STREET theatre performers are dusting off their hoops, sewing their costumes and practicing their jokes in anticipation of entertaining visitors at Arrow Valley Lake this summer.

Later in July, the free Street Theatre programme will be back for the first time since 2019 to entertain residents and visitors of all ages.

Events will take place in two locations, with a launch event at Stitch Meadows Field, near the Visitor Centre, on Wednesday, July 28, 11am until 3pm, with performances from Carlos Airhead and Nat Lunatrick, alongside sports, face painting, drumming, animal mania, inflatables, craft activities, balloon making and more.

Events will then make use of the new amphitheatre space next to the new play area with timed shows between midday and 3.30pm.

Shows include the Steve Kaos Circus Show on August 6, Professor Chandler’s Punch & Judy Show on the 9th, Clown Living Statue on the 13th, Butterfly Stilt Walkers on the 17th, Angie Mack Hula Hoop Street Show on the 19th, Professor Chandler’s Punch & Judy Show on the 24th, and The Bubbleologist on the 26th.

Portfolio Holder for Leisure Services, Cllr Mike Rouse, said: “The new amphitheatre is perfect for this, and is just the right size for the kind of events we can safely run in the post-pandemic era.

“Like many families across Redditch and the whole country I am not going to be able to get away on holiday this year, so Street Theatre is an even more precious event and I know my daughters will love it. I look forward to seeing many other families and young people take advantage of this great service.”