.
This year’s theme for the procession is ‘Time Travellers’.
The parade starts from SE Davis’ yard at noon and will wind its way around the bunting-laden streets of Astwood Bank.
It then returns to the carnival field where a wide range of activities will be available, including the crowning of the Carnival Royalty. This year’s Carnival Queen is Jessica Davies age 15, and her Carnival Princesses are Anna Smith, aged 12, and Sophia Lightfoot, eight.
A packed entertainment programme will follow including The Xtreme Stunt Team, a very informal dog show, fun fair, rifle shooting range, children’s games, a photographer taking pictures of dogs, tombolas, and a wide variety of stalls selling plants, cakes, and sweets.
In the beer tent, live music will be provided by Black Tie, while Astwood Bank Operatic Society will be manning the tea tent.
Visit www.astwoodbankcarnival.co. uk for more information.