REDDITCH is preparing to come together to celebrate as a week of events to mark 50 years of new town status gets underway tomorrow (Saturday).
The So Redditch Festival kicks-off with an exhibition by Redditch Local History Society from 10am to 4pm in the library in Market Place.
Photographs of Redditch’s past, unseen for many years, will be on show and the public’s help is being sought identify what event the images are capturing and who is in them.
Residents are also being asked to leave their memories of ‘Old Redditch’ to help the society continue to build its Remembering Lost Redditch website.
On Sunday (July 27) it’s time for fun with a series of family orientated activities in the Kingfisher Shopping Centre followed on Monday (July 28) by the chance to win £200 in the Redditch Monopoly Tournament in Worcester Square. Entrants will have up to 30 minutes to try and trade their way to success in a specially devised speed version of the game played on Redditch’s own board.
Participants need to be at least eight-years-old and can register at the customer service desk in the Kingfisher Shopping Centre, through the centre’s social media or on the day. The action starts from 11am.
On Tuesday (July 29) it’s time for the fun to hit the streets with the Flhip Flhop crazy painters putting on a decorating display that has to be seen to be believed outside St Stephen’s Church from 11am to 3pm.
Wednesday (July 30) sees the Made in Redditch Market open for business from 9am until 4pm with products either made in or produced by people from the borough available to buy.
The Kingfisher Shopping Centre then celebrates its 40th anniversary on Thursday (July 31) with a special tea party in Millward Square (by BHS). Invitations are available from the customer service desk.
Friday (August 1) then marks the start of the three day Redditch Music Festival with performances in venues around the town centre, before the community joins forces for the So Redditch Parade on Saturday, August 2 from 12noon in the town centre.
Later that evening a special performance by Deborah Bonham takes place in St Stephen’s Church to raise money for a memorial to her brother, Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham, on Church Green. Tickets cost £10 in advance, £12 on the door subject to availability. Visit www.GoldenGiving.com/charity/john-bonham-memorial-fund for tickets and more information.
A service of thanksgiving and celebration in St Stephen’s Church finishes the festivities on Sunday, August 3.
Ken Williams, chairman of Redditch Town Centre Partnership which is organising the celebrations, said: “Redditch is ready to celebrate, make sure you don’t miss out and come join in the fun.”
Visit www.so-redditch.info for more information.
