Carnival scrapped for first time in 46 years
The annual Tipton Carnival was rained off today for the first time in 46 years, with the weather also forcing cancellation of the event's dog show.
Organisers spent £7,500 on the carnival but cancelled it today after the water-logged ground at Jubilee Park was deemed unsafe.
Events under canvas including a dog show were initially going ahead but were also scrapped because ground was too wet for pets.
Steve Downing, an organiser, said: "It is a real shame because this event has always been held on the first Saturday in June. The torrential rain means we cannot run the electrics needed for the funfair.
"We will rearrange a smaller event but it will probably be without the funfair because these things get booked up months in advance. People just would not have come out for the day in this weather."
Kayleigh Yeomans, aged 20, Tipton carnival queen competition organiser, said she called girls taking part to stop them getting ready.
The ex-Miss Black Country said some were already getting their hair done. The competition and the dog show were to replace the parade – axed for a second year on health and safety grounds.
Forecasters expect wet weather until Thursday.
