A FREE week-long event is set to light up a Redditch park this autumn.

Council leaders have decided to replace Arrow Valley Park’s annual firework event with a free illuminations event due to increasing costs and security issues.

‘Autumn Celebrations’ will run from October 25 to October 30 and boasts a free light trail, music, children’s rides and food stalls, every evening from 5pm until 8.30pm.

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.”

On Friday, October 29 and Saturday, October 30, visitors are also invited to join in with a lantern walk around the lake from 6pm.

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.

Last year Arrow Valley Park’s annual firework event was cancelled due to the pandemic.

READ MORE

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.”

The light trail and event space will be focused around the visitor’s centre in the park.