REDDITCH residents can get involved in this year’s Black History Month during two events which are being supported by Redditch Council.

An African Market Day will be held in the town centre on October 19 with a chance for people to try different types of food such as jerk chicken or Caribbean soup and dumplings. There will be stalls selling arts and crafts, beauty products, fashion and jewellery.

Youngsters will also be able to get their faces painted or hair braided and there will be entertainment throughout the day including drumming performances, dancing, hoola hooping and limbo.

On October 24 there will also be a fashion show inspired by the theme Africa at the Apollo Cinema in the Kingfisher Centre. The show will feature designs and original creations by Butterflies Workshops, a Redditch community group. The Apollo Cinema will also be showing a free preview of the new Disney film The Help.

Council leader, Councillor Carole Gandy, said: “Black History Month is a great campaign for everyone to get involved in and brings our communities together to learn more about different cultures.

“This year we hope people will get involved in these two events which should be great fun and an excellent chance for people to find out more about the African and Caribbean culture.”

Black History Month is held every October with the aim of promoting better understanding of Black history, culture and heritage.

Any traders or community groups that would like a pitch at the African Market Day or would like more information about the event at the Apollo Cinema should contact Patricia Chambers by e-mailing patricia@patriciachambers.orangehome.co.uk or calling phone on 07817 882930.