Halesowen Carnival comes to town to bring family fun during Black Country Festival

Plans for the town's carnival were revived by campaigner Simon Walker who wanted the annual highlight to return after an absence of almost 30 years.

This year will be the third carnival to be staged since its return. The event will take place place at Highfield Park this Saturday.

It is now linked with the Black Country Festival, a month-long celebration promoting Black Country Day on July 14.

Carnival committee chairman Councillor Stuart Henley said he was looking forward to event which has a circus theme this year.

"I'm really pleased that the carnival is back annually and to be part of the Black Country Festival," he said.

"It is a free event for people to attend so if people are short of a few quid they can still enjoy the day."

ITV weather presenter Des Coleman will be opening the event at 12pm at the park, off Highfield Lane, Halesowen.

There will be live music, market stalls, and food and drink festival running through to 8pm.

The Carnival King and Queen will be crowned to kick-start day which will be full of activities, including for the first time - wrestling.

A fun dog show will take place during the afternoon, which has nine categories plus best in show which has been sponsored by the Big Pet Store.

The event had secured £8,000 funding from the Big Lottery Fund towards running costs this year.

Karen Dunham, vice chairman of the organising committee, said: “It’s a huge help and we are so pleased to have secured the funding for the Halesowen event as we believe in making it free for all to access a family day out.”

The committee are always looking for more volunteers and sponsors to help with the staging of the carnival.

For details email halesowencarnival@gmail.com or visit the Halesowen Carnival Facebook page or head to Twitter @HalesCarnival

People going along on the day can post their pictures using the hashtag #HalesowenCarnival