First fundraiser launched for Halesowen Carnival

People are being asked to take part on a paper chase with clues directing them to businesses and other buildings around the town where they will find coloured letter.

Once all 24 are collected they will make up a short sentence and the winning entries will go into a monthly draw until November 7, with prizes of gift vouches and others donated by local companies.

About 140 carnival fans are expected at Saturday’s public meeting at the town library’s Shenstone Theatre at 2pm, when an organising committee will be elected.

Simon Walker, who is spearheading the campaign to revive the carnival, last held in 1987, hopes it will be the “biggest event Halesowen has seen for a very long time”.

He said: “I’m really impressed by the way it’s going – everything is coming together.”

Five hundred newsletters have been delivered to homes around Huntingtree Park – the proposed venue for the carnival.

The newsletter introduces householders to the idea of holding a carnival on the park’s playingfields and progress to date.

It also advertises the public meeting and the carnival Facebook page, Twitter and email address.

Representatives are expected at the public meeting from voluntary organisations as well as individuals and Mr Walker hopes they will offer to contribute to the event.

Draft plans of road closures for the carnival and street parade and a provisional layout of the showground will be available for people to view.

Mr Walker plans to take two weeks off carnival organising following the meeting and is looking forward to delegating some of the responsibilities.

He said: “I need to take a break. It’s escalating at such a pace it’s almost taking over my life. “ As well as fundraising events, Mr Walker hopes to attract grant funding to cover the carnival costs.

The paper chase is expected to raise about £200 and entry forms are available in shops around the town.

Completed entries can be returned to the Rio Bar, Queensway.