Countdown is on to We Love Tamworth fun day

The countdown is on to the popular We Love Tamworth extravaganza which returns to Tamworth Castle Grounds next month, bringing with it a jam-packed day of activities for the whole family.

Presented by Tamworth Borough Council’s Arts & Events team, We Love Tamworth will be back on Saturday, September 14, between 11am and 4pm, and is now in its seventh year. The exciting event brings a variety of entertainment for the day, including fairground rides, games, children’s zone, a dog show and dozens of stalls.

And this year we’re looking for talented young musicians and singers to get involved in the fun with the opportunity to perform to the crowds from the historic bandstand. Anyone aged 25 and under who is interested is asked to send a video clip of themselves performing to tarartsdevelopment@tamworth.gov.uk. This is the first in what will be a regular call-out for local artists planned as part of regular drop-in sessions at Tamworth Assembly Rooms when the venue reopens later this year.

We Love Tamworth bandstand performances will be hosted throughout the day by Radio Tamworth. More musical entertainment will be provided from 2.30pm on the upper lawn by the town’s popular choir, Tamworth Voices.

The dedicated children’s zone, run by Funtopia, is back by popular demand, featuring bungee runs, soft play, bouncy castles, obstacle courses, an under-fives area and much more. This area will require wristbands to enter, which are priced at £5 for children and £1 for adults, and can be purchased on the day.

Dog lovers are invited to bring their pets along to participate in this year’s fun dog show. There are nine categories for dogs to participate in, each costing £1.50 to enter. These include the waggiest tail, best rescue, golden oldies and many more.

Entries will be available from 11am on the day of the competition and the first category will be judged at 12pm, with the competition lasting until 2:15pm. More information about the dog show is available by calling 0121 240 8130 or 07894 644572.

This year will also see the return of the Tamworth’s Strongest Man competition with contestants battling it out for the winning title.

A variety of charity and business stalls have been booked for the day. Run by Tamworth Lions Club, money raised will be used to fund deserving causes across the borough.

There are a few spaces are left and anyone interested in booking a stall can contact Mark Kyte at Tamworth Lions: mark.kyte@tamworthlions.org.uk. Costs start from £18 for charities and £35 for businesses for a 3x3m stall for the day.

Tamworth Literary Festival is also hosting a Where the Rivers Meet: Poetry in the Park event from 11am-3pm near to the rivers Tame and Anker. Poets from around the Midlands will join together to celebrate the magic of rivers and history of Tamworth. The event will include a short walk around the Castle Grounds and poetry readings.

Cllr John Chesworth, Tamworth Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture and Operational Services, said: “There’s not long to go now until the seventh We Love Tamworth event and we are delighted to be able to host it again. It has become a great day out and a firm favourite among people of all ages. This year’s event is busier than ever with so many different things to see and do on the day. I hope lots of Tamworth residents join us for a packed day of family fun, celebrating everything that is great about Tamworth.”

More information about his event, and other Tamworth Borough Council organised outdoor events can be found on www.tamworthartsandevents.co.uk.