Events

Introduction

The Events Section organises and supports a variety of events and activities for the local community.

Wyre Forest Dance Festival

This established event takes place during February half term week at Stourport Civic Hall. Performers from local midlands dance schools compete in a wide range of categories of dance from Ballet solos to Cabaret Groups.  Wyre Forest Dance Festival is now a qualifier for the Miss Dance of Great Britain where the total value of prizes will be in excss of £2,500.  Wyre Forest is also a qualifying festival for the All England Dance Competition which happens every other year so the next qualifier will be 2009.  This means competitors gaining 84 or more marks are eligible to enter the Midlands Regional Final.  Prize money up to the value of £2000 for further training can be won.

Event Details: Members of the public are welcome to attend performances; day and weekly entrance tickets are made available at extremely reasonable rates.

Youth Makes Music

Youth Makes Music is a music festival which takes place over 5 - 6 evenings organised in partnership with local schools. Young musicians from Primary  and High schools are invited to demonstrate their musical abilities in a celebration of music. The festival aims to give young people the chance to share their talents and increase confidence while meeting other music makers. Event Details: The festival usually takes place in April/May over 5 - 6 evenings at Kidderminster Town Hall. Tickets are available through schools prior to the event.

Wyre Forest Parish Games

The Parish Games are a series of events where local Parishes take part in different sporting competitions held at different venues within Wyre Forest. The events usually take place between March and June and include activities such as Archery, Golf, Short Mat Bowls Crib, Dominoes, Bridge, Quiz Night and a presentation ceremony..

Event Details: A trophy is awarded to the winning team of each event and the overall winning Parish receives a cheque for £100.00. The events are open to anyone who lives or belongs to a club within Wyre Forest.

Under 5s Event

Each year a 'themed' fun day is held for children under 5. Past events have taken place at Brinton Park and Stourport Riverside. These events came about as a direct result of public consultation which highlighted a need for an event specifically for this age group. Past events have included 'Noddy in the Park', 'Bob the Builder in the Park' and 'the Tweenies' Event Details: These events usually take place during early July. Entry is free but there are some activities that carry a small charge.

Bands in the Park A series of FREE Sunday afternoon concerts are held at Brinton Park, Kidderminster each Summer from the end of July through to the end of August. Styles of music range from brass bands to 60's cover bands Event Details: Concerts take place between 2.30 pm and 4.30 pm. The park does not have formal seating but visitors are invited to bring a deckchair.

Music in the Garden

The QE 11 Jubilee Gardens also host a series of FREE Sunday afternoon concerts during August. This beautiful park provides a lovely setting in which to enjoy a relaxing afternoon.  Past concerts have included Irish, Choir, Brass and Jazz

Event Details: There is no formal seating in the park but visitors are invited to bring their own chair. Concerts take place between 2.00 pm and 4.00 pm and visitors can also take in a visit to Bewdley Museum where admission is also FREE

Stourport Riverside The Events team also organise a short programme of FREE concerts The Bandstand, Riverside Meadows each year during July/August.  These concerts take palce between 2.30pm and 4.30pm and offer a range of music styles.

Other Details: Some events at Stourport Riverside (for example, Stourport Carnival and Stourport Horticultural Show) are run by individual organisations rather than the District Council - for details of these events please contact Parks/Greenspaces Tel: 01562 732959.

Country and Western Music Festival The first Wyre Forest Country and Western Festival was held in 2007 at Stourport Riverside. The two day event was organised in partnership with a local Line Dancing Group and incorporated live country and western music. This event is so successful it has now been developed into a two day festival with music from five live bands, stalls selling a variety of goods and line dancing demostrations.

Every year the Events Section work together with Kidderminster Town Centre Partnership to organise entertainment for the Festive Season. This includes the annual Christmas Lights Switch On and associated entertainment which has previously included anything from a mobile skate rink to a visit from reindeer! From time to time other 'one off events' are incorporated into the annual programme these have previously included anything from Fun Days to Kite Festivals!

New Events

Rock and Roll

A one day event with live rock and roll music at Stourport Riverside, also stands and demostrations throughout the day.

The Team

The Team consists of a full-time Leisure Services Manager, three part-time Development Officers and extra staff employed on a casual basis to assist with major events.

In order to deliver this service, the Events Team works in partnership with a number of groups. These include:

• Kidderminster Town Centre Partnership
• Leisure and Tourism Forum,
• Town Centre Management Forum groups for Bewdley and Stourport
• Wyre Forest Schools
• Community Groups/Clubs/Organisations
• Parish Councils
• Local Police

Bewdley Museum and Stourport Community Centre come under the management of this section.

Our Aim

Our aim is to make a difference to the quality of life for local people, visitors and tourists to the Wyre Forest District by providing something special and accessible to all.

We believe that by getting people 'out and about' and 'involved in the community' it will improve their health and well being and make them proud to live in the Wyre Forest.

Entertainers Wanted!

We are constantly seeking to offer a wide range of entertainment to the local community and would be interested to hear from you if you can offer any of the following:

• Children's Entertainment
• Musical Entertainment (particularly if you belong to a group that would appeal to a wide cross section of the community)

For further information please telephone: 01562 732980

Events Promotion

Are you planning a non-profit making community event? Do you need advice or help with promotion?
Our Events Section can offer you: Support with setting up your Event