REDDITCH Carnival Committee has made a commitment to return the much-loved event to its traditional format next year.
That’s right – the colourful floats and dramatic procession, not seen together in almost 20 years, will have residents feeling nostalgic in 2020.
And this year’s carnival, on September 28, is already shaping up to be ‘bigger and better’ than recent years.
Chair of the Carnival Committee, Amanda Haden, said: “I have fantastic childhood memories of what the carnival used to be like.
“When we set up the committee at the end of last year our aim was to get it back to its former glories.
“Due to only being formed recently, we haven’t had time to organise floats for this year’s event. It takes a lot of time and planning.
“But the parade this year will be much longer.
“It will take up entire streets and involve road closures rather than just being a ‘small walk’ from the Palace Theatre to the Bandstand.”
Tommy Wilson’s Amusements, a crucial part of the Redditch Carnival, will continue to support the event.
Owner Tommy said: “It will be incredible to see the return of the floats in 2020 once we get businesses on board.
“We’re looking forward to giving Redditch a proper carnival again and that starts in September.”
Residents can look forward to watching Caribbean dance troops in the parade this year, which will likely start on Bromsgrove Road.
“There will also be workshops available for children to make their own costumes and hopefully a stage in the town centre for live acts,” added Tommy.
Key volunteer Sue Yeng, who runs the town’s Bandstand Events, said: “Since announcing our plans to bring back the traditional Redditch Carnival I have noticed a huge buzz around the town.
“People have been telling me they can’t wait to see it because they have such fond memories of what it used to be like.
“Although we have filled many of the stalls for this year’s event, we still need as many volunteers as possible to help set everything up.
“Not only that but we also want to hear from people who want to take part in the parade – we want it to be a big occasion.”
To get involved email [email protected] or contact the ‘Redditch Carnival’ group on Facebook.
Do you have fond memories of the old Redditch Carnival? Let us know by calling Harry Leach on 01527 588621 or email [email protected] .
