Carnival set for return under investment for town

12 hours ago

Andrew DawkinsWest Midlands

News image — An image has been released by the city council to highlight Bilston's Pride in Place regeneration programme

City of Wolverhampton Council A computer-generated drawing showing eight people in the foreground. Buildings are on the right, what could be Bilston town hall is in the middle and a tree is on the left in the background. — An image has been released by the city council to highlight Bilston's Pride in Place regeneration programme

A carnival last held in 2008 is set to take place this year, as part of a wider set of events driven by a regeneration programme.

A 10-year vision and four-year investment plan for Bilston have been developed, following engagement with more than 1,000 people, with £20m of government money coming.

Outlining Pride in Place, City of Wolverhampton Council said its cabinet was due to consider a major package of funding for the town on Wednesday next week.

Plans for the return of the carnival were being driven by popular demand from the community and full details of the event would be put out in the coming months, it added.

Priority projects identified in the four-year investment plan include the annual carnival and events programme.

Within this, the carnival would "become an annual flagship event in the Bilston calendar", the council said.

'Community pride'

Priority schemes also include a programme of cleaning and improving local neighbourhoods, parks, other green spaces and community centres.

It is planned to develop a project to upgrade Bilston high street to include lighting, benches, public art, CCTV and other safety features.

To celebrate the town's identity, it is proposed to improve signs and public art providing opportunities for walking trails that highlight Bilston's history.

The investment plan and long-term vision have been developed, after residents were consulted and a community-led board gave approval.

Council leader Stephen Simkins said the return of the carnival was "a powerful symbol of what this programme is all about: community pride, connection and celebration".

He added with other schemes progressing in the town, such as the new-look market and a new health and wellbeing facility, "we can build a thriving, inclusive and empowered Bilston for generations to come".

Bilston board chair Josie Kelly said this was "a community‑led plan through and through - built from months of local conversations and rooted in what people told us matters most".

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