REDDITCH residents have been invited to take part in England’s largest festival of history and culture this month. 

The town is set to join forces with neighbouring localities as part of the North East Worcestershire (NEW) Cultural Compact to share and discover its history for the annual Heritage Open Days.

Many organisations across the local area will be taking part in the 10-day event such as the Redditch Community Carnival, which will be returning to the town centre on September 16 from 1.30pm to 4.30pm. This includes an additional exhibition about the history of the carnival at Redditch library between 10am and 1pm on the same day.

This is the first time the carnival has been back to the town since the pandemic after being re-arranged last year.

Councillor Jo Beecham said: “As a member of the original team who, in 2019, brought the Carnival back for the first time since the Millennium, it fills me with great pride that it is now being featured as an important part of our local history".

Founded in 1994, the festival was originally England’s contribution to European Heritage Days and has continued to grow since its launch from 701 events nationwide to over 5,000 events nearly 30 years later.

Across Redditch and Bromsgrove alone, there are over 15 events taking place across the 10-day period.

This includes an art exhibition at the Kingfisher Shopping Centre on 8 September where residents can get up close with the infamous Paolozzi Mosaics and be treated to a live illustration from Laura Brodrick.

On September 12, visitors can take a trip down memory lane with the ‘Kingfishstory’ exhibition, which showcases old shop brands like Owen & Owen, Rumbelows and Woolworths with pictures, tv and newspaper adverts.

There will also be free entry to Forge Mill Needle Museum on September 17.

Leader of the Council, Matt Dormer, said: “We are very proud to be a part of this festival and it is your chance to celebrate the heritage of Redditch, try new experiences and explore the culture on your doorstep.”