Glorious sun brings out carnival crowds across region

A fun fair, live music, ice cream and candy floss were the order of the day at the 47th Tipton Carnival, which took place at Jubilee Park.

Attractions also included a five-a-side football tournament and car boot sale.

Organisers hailed the event a great success, with more than 5,000 people soaking up the carnival atmosphere.

"The event this year has been just as good as previous years," said organiser Karen Sims.

"I would say there are more than 5,000 people here.

"Everyone is happy, there are people sitting having picnics on the grass, it's a wonderful atmosphere."

Normally the carnival is officially opened by the newly crowned Tipton carnival queen at 11am.

But because the competition was cancelled this year due to a lack of interest, the reigning queen from last year, Bonnie Staines, had the honour once again.

"I don't think it hampered the event at all," added Mrs Sims.

"People have come in their droves.

"They will continue to do so with or without a carnival queen.

"It's obviously an important part of the day but it's not the only highlight."

Due to health and safety laws, the carnival's popular procession had to be axed a number of years ago but organisers once again made a nod to the tradition this year by towing a float through the town.

Mother-of-one Jodie Rollinson, aged 24, a cook from Ocker Hill in Tipton, attended the event with her son Codi-Jai.

"I think it's brilliant," she said.

"The atmosphere is great.

"We come every year and it's always a good day."

The carnival atmosphere continued elsewhere in the Midlands – including Bewdley which staged its annual celebrations.

Thousands descended on Bewdley for the town's annual carnival.

It began with a parade from Hales Park to the town centre which was led by a float carrying four carnival princesses chosen from local schools.

Then, on the carnival field at Bewdley Leisure Centre, visitors enjoyed a feast of entertainment including stalls, face painting, ferret racing, music and a funfair.

Other highlights at the event, which has been taking place for more than 40 years, included an Irish dancing demonstration from teenager Megan Ince, from Bewdley, and Taekwondo displays.

Sue Matthews from the Bewdley Carnival Committee, which organised the event on Saturday, said: "It's gone really well. There have been lots of people, a really good turnout."

She added: "We have been really lucky with the weather."

This year's carnival princesses were Leah Gittings, aged seven, and Abigail Thomas, six, from St Anne's Primary School, and Megan Edmonds, seven, and Alice Chedham, nine, from Wribbenhall Primary School.

Dressed in gowns from The Bridal Train, in Load Street, Bewdley, and travelled in the parade down Cleobury Road to the town centre where they crossed the river and continued along Stourport Road onto the carnival field.