Morton Stanley Festival to be extended

Buy photos » Morton Stanley Park. Picture by Nick Hands 5211009NHR1

THIS year's Morton Stanley Festival is set to be extended to three days as Redditch Borough Council aims to make it 'bigger, better and broader'.

The event will remain free but instead of taking place over just a weekend will run from Friday, August 17 to Sunday, August 19 with an extended programme.

Local bands will now play on the Friday evening with a wider array of stalls and activities taking place over the following two days with residents invited to listen to music, have fun as a family or get out their picnic baskets.

The festival has grown in popularity with thousands of people turning out to enjoy what has become the highlight of the town's social calendar.

More than 40 bands signed up to play last year's event and the council is now urging local musical acts, from brass bands to choirs or those who simply feel they have the X Factor, interested in appearing at the festival to get in touch.

Huw Moseley, the council's arts development and events officer, said: "We are extremely excited about the bigger and better festival at Morton Stanley Park this year – there will be something for everybody.

"We are looking for a wide variety of brilliant local musical acts to take part in the festival this year to make it the best we’ve ever had."

Anyone interested in taking part or for more information about the festival email h.moseley@bromsgroveandredditch.gov.uk or call 01527 881381 or 07990 800 686.