A NEW summer event will showcase the very best of a South Reading ward on Sunday, June 11.
The inaugural Whitley Carnival will bring together performers, artists and creatives from the area for two parades and a fun day, held at John Madejski Academy.
Organised by charities Aspire2 and Whitley Community Development Association, the free event is open to anyone and everyone, and has been billed as the ward’s ‘best and brightest street party’.
Aspire2’s charity development manager Helen Bligh said: “We’re busy making the final preparations for what we hope will be an amazing spectacle.
“The carnival will include children from local schools, a samba band, giant puppets, street bands, musical entertainment and even a 4m high robot made from 33 pink wheelie bins.
“Afterwards visitors can enjoy free activities, entertainment and food stalls at our Fun Day. There’s something for everyone so bring the family for an unmissable, and free, day out.”
Workshops have taken place across Whitley in the weeks leading up to the event.
With the help of 11 arts organisations and 11 schools, residents have created giant puppets, costumes and stilt walkers to showcase on the day.
The MERL, Annual Daydream Harvest and Berzerk Productions are just a few of the projects who are assisting with the parades.
Speaking at the event’s first planning meeting back in January, Ms Bligh said: “The goal is to get people to see Whitley for what it really is, which is a place full of talent, excitement, art and culture.
“We want to give everyone in Whitley the opportunity to show their best side and what they can do.”
As part of the carnival’s fun day, the WCDA is on the lookout for singers, dancers and musicians to take part in ‘Whitley’s Got Talent’.
The friendly competition will take place from 1.30pm-3.30pm at JMA and gives residents the opportunity to showcase their talents to the community.
The parades will run from noon-1pm, starting from Reading Girls School, Northumberland Avenue, and Ridgeway Primary School, Hillbrow.
Both routes will finish at JMA, where the fun day will take place from 1pm-4pm.
For more information, visit: www.whitleycarnival.co.uk
