A spectacular week-long event will light up a popular Redditch Park this autumn.
 
“Autumn Celebrations” will run from 25th – 30th October and boasts a free light trail, music, children’s rides* and food stalls* for all ages to enjoy, every evening from 5pm until 8.30pm at Arrow Valley Park.
 
On Friday 29th and Saturday 30th October, visitors are also invited to join in with a lantern walk around the lake from 6pm, alongside live music, street theatre entertainment.
 
Visitors can bring their own lanterns, or they can take part in lantern making activities running at Arrow Valley Visitors Centre on October 25, 26 and 27 at 10am, 11am, 1pm and 2pm. There are limited spaces available, so residents are asked to book their space in advance by calling 01527 534030. The sessions cost £3 per child and can be paid in cash on the day of the activity.
 
The light trail and event space will be focused around the visitor’s centre so anyone wishing to walk round the lake outside of the organised lantern walks is advised to bring their own torch as it may still be dark in these outer areas.
 
Cllr Mike Rouse, whose portfolio covers leisure, said: “I appreciate this is something a bit different, and for some the change from a fireworks display will be a difficult adjustment, but I also know that this new event has the potential to be a spectacular and enjoyable event for a great many people; especially our town’s young people who have had it particularly tough over the last 18 months.”
 
Redditch Borough Council Leader, Cllr Matt Dormer, said: “After more than a year of not much happening anywhere, I’m pleased that our team have organised a free, week-long Autumn Event for visitors to make the most of. With covid figures still on the rise across the borough and autumn bringing the usual bout of illness and bugs, this is a much safer option than having a lot of people together in close proximity for a single night.”
 
With increasing costs and security issues in mind, borough council leaders made the decision to replace the fireworks display, usually at Arrow Valley Park, with a free, week-long autumn celebration for all ages.
 
Last year the firework event was cancelled because of Covid, and officers have spent the last few months exploring different options which are which are safer and accessible to more people.
 
*Additional charges may apply to access the rides and purchase food from vendors.