THE prospect of bringing back the Redditch Carnival is now a step closer after the formation of a carnival team.

A meeting was recently hosted by councillor Mike Rouse, in a volunteer capacity, at Redditch Town Hall.

Mike said: “There was a lot of talk on Facebook about bringing the carnival back so I thought I’d see if people were prepared to step up and make it happen.

“Seven people showed up, all very keen to set up a committee and take a lead on this hugely exciting project. For my part I am keen to make sure the project gets as much support as possible.”

An interim committee has now been formed that will be holding its first meeting to run elections to each post for the year ahead.

The meeting is on October 1 at 7pm at Redditch Town Hall and all are invited to come along to potentially join the committee or share ideas.

One of the volunteers who has stepped up as an interim co-chair is Amanda Haden.

She said "Like most people I have spoken to, some of my fondest childhood memories are of the carnival and not just the parade."

"The lead up to the old Redditch Carnival and the planning of floats was all people would talk about for weeks and months beforehand. It gave everyone in the community common ground and bought everyone together."

She added: "Our community these days is far more diverse, it would be so great to bring it all together to share our cultures, hobbies, and interests and to highlight all the clubs, groups and businesses we have in our town."

Another key volunteer Sue Yeng, said: "The return of our traditional carnival is getting nearer! I could only dream of this before.

“It will be so good to get some old traditions going again, celebrating our town and all who live here.”