INTEREST in plans to revive Halesowen Carnival is snowballing – with more than 100 people expected at next month’s public meeting.

A Facebook page has attracted 107 members and scores of enthusiastic messages of support and ideas.

Simon Walker, who is spearheading the bid to have a carnival and street parade for the first time since 1986, said it was moving faster than planned.

A carnival appeal logo has been created by 16-year-old Lauren Webb, who is keen to promote the event, planned for next July, on social media.

A PayPal account has been set up for online donations to cover costs and a website is being built.

A re-enactment group wants to set up a battle camp and put on a display at the carnival, it is hoped the fire service will also give a demonstration and a variety of groups will perform.

Voluntary organisations and charities will be offered free stalls and an area will be devoted to market stalls.

A committee is due to be set up from those who have already expressed an interest tomorrow (Friday) and a constitution has been drawn up.

Mr Walker gave a presentation of the plans to Halesowen and Rowley Regis Rotary Club yesterday and is planning to have talks with the Friends of Huntingtree Park about using the playingfields for the showground.

He has booked Halesowen Library’s Shenstone Theatre as well as the Caslon Hall to accommodate more than 100 people at the meeting on Saturday September 6 at 2pm.

“The passion of the people tells me that great pride does still exist in Halesowen, not only in the older generations but also the younger ones too,” he said, adding: “I’m proud to be part of the work that's going on to put Halesowen back on the map where it belongs.”

Mr Walker is currently ploughing through reams of health and safety requirements prior to seeking permission to use the playingfields and requesting road closures from Dudley Council.

Anyone interested in helping organise or in taking part in the carnival and street parade can contact organisers via the Halesowen Carnival 2015 Facebook page or email halesowencarnival@gmail.com