Plans for Halesowen Carnival to carry on after venue switch

Halesowen Carnival organisers say they were disappointed after being told that they could not hold it at Huntingtree Park.

The park hosted the event in the past, before it disappeared as a highlight in the town's calender three decades ago.

Officials say that pathways in the park are not strong enough to cope with heavy vehicles bringing equipment onto the site and now the event has been moved to nearby Highfields Park - a move which has forced organisers to pay out £1,000 in costs.

Banners, signs and leaflets for the event, on July 4 have had to be re-printed due to the venue change.

Councillor Stuart Henley who sits on the organising committee said: "It has been disappointing because we have put a lot of work in.

"Hopefully everything will be fine. We just wish we had known sooner but hopefully it is a lesson learned."

Dudley's regeneration boss councillor Khurshid Ahmed, oversees large events and said the council had been working with the organisers of the Halesowen Carnival to ensure safety.

He said after the council was told of the plans to have 'very large vehicles' enter Huntingtree Park they were forced to advised organisers that the pathways are not strong enough

Councillor Ahmed said that Highfields Park was 'more robust'.

He said: "The change in venue will help ensure that the event is as successful as it promises to be."

A range of events are planned for the revived festival including stalls selling goods and food.

Live music will serenade crowds over the course of the event which is being held to coincide with the Black Country Festival.

The festival has been set up to bring together arts, sports and community events to mark Black Country Day which is held on July 14.

One of the Black Country's best loved comic, Tommy Mundon, will be remembered at the carnival.

Organisers have invited his family including his wife Val to come to the event as guests of honour on the day.

Councillor Henley said: "He was so well known that we thought it was only right to remember him."

The Halesowen comic died in 2014 after a long battle with Parkinson's disease.