HUNDREDS of people filled Woodrow to parade and party, celebrating Redditch’s stunning new public artwork, Love Woodrow.
Redditch residents collaborated with renowned glass artist Sarah Brown to complete this project just in time for Christmas.
MP Chris Bloore and local councillors joined the festivities, walking alongside residents in the pre-party lantern parade. Happy and excited crowds lit up the neighbourhood with lanterns they had crafted themselves.
The artwork takes three forms: a vibrant mural spanning several metres that celebrates Woodrow’s past and present, a colourful clay collage featuring self-made figures of Woodrow residents, and a brilliant glass collage inspired by local memories.
These memories include the old sweet shop, 12p toy planes from Bill’s Store, fishing at Arrow Valley Lake, and the beloved Friday night discos.
The community installed the three art pieces on the exterior wall and inside the Woodrow Community Centre.
Richard Bromhall, Programme Director for Reimagine Redditch, said, “This event brings people together to enjoy the festive season and celebrate the incredible artwork created by Woodrow residents to brighten the area’s centre. Seeing so many people here enjoying themselves is amazing.
“Woodrow residents shared the challenges they face with health, wellbeing, and creativity. By co-creating the Love Woodrow public art project with Severn Arts, we ensured the artwork reflects the community’s identity and belongs to them.
“We deeply appreciate everyone who supported this project, including Severn Arts, the Inclusive Communities Fund, Woodrow Community Centre, Woodrow Library, Your Ideas Redditch, and Woodrow’s schools. Most importantly, we thank the generous and imaginative local people who participated in creative events to co-create this inspiring art.”
Elaine Knight, Arts Director at Severn Arts and a Reimagine Redditch consortium member, added, “The Inclusive Communities Fund strives to make a difference in people’s lives by supporting projects that address inequalities. Securing an award from this fund thrilled us because of its positive impact on nearly 5,000 people in Woodrow.
“Our artist, Sarah Brown, collaborated with new and established groups in Woodrow to co-create a unique programme of activities addressing local issues. Seeing, sharing, and enjoying the incredible art they created together is wonderful.”
The festive event and the reveal of the new artwork marked the culmination of the Love Woodrow project, designed to brighten Woodrow’s centre.
The event included: a lantern parade with art trail led by a Samba band; ‘Jacks of Frost’ stilt-walkers; performances by ‘Got2Sing’ choir; carol singing around the Christmas tree; hot chocolate; family disco; open mic performances; creative workshops, poetry by spoken word local legend Spoz; gingerbread decorating; food from ‘Woodrow Chippy’; and the reveal of Woodrow’s show-stopping new public art.
The Love Woodrow project is a collaboration between Severn Arts and Reimagine Redditch.
The initiative is supported by a £69,000 grant from the Inclusive Communities Fund — a £9 million initiative inspired by the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
