Summer Fun events planned

Redditch residents can look forward to a host of events across the borough even though the Morton Stanley Festival won’t take place this year.

Redditch Borough Council’s Leisure team have been focussing their efforts on summer events including around the Queen’s Baton Relay and Jubilee celebrations, and working on a new programme of projects for 2023.

The packed Summer Fun in Redditch programme spreads over at least 21 dates this year, from the town centre to Morton Stanley Park and across Arrow Valley Country Park.

That includes two all-day ‘Funtopias’ featuring inflatables, games and kids’ activities, workshops for music, drumming and juggling, a range of entertainers from bubble art to circus skills, baby dragons and dinosaurs, Punch and Judy shows, the Green Fair, and two funfairs – as well as a family fun day for the Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity and a Vintage Day at the Bandstand from Redditch BID. Visit our Things to do page for details.

Redditch Borough Council’s Portfolio Holder for Leisure, Cllr Joanne Beecham, said: “We have had amazing feedback about the Jubilee celebrations which took place across the borough, and we are looking forward to a host of entertainment around the Queen’s Baton Relay next month on top of the summer events programme.

“With so many historic events to mark, it is only right we hold off on Morton Stanley Festival this year as it wouldn’t get the attention it deserves.

“We have recently surveyed residents about leisure and events and from the results a new strategy will be drawn up, which will see a new programme of fun being rolled out next year and there will be even more for everyone to enjoy.

“In the meantime, as well as the summer activities we have planned I hope our residents enjoy our wonderful parks and open spaces which the borough boasts.”

The council’s leisure surveys recently asked residents what they wanted to see taking place in the borough, to assist in the planning and development of future services and facilities. They covered arts, culture, and heritage, parks and green spaces, and physical activity, recreation, and exercise.

Council Leader, Cllr Matt Dormer, said: “We need to keep unlocking Redditch’s potential, and this includes our events offer. I am looking forward to seeing what our residents told us they wanted to see becoming a reality next year.”