Great Wyrley pub closes weeks before carnival but officials vow show will go on
A pub which was the focal point of an annual village carnival has closed down and is on the market for £160,000.
The Star Inn in Walsall Road, Great Wyrley, has been put up for sale by Right Move. Organisers of the popular village carnival, in its 37th year, today vowed the show will go on – albeit without any alcohol being available.
Thousands attend the event, which is on June 29 this year.
The watering hole is the second pub to close in the village in the last six months.
Treasurer of the carnival committee, 67-year-old Alan Kelsey, said: "I know people like to have a drink on carnival day, but as far as we're concerned we've still got the carnival.
"Unfortunately, it does mean we don't have a licensed bar, but there's plenty of other things on offer for people to drink, such as soft drinks and coffee, as we have three people selling food and drinks at the event.
"They'll also be selling hotdogs and beef burgers, so I don't think the closure will affect us that much.
"We used to get a donation from the Star Inn on the day, which we'll miss – they used to give us about £50 as it was their busiest day of the year along with bonfire night.
"It's a real shame it's had to close, although it is just a sign of the times. The carnival will go ahead regardless and we will still have a great time. We've got 50 stalls this year and a procession of around ten floats, plus catering.
"We've also got paintballing and bungee jumping, so there's something for all ages."
Mr Kelsey has been with the organising committee for the carnival since it began in 1976. He said the event had enjoyed a resurgence in the last two decades.
Last year the carnival saw more than 8,000 people turn up as the event fell on the same day as the Olympic Torch relay.
The Great Wyrley Carnival will be held on June 29. The procession will begin at midday from Hazel Lane, with the main event taking place on the Star Field.
