EXCITING plans are now beginning to take shape for Redditch Community Arts Festival Event (CAFE) which takes place next year.

The event should begin with a ghost walk on the evening of Thursday, June 9 and the following evening there will be a variety show at Kingsley College.

On Saturday, June 11, there will be day-long singing and dancing in the Kingfisher Centre and outside the war memorial.

Static displays will be in St Stephen's Church where visitors can enjoy a free cup of tea. The event will culminate with a classical concert at Kingsley College on the Saturday evening.

So far applications to participate have been received from Redditch Area Music, Appalachian dance group One Step Beyond, Bootleggers Line Dancers, Music For You, Arrow Vale Singers, Redditch Speaker's Club, Dragonfly Arts, Light Spirits Children's Drama Group, Astwood Bank Flower Club and a number of solo performers.

Once again, Radio Pulse will be outside St Stephen's Church entertaining passers-by.

A spokesman said: "As well as developing community spirit, it's hoped this event will encourage participation in the arts.

"By presenting what they do, societies hope for new members and it is a condition of taking part that visitors to each society are admitted free for the first meeting after the event."

In the run-up to the event, the Advertiser will be including regular features on groups taking part so residents can get a taste of what they can enjoy.

For more details contact either the chairman John Clark on 07749 753640 or secretary Anne Bradford on 542516.