Rallying call for more to take part in carnival
With just over a month to the annual Bromsgrove Carnival, the organisers have issued a rallying call for more residents, groups, organisations and performers to get involved in this year's event.
This year, the carnival is on for three days, from June 17 to 19, and it is hoped thousands of people will attend to enjoy a host of entertainment, from the live entertainment on the Friday to the trolley parade, music, dance, theatre, comedy and even the annual Timberhonger 10K road race on the Saturday. Then, on the Sunday, there will be a charity Zumbathon, themed on the modern dance craze, live wrestling, live music and Bromsgrove District Council's High 5 event. And, as an added bonus, throughout all three days, there will be Tommy Wilson's Funfair – from 4pm on the Friday and all-day on Saturday and Sunday in Sanders Park, where there will also be charity and commercial stalls throughout both days.
The main stage on the Saturday, which has delighted the crowds in previous years, will run from 1pm to 8pm.
The trolley parade, which is becoming more popular year on year, already has 35 entrants and it is hoped more than 50 will be ready at the start-line on the day. The trolleys are being provided by the Co-Op and the procession, which will leave Artrix at 12midday, is expected to reach Sanders Park by 1.20pm. There, there will be a cup and prize awarded for the best trolley. Those decorating their trolley are urged to think about what they should put on it and, where possible, use recycled material. They are also urged to talk to their family and friends to get as many people as possible involved in the event.
Those wanting a trolley for the procession and performers, whether they be singers, dancers, actors or comedians, are being urged to contact the Bromsgrove Carnival Committee to register their interest.
Bromsgrove Carnival Committee chairman Ian Perrygrove, said: "We are all very excited – it is a team which has grown each year and this year's event will be the biggest yet.
"There is free admission, free entertainment and the funds raised go to good causes, so we want to see as many as people as possible, coming out to support the event and celebrate throughout the weekend," he added.
The funds raised will go to the carnival's official charity, the Princess of Wales Community Hospital's League of Friends, the cash collected from the Timberhonger 10K race will be handed to Help For Heroes and there will be numerous other causes benefiting from stalls.
The Zumbathon on the Sunday (June 19) is being run by Persona Fitness, which was created and established in November 2008 by partners Dave Hands and Sally Archer.
They were introduced to Zumba at their local gym and their passion in salsa dancing and love of latin music and fitness led to them starting their own Zumba classes.
As well as residents being involved in the Zumbathon, children and young people are also being invited to take part in an art competition with a Father's Day theme, whereby they draw or paint a portrait of their dad or grandad.
It will be split into three age sections – under six, six to ten year-olds and ten to 15-year-olds.
The paintings or drawings will be judged on the day and all entries need to be registered before 2.20pm on the Sunday, with prizes being awarded at the end of the day.
The Zumbathon will take place from 10.30am to 4pm, with registration opening at 10am.
On the Zumbathon, Sally said: "We hope that children and young people will be interested in becoming involved in the competition, which aims to offer competitive fun and artistic enjoyment, as well as encouraging them to bring their dad or grandad along."
Anyone wanting more information on the Bromsgrove Carnival can visit: www.bromsgrovecarnival.org. You can also become a fan and follow updates on the carnival by visiting the Facebook page: www.facebook.com/bromsgrovecarnival.
For more on the Zumbathon, e-mail: info@persona-fitness.com or visit: www.bromsgrovecarnival.org.
Reprinted from The Bromsgrove Standard