A NEW “grand scale” music based initiative for Kidderminster, linked to the town’s £2 million regeneration, is in the early stages of development.

Plans for the Music Heritage Trail, a multi media concept, will be discussed by Wyre Forest District Council’s cabinet at its meeting on December 16.

It will be launched during the Kidderminster Arts Festival in August 2016 with a large scale theatre piece in the town as its focus.

The event will include a reconstruction of old venues and key events in musical history using musicians, actors, digital media, projections, tours, live music, and performance events.

Major elements of the event will be retained and used as permanent fixtures to be included in the trail.

District councillor Anne Hingley, cabinet member for health, wellbeing and housing, said: “Wyre Forest has always had a strong connection with music encompassing a diverse variety of genres.

“We've maintained a strong connection with our carpet manufacturing industry and we want to highlight our broad scope of music too.

“This strategy to develop a music heritage trail is an exciting and innovative approach that highlights Kidderminster as a place where music has a strong link with the town’s people - remembering our past and celebrating our future.”

The centrepiece of the project will be a music themed cafe in Kidderminster Town Hall which creators say will provide a “buzzing meeting place for locals and visitors alike”.

An audio with a composed soundscape of music relevant to the venue will be a feature of the trail which will take in areas including Weavers Wharf, Churchfields, Comberton Hill, and the railway station.

Other musically relevant sites around the district will also be included.

A gaming style trail map will be created with the aim of encouraging young people to find out about the more recent past and to inform them of local courses and highlighting musical events through an online events page.

Each trail site will have a QR code where a smartphone can be used to connect to interactive maps linking the audio trail, commentaries, music, websites and films.

The trail will also feature themed street furniture and seating in public areas as well as on-going exhibitions to enable local people to get involved in the overall project.

District councillor John Campion, cabinet member for planning and economic regeneration, said: “Regeneration is about many things including bringing to life local skills and talents and to that end regeneration and arts and culture are inseparable.

“The idea behind the music heritage trail complements the work the district council is leading on through its £2 million public realm improvement plans and regeneration of the Crown House site, adding to the attractiveness of Kidderminster as a place to visit.”

Invitations to get involved with the music heritage trail project will be open to developers, retailers, educational partners and investors as well as local musicians throughout the coming months.

A council spokeswoman said the costs and funding of the project can not be confirmed until the final plans have been passed by the council and a budget drawn up.

For more information, or to register interest in the scheme, call Loz Samuels on 01562 732977 or email loz.samuels@wyreforestdc.gov.uk