Carnival will be full of talent, excitement, art and culture

By JI-MIN LEE jlee@rdg.today

A NEW summer event will showcase the very best of south Reading on Sunday.

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